Purchasing Agent

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking a Purchasing Agent to join the Procurement and Contracts Section in the Administration Division. This role supports the purchasing and contract requirements for an agency of approximately 1,250 employees, with full purchasing authority. The agency operates under a unique mission dictated by over 250 federal grants. This position is responsible for purchasing all goods and services exceeding $50,000, utilizing purchase orders and contracts. The role involves adhering to the Procurement Code, including using documented quotes, formal bids, and requests for proposals when necessary. The Purchasing Agent will execute all fiscal matters of the department, including fiscal review and advice to ensure compliance with appropriation acts, federal grants, state procurement and fiscal rules, and state contracting requirements. Additionally, this role provides training and guidance to department staff on developing and managing state contracts, purchase orders, and solicitations. The Purchasing Agent will also work directly with various state departments and offices on procurement and contracting matters.

Requirements

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in procurement or purchasing for information technology services or other goods and services.
• OR A combination of related education in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting or closely related field and/or relevant experience in procurement or purchasing for information technology services or other goods and services equal to seven (7) years.
• Residency Requirement: Must be a resident of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting the application.

Nice To Haves

• Working experience drafting and posting solicitations including RFPs, DQs, IFBs, RFAs and also Sole Sources.
• Experience planning, developing, and managing multiple solicitations in various stages at the same time.
• Working knowledge of the State Fiscal and Procurement Rules.
• Working experience related to the legal aspects of contracting or procurement.
• Understanding of the components of a Scope of Work.

Responsibilities

• Acquire all necessary goods and services in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Make purchasing decisions by analyzing and interpreting needs, specifications, data, and circumstances, and clarifying requirements.
• Develop, prepare, and evaluate documented quotes, formal invitation for bids, and requests for proposals.
• Negotiate purchases and issue awards.
• Resolve vendor claims and disputes.
• Counsel CDPHE staff on procurement and contracting issues.
• Develop purchasing procedures and guidelines.
• Prepare and administer purchase orders.
• Make decisions and judgments implicit in all purchasing activities.
• Provide guidance to staff regarding procurement and contracting issues.
• Ensure appropriate application of procurement code and rules, fiscal rules, and best practices during solicitation and selection of contractors.
• Assure compliance with Procurement Code and Rules, State Fiscal Rules, State Purchasing Office and State Controller policies, department purchasing best practices, and other applicable department policies and procedures impacting procurement.
• Function as the department staff authority on OIT projects.
• Interpret State and Departmental OIT purchasing and contracting laws, rules, policies, procedures, guidelines, and best practices.
• Determine the optimal method of procurement in accordance with Colorado Procurement Code and Rules.
• Develop, review, publish, facilitate evaluation, and award all solicitation methods, including RFPs, DQs, IFBs, RFQs, and RFAs.

Benefits

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Retirement (PERA options), Medical and dental health plans.
• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off.
• Tuition assistance.
• Wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects.
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree