CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER - 79788

Annual Salary: $191,904.00 - $255,576.00. Monthly starting salary: $15,992 - $21,298 (determined by experience). This position is designated as hybrid work schedule and requires a criminal background check.

About the Role

As the Chief Procurement Officer, you will provide executive leadership for the State of Tennessee's Central Procurement Office and shape how the State purchases goods and services, manages contracts, and partners with suppliers. You will establish the strategic direction for statewide procurement operations while advancing transparent, ethical, competitive, and efficient procurement practices that deliver value for State government.

In this role, you will lead statewide strategic sourcing, procurement policy, contract management, supplier engagement, and enterprise procurement operations. You will work closely with executive leadership, State agencies, oversight partners, vendors, and other stakeholders to strengthen procurement performance, improve business processes, and ensure compliance with State procurement laws and regulations.

The Chief Procurement Officer is a full-time executive service official appointed by the Governor and serves at the Governor's pleasure. The position leads the Central Procurement Office within the Department of General Services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and administer the operations, personnel, and strategic direction of the Central Procurement Office.
• Execute and enforce State procurement laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards while recommending improvements as needed.
• Develop and implement statewide strategic sourcing, procurement, and contract management strategies that align with the administration's priorities and the operational needs of State agencies.
• Provide executive oversight and approval authority for procurement transactions, including solicitations, contracts, amendments, protests, and related actions.
• Direct enterprise procurement operations, procurement systems, and continuous process improvements to improve efficiency, consistency, and service delivery.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures that strengthen procurement operations, contract management, and vendor performance.
• Serve as the State's senior procurement advisor by building collaborative relationships with Department leadership, State agencies, oversight partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in executive planning and provide strategic guidance for major agency and statewide procurement initiatives.
• Lead initiatives that expand economic opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses.
• Represent the Department of General Services, the Central Procurement Office, and the State of Tennessee at public meetings, professional organizations, legislative discussions, and other official engagements.
• Maintain awareness of emerging procurement practices, technologies, and industry trends to support continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, finance, procurement, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible procurement or contract management experience, including at least three years in the public sector.
• Experience must include large-scale public procurement, contract administration, contract management, or closely related functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Executive or senior leadership experience in public procurement, contracting, or supply chain management.
• Experience administering procurement laws, regulations, and statewide procurement programs.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic sourcing, contract management, and organizational improvement initiatives.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Retirement plans
• Employee discounts
• Free downtown parking
• Generous annual and sick leave
• State holidays

Additional information regarding benefits can be found at www.tn.gov/hr/employees1/benefits.html.