Procurement Specialist Senior

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Procurement Specialist Senior works in the Arizona Department of Child Safety’s Office of Support Services in Phoenix. The position exercises considerable independence and discretionary judgment within established policies and procedures, serves as a lead specialist, determines appropriate contracting methods, and evaluates contract risks. The role develops specialized requirements and scopes of work, negotiates contracts and leasing language, performs cost or price analyses, and approves or rejects changes. The specialist supports continuous improvement by developing standard work, delivering training, coordinating high-impact procurement projects, and fostering communication between Field and Central Office Leadership. The position conducts and administers procurement and contracting activities for DCS offices across Arizona, including contract implementation, vendor and stakeholder engagement, and technical assistance to program work units.

Requirements

Be able to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.
Have a valid Arizona driver’s license; use of a vehicle is an essential function for conducting State business.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify) as a newly hired State employee.
Knowledge of state laws, rules, and regulations relevant to program operations, contractual agreements, and procurement practices.
Knowledge of public contracts, the State Procurement Code, public- and private-sector business practices, and work-unit policies and procedures.
Skill in applying and interpreting federal and state laws, rules, and regulations relevant to program operations and activities.
Skill in applying program policies and contract requirements to contracted provider activities.
Skill in using computerized products such as Excel and Access for analysis and work management, and software systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including compromise and tact in programmatic and fiscal evaluation.
Skill in establishing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships with contract and governmental agency representatives.
Skill in conducting training and providing technical assistance.
Skill in assessing programmatic requirements against actual service delivery.
Ability to research and apply state and federal accounting, audit, contract, and procurement authoritative literature.
Ability to communicate findings, contractual requirements, and provider non-compliance professionally and respectfully to internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to stay organized and efficient and analyze current policies, terms, and services to accomplish goals.
Ability to read and interpret statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.

Nice To Haves

An undergraduate degree in data science, public or business administration, social work, or a related field; alternatively, three years of experience in a state social services agency, including training and administrative experience, in audit or fidelity monitoring, computer science, procurement, contract management, or statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

Develop and prepare scopes of work and contractual terms and conditions.
Conduct formal solicitations, negotiations, and evaluations for contracts covering human and non-human services, general products and services, and, when assigned, information technology products and services.
Prepare award documents for signature and conduct post-award activities and meetings.
Serve as a focal point in implementing new service contracts.
Administer and manage assigned contracts and agreements.
Generate and upload contract documents into the State’s Arizona Procurement Portal (APP) eProcurement system.
Guide and assist program work units in interpreting contracts, understanding vendor performance requirements, and developing scopes of work.
Serve as a contract liaison, provide outreach and training on contract issues, and support internal and external customers, stakeholders, and business partners through technical assistance, mentoring, and other support.
Conduct public meetings with vendors and stakeholders.
Develop standard work, coordinate high-impact procurement projects, and support continuous improvement.
Perform other duties related to the position as assigned.