Procurement Specialist

We strive to set the standard for personal and community health through direct care, science, public policy, and leadership. ADHS promotes alternative work schedules and flexible hours, with positions available at all career stages.

About the role

This position coordinates and assists the Department in soliciting for its procurement and operational needs through existing state and agency-specific contracts. It also assists in training agency personnel on the use of existing contracts and purchasing procedures specific to the Department’s computer-based system.

Responsibilities

• Writes, solicits, evaluates, and recommends awards of solicitations for the Department’s needs.
• Coordinates needs with end users; develops technical, complex specifications; creates solicitation documents.
• Distributes, advertises, and responds to questions related to the solicitation; conducts informational meetings and public solicitation openings.
• Conducts evaluation committee meetings; evaluates offers, including clarifications, presentations, and Best and Final Offers.
• Recommends contract awards, securing required documentation.
• Provides purchasing expertise, including obtaining quotes, reviewing purchase requests, and clarifying requirements.
• Tracks and follows up to ensure proper receipt of goods and services.
• Analyzes, researches, and compares products, services, quality, availability, and shipping; makes purchase recommendations.
• Administers contracts; requests extensions, authorizes price increases, processes amendments, and conducts post-award meetings.
• Resolves conflicts and reviews contract files.
• Provides training and assistance to end users regarding purchasing procedures, documents, and contracts.
• Acts as the main information source for procurement procedures, Arizona Procurement Code, and statewide contracts.
• Performs annual required trainings; updates and monitors databases tracking contracts and agreements.
• Verifies adherence to contract terms and conditions; identifies and resolves potential problems.
• Answers questions for agency staff, the public, contractors, and vendors; investigates and resolves contract performance issues.
• Notifies vendors of errors/noncompliance; writes vendor performance deficiency reports.
• Creates and manages amendments to current contracts/agreements.
• Performs other duties as assigned related to the position.

Requirements

• Knowledge of federal and state procurement laws and statutes, funding rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of contract language, management, and negotiation; agency program/project policies and procedures.
• Understanding of governmental contracting principles, business/organizational planning, and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with accounting practices, financial data analysis, and reporting.
• Proficiency in negotiation techniques and conflict resolution.
• Skills in business mathematics, statistics, and computer operations, including relevant software applications.
• Knowledge of Performance Management (PM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and Lean methodologies.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, evaluate programmatic and fiscal data, and maintain complex record-keeping systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, design research instruments, and establish working relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to function independently and as part of a team, manage shifting priorities, and exercise judgment within authority levels.
• Support a diverse, multi-cultural workforce promoting equal opportunity and an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

Selective preference for candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related field and 2 years of procurement experience. Preference given to those with governmental experience.

If driving is an essential function of the job, a valid driver’s license is required. All newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits

• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid Parental Leave: up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Wellness program and plans.
• Life insurance and short/long-term disability insurance.
• Defined retirement plan with State contributions (50% match after a 27-week wait period).
• Award-winning infant-at-work program.
• Credit union membership and transit subsidy.
• ADHS Student Loan Assistance Program: eligible employees can receive up to $300 per month for outstanding student loans.

Pay

$60,500 annually.