Purchasing and Credentialing Manager

About the role

This proposed position is a hybrid position. Applicants should reside in the Norfolk, Virginia area. We are looking for a Purchasing and Credentialing Manager in Norfolk, Virginia to support the Coast Guard's Credentialing program. The Purchasing and Credentialing Manager will manage project plans, deliver project outcomes, and provide quality control while managing the Coast Guard's credential purchasing and budgets, planning and purchasing activities, and certification verifications.

Responsibilities

• Leads the acquisition and procurement of credentialing-related products and services in support of the U.S. Coast Guard Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) Program;
• Manages the purchase and approval process for certification and licensure examinations, preparatory courses, study materials, and other approved credentialing resources;
• Ensures Coast Guard personnel successfully obtain approved academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and professional qualifications in accordance with Coast Guard COOL policies and priorities;
• Reviews, validates, and processes purchasing requests to ensure completeness, proper funding, required approvals, and compliance with program requirements;
• Develops procurement strategies that satisfy customer requirements, delivery schedules, pricing objectives, and applicable acquisition regulations;
• Serves as the primary liaison between vendors, credentialing organizations, government stakeholders, and customers to resolve procurement issues and ensure successful delivery of products and services;
• Evaluates vendor quotations for technical compliance, pricing, delivery schedules, substitutions, and overall suitability to meet program requirements;
• Researches and identifies appropriate sources of supply and obtains competitive quotations to support best-value purchasing decisions;
• Manages procurement actions from initial request through order placement, receipt, distribution, and final invoice reconciliation;
• Monitors and manages program budgets associated with credentialing purchases, ensuring expenditures remain within authorized funding limits;
• Tracks purchasing activities, expenditures, and program performance metrics and provides regular reports and recommendations to government leadership;
• Organizes, coordinates, and oversees project planning and execution activities related to credentialing and workforce development initiatives;
• Conducts analyses of certification, licensure, apprenticeship, and training opportunities that support Coast Guard workforce readiness and professional development goals;
• Assists in developing and implementing solutions that improve the effectiveness and accessibility of the Coast Guard credentialing program;
• Evaluates education and training opportunities and provides recommendations to support credentialing program objectives and reduce workforce skills gaps;
• Researches civilian education, training, and credentialing systems to identify best practices and opportunities for program enhancement;
• Develops and implements methods for applying credentialing solutions across multiple Coast Guard training and education programs;
• Provides analysis and written recommendations to support maintenance, enhancement, and accuracy of Coast Guard COOL program resources and websites;
• Collaborates with Federal agencies, credentialing organizations, industry partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate information sharing, program alignment, and data exchange;
• Ensures all procurement and project management activities comply with applicable federal acquisition regulations, contract requirements, and Coast Guard policies and procedures;
• Leads cross-functional teams and coordinates with program stakeholders to ensure successful execution of credentialing program initiatives and purchasing objectives.

Qual