Deputy Director of Procurement

About the Organization

Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.

About the Role

Under the administrative direction of the High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Chief of Contracting, the Deputy Director of Procurement provides oversight of technical engineering and capital program policies and planning in accordance with the Authority’s Program Baseline and Program Management Plan (PMP), including project design and project management of all pre-construction activities. The incumbent provides leadership and oversight to a multi-functional procurement team and contract managers of Authority and consultant staff on a variety of procurement and engineering technical concerns related to project planning and delivery. This position works primarily in the office, but limited telework may be available for California residents.

This advertisement is posted as Open, Until Filled and will remain open until the vacancy is filled. Cut-offs for the examination will begin on August 14, 2026, and then every Friday after.

Responsibilities

• Confers and coordinates with various Office Chiefs and management on engineering, technical, and administrative matters related to project delivery activities.
• Plans, organizes, and directs assignments and handles the most difficult procurement, technical, and contract administration problems through coordination of staff and resources.
• Serves as an expert procurement and technical engineering advisor and proposes and implements changes in policy and procedures.
• Proposes procedural guidelines and standards for work performed, and implements recommendations.

Qualifications

This position requires a Professional Engineer (PE) License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Desirable Skills

• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated abilities in leading and managing large and complex procurement efforts for rail engineering, design-build, and systems contracts, including development of procurement strategies, policies, and best practices.
• Broad knowledge of state procurement laws, budget processes, workload development, resource management, and project management concepts for design-build and progressive delivery projects.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and policies of federal, state, and local agencies as they relate to public works procurement.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to all levels of officials, executive leadership, and external stakeholders during high-profile procurements and negotiations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to balance cost, schedule, and quality to achieve best-value outcomes.
• Personal characteristics that include a commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and maintaining the highest level of integrity in the procurement process.
• Expert understanding of engineering concepts, procurement risk allocation, and their effect on transportation planning and delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and mentor professional staff, evaluate complex proposals, and ensure fair and defensible source selections.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when evaluating alternative contracting approaches and recommending strategies in the best interests of the Authority.

Location

The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters building is located in downtown Sacramento on the corner of 8th and L Street. We are located one block away from the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, as well as the 7th and Capitol light rail stop. The building is also within walking distance of DOCO, the California State Capitol Park, a farmer’s market during summer months, and Old Sacramento.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.