Director of Procurement and Contracts

About the role

The Director of Procurement and Contracts serves as the Chief Procurement Officer for the College. This executive-level role provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for the acquisition of all goods, services, and construction. The Director is responsible for ensuring that CCD’s multi-million dollar annual spend is managed transparently, ethically, and in strict compliance with the State of Colorado Procurement Code, State Fiscal Rules, and Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Policy Development (35%):
  • Strategic Roadmap: Transition the procurement department from a transactional function to a value-added strategic partner by implementing long-range sourcing plans.
  • Policy Oversight: Lead the drafting, interpretation, and auditing of College policies related to purchasing, travel, and disbursements to minimize administrative burden while maintaining compliance.
  • Process Innovation: Drive digital transformation by identifying and implementing emerging technologies (e.g., automated workflows, AI-driven invoice processing, and e-procurement systems).
  • DEI & Sustainability: Promote the College’s diversity and equity goals by expanding the Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) vendor pool and implementing sustainable sourcing practices.
• Complex Contract & Solicitation Management (30%):
  • High-Value Solicitations: Direct the entire lifecycle of complex solicitations, including RFPs, IFBs, and Documented Quotes. Serve as the final authority on vendor selection recommendations.
  • Contract Negotiation: Negotiate high-stakes contract terms, statements of work, and legal provisions to mitigate institutional risk and ensure favorable pricing and "Net 30" payment terms.
  • Legal Liaison: Facilitate the resolution of bid protests and contract claims; confer with legal counsel and the State Controller’s office on complex contractual matters.
  • Capital Construction: Oversee procurement for complex construction projects and professional service agreements in coordination with facilities management.
• Program Administration & Fiscal Control (20%):
  • Commercial Card Oversight: Provide executive oversight of the P-Card and Travel card programs, ensuring robust internal controls to prevent fraud and unauthorized expenditures.
  • Audit & Compliance: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits. Ensure all disbursements align with state/federal tax laws and "accountable plan" requirements.
  • Budget Management: Develop and monitor the department budget, establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure departmental impact and cost savings.
• Personnel Management & Campus Training (15%):
  • Team Supervision: Directly supervise, coach, and evaluate a team of professional and classified procurement staff.
  • Campus Education: Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive, campus-wide training programs for faculty and staff on procurement workflows and fiscal ethics.

Requirements

Any equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience: 5–8 years of progressive professional experience in public procurement, contract administration, or supply chain management.
• Experience: 3+ years of direct supervisory experience managing a professional team.
• Licensure (Required): Must hold or obtain the Colorado Procurement University (COPROU) Basic Procurement Certificate within 90 days of hire.

Qualifications

• Education (Preferred): Master’s degree (MBA, MPA) or Juris Doctorate (JD).
• Experience (Preferred): Experience within the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) or a State of Colorado agency.
• Licensure (Preferred): Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or NIGP-CPP.

Benefits

Our campus is located in downtown Denver, adjacent to two light rail stations, and just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and event venues. When you