Purchasing Manager/Procurement Manager

State of North Carolina•Wake County, NC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Procurement Manager provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for the Purchasing Section of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), supporting the procurement needs of approximately twenty-five divisions and a diverse range of agency programs and operations. The position ensures procurement activities are efficient, ethical, consistent, and compliant with North Carolina General Statutes, the North Carolina Administrative Code, Department of Administration Division of Purchase & Contract requirements, Division of Information Technology requirements, and applicable state policies and procedures. The manager has overall responsibility for purchasing operations and supervises seven Purchasing Specialists and one Mail Room Clerk, establishing priorities, performance expectations, professional development, and accountability while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused team environment. The Procurement Manager serves as a senior procurement advisor to agency leadership and division management, providing expert guidance on competitive bidding, solicitations, procurement thresholds, emergency and special purchases, procurement cards, contracts, vendor relationships, and complex purchasing requirements. The position oversees the agency's e-procurement operations, ensures effective use of electronic purchasing systems, provides training and technical assistance, and maintains extensive knowledge of IT procurement requirements. Working across approximately twenty-five diverse divisions, the manager develops procurement strategies that address a broad range of commodities, services, technology, equipment, and specialized operational needs while balancing compliance, cost effectiveness, timeliness, and program objectives. The Procurement Manager also leads continuous improvement of the agency's procurement function by identifying risks, strengthening internal controls, analyzing purchasing operations, standardizing processes, and implementing efficiencies that improve service delivery and accountability. The position serves as a key liaison among agency leadership, division personnel, vendors, and state procurement authorities and must exercise considerable independent judgment in interpreting regulations, resolving complex purchasing issues, and developing practical solutions. Success requires exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills; the ability to work effectively with all levels of management; and the ability to build strong partnerships while maintaining a high-performing, compliant, and responsive procurement operation.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible procurement experience, preferably in a large, complex, or multi-divisional organization.
Demonstrated working knowledge and hands-on experience with e-procurement systems, electronic purchasing processes, procurement cards, and related procurement technologies.
Bachelor’s degree in business from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of progressive procurement experience, one year of which must be of a supervisory nature; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Completion of the North Carolina Contract Management Certification Program within one year of hire into the position.

Nice To Haves

Comprehensive Knowledge of Procurement Management & Regulatory Compliance
Proven Expertise in Strategic Leadership & Staff Management
Specialized Knowledge of E-Procurement, IT Procurement & Procurement Technology

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for the Purchasing Section.
Ensures procurement activities are efficient, ethical, consistent, and compliant with all relevant statutes, codes, and policies.
Supervises Purchasing Specialists and a Mail Room Clerk, establishing priorities, performance expectations, professional development, and accountability.
Serves as a senior procurement advisor to agency leadership and division management.
Oversees the agency's e-procurement operations and ensures effective use of electronic purchasing systems.
Develops procurement strategies that address a broad range of commodities, services, technology, equipment, and specialized operational needs.
Leads continuous improvement of the agency's procurement function by identifying risks, strengthening internal controls, analyzing purchasing operations, standardizing processes, and implementing efficiencies.
Serves as a key liaison among agency leadership, division personnel, vendors, and state procurement authorities.