Procurement Manager (WMS 2) DOH8961

About the Role

The Procurement Manager provides strategic leadership for the Washington State Department of Health's procurement program. This position oversees the procurement of goods and services across the agency, ensuring compliance, efficiency, equity, and alignment with agency priorities. Reporting directly to the Director of Contracts and Procurement, the role leads a team of nine procurement specialists and advises executive leadership on complex procurement matters.

This is a permanent, full-time, home-based (remote) position open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Department's procurement program, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.
• Establish and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and best practices that support agency goals and strategic priorities.
• Serve as the agency's expert advisor on procurement and contracting matters, interpreting complex procurement laws and regulations for leadership and staff.
• Support complex procurements by providing sound recommendations and independent judgment.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of nine professional procurement specialists, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with fiscal staff, contract managers, program leadership, and executive management to support successful procurement outcomes.
• Promote consistent procurement practices across diverse agency programs and build strong working relationships to support mission success.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency using data and performance measures.
• Model and promote the Department's Outward Mindset culture through transparency, respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.

• Option 1: A bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, procurement, logistics, supply management, or a closely allied field; AND five (5) or more years of experience providing consultation on and negotiation of complex procurement issues.
• Option 2: Eight (8) or more years of experience providing consultation on and negotiation of complex procurement issues.

Skills

• Experience in research, development, and presentation of findings, assessments, and recommendations to executive-level audiences.
• Proficiency in MS Suite tools (Excel, Word, Outlook) or similar systems for spreadsheet tasks, document creation, and electronic correspondence.
• Three (3) years of experience as a manager or supervisor in a large-scale procurement function, providing training, support, and guidance to staff in complex contracting or related financial activities.
• Advanced professional written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and training abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and navigate complex situations.
• Experience in vendor/customer relationship management, with the ability to gain partner confidence at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge in government purchasing and contracting, procurement rules, policies, and procedures, including performance-based contracting standards.
• Professional certification: Certified Purchasing Professional (C.P.P.), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).
• Independent work experience within government operations, including handling volatile matters.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Retirement plans to support long-term financial security.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities.

Schedule

• Standard business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Flexible or alternate work schedules may be considered upon request and supervisory approval.
• Position typically does not require more than 40 hours per week; any overtime would be communicated in advance.

Working Conditions

• Fully remote position; no regular in-person attendance required. Onsite work may be requested with advance notice.
• Uses standard office equipment (computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, phone, printer, fax, copier).
• Frequent engagement with agency staff, managers, legislators, local health jurisdictions, federal government, and external partners.
• DOH campus is smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, and scent-neutral.
• May be required to participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Travel is not required but may occasionally be expected for meetings, trainings, or conferences.