Senior Procurement Specialist (Procurement Specialist, Sr)
About The Position
The City of Portland is seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Specialist to lead complex public procurements that deliver best value while ensuring transparency, fairness, legal compliance, and responsible stewardship of public resources. This position serves as an advisor to City bureaus throughout the procurement lifecycle, from project planning and solicitation development through contract negotiation and execution. The successful candidate will apply extensive knowledge of public procurement laws, contracting principles, and risk management practices to oversee procurements that are legally defensible, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the City's commitment to equity, sustainability, and business excellence. This role regularly collaborates with bureau leadership, project managers, vendors, legal counsel, contractors, and members of the public to resolve complex procurement issues, develop innovative contracting strategies, and ensure procurement processes remain fair, transparent, and competitive.
Requirements
- Knowledge of governmental purchasing and contracting principles, public procurement laws, regulations, policies, and public decision-making processes.
- Experience presenting, explaining, and defending procurement recommendations, solicitation strategies, and contracting decisions to internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience procuring high-value and high-profile goods and services, including developing solicitations, evaluating proposals, negotiating contracts, and preparing contract amendments.
- Experience reviewing procurement documents and contract files to ensure completeness, accuracy, compliance, and appropriate documentation.
Nice To Haves
- Extensive knowledge of public procurement laws, regulations, and contracting best practices.
- Experience leading complex public procurements involving multiple stakeholders.
- Strong negotiation, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
- The ability to balance legal compliance with practical business solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience developing solicitations that encourage competition and equitable vendor participation.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- A commitment to equity, transparency, customer service, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Lead formal and informal procurement processes for complex, high-value, and high-profile goods and services.
- Develop solicitation strategies that promote competition, encourage diverse vendor participation, and comply with applicable procurement laws and City policies.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and administer solicitations, contracts, amendments, and related procurement documents.
- Provide expert guidance to City bureaus regarding procurement planning, contract development, and compliance with Federal and State laws, City Code, Uniform Commercial Code, City Standard Construction Specifications, and City procurement policies.
- Evaluate procurement strategies to ensure legal defensibility, fiscal responsibility, and effective risk mitigation.
- Facilitate procurement teams through complex solicitations involving multiple stakeholders and citywide initiatives.
- Resolve procurement issues, protests, disputes, and contract-related conflicts through effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.
- Review procurement documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations and internal procedures.
- Build strong working relationships with City staff, contractors, vendors, and community partners while delivering exceptional customer service.
- Improve procurement practices by identifying innovative approaches that enhance efficiency, transparency, and equitable contracting opportunities.
Benefits
- Full Time, Regular Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Alternate schedules may be available.
- Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington.
- Union Representation: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 189, (AFSCME-189).
- Applicants start at the entry rate. If you are an AFSCME/DCTU-represented employee, see labor agreement or contact your labor representative for additional information.
- Total Compensation and Benefits
- Language Pay Differential Eligibility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
