Procurement Strategic Advisor

Seattle’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) is seeking a Procurement Strategic Advisor to join the Purchasing Team within the Purchasing and Contracting Division (PC). This role provides centralized procurement and contracting for the entire City, managing the complexity and risks associated with cradle-to-grave purchasing and contracting. PC is committed to efficient, effective, and compliant contracts and purchases, with a focus on excellent customer service.

About Us

The Purchasing and Contracting Division shapes and defines procurement policies that regulate and govern all City Departments. It provides Citywide strategic planning, oversight, and governance of bidding and contractual arrangements. The Purchasing Team establishes and administers over 1,200 blanket contracts used Citywide for the purchase of goods and routine services. It is the only team authorized to make purchases above the City’s established competitive bidding thresholds and oversees the decentralized Consultant contracting program.

FAS serves as the public's first interaction with the City of Seattle, operating as a customer-focused front door for services ranging from paying utilities to reporting potholes or adopting a pet. With over 500 employees across 10 divisions, FAS manages 120 City facilities, neighborhood customer service centers, and ensures minority-owned businesses can equitably compete for City contracts.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage a portfolio of approximately 150–175 contracts requiring high-level oversight.
• Advise and consult project managers and City department staff on contracting methodologies, developing overall contracting plans to fulfill department and citywide procurement needs economically, timely, and efficiently.
• Develop and implement procurement and bid solicitations for purchasing initiatives and other requirements authorized by special legislation or federal grants.
• Execute start-to-finish procurement activities for outsourcing engagements, including strategic sourcing, developing and managing Invitations to Bid (ITB) and Requests for Proposals (RFP), and contract negotiations.
• Mediate and resolve contractual issues and disputes.
• Develop and support relationships with vendors and the general public.
• Focus on performance indicators and annual contract management objectives to ensure performance agreements are met and customer departments' business needs are fulfilled.
• Promote and support outreach goals for diversity and race and social justice efforts.
• Participate in identifying and implementing citywide contracting policies, procedures, and systems.
• Occasionally staff or be on call for the Logistics Section of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies, natural disasters, or large-scale events. Training will be provided, and this obligation is rotated among staff.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, Project Management, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in public or private procurement or project management. (A combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.)

The Most Successful Candidates Will Possess:

• Understanding of methods, principles, and practices of purchasing and contracting, and regulatory requirements in the public sector.
• Familiarity with contracting laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Knowledge and experience with mediation and contract negotiation principles and practices.
• Awareness of social responsibility initiatives such as small and disadvantaged business programs, sustainability, and green purchasing.
• Project management experience.
• Demonstrated strategic perspective on political, business, or contracting/procurement issues or trends.
• Experience handling multiple assignments concurrently.
• Experience preparing complex contracts and agreements.
• Public Procurement Certification through NIGP, CPPB, CPPO, UPPCC, or similar certification.

Work Environment

This position requires a minimum of three days per week of onsite work. Hybrid telework schedules may be considered based on operational needs and consistency with City policies.

Pay

The full salary range for this job classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. This position is FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime) and is Civil Service represented.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

The City is committed to ending institutional and structural racism and seeks employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn traditional practices, and provide equitable processes and services.