[Hiring] Senior Procurement and Contract Specialist @Georgia Department of Public Health

Role Description

The Senior Procurement and Contracting Specialist serves as a lead procurement professional responsible for managing complex procurement and contracting activities in support of the Georgia Department of Public Health's programs and operations. Under the supervision of a senior manager, this position provides advanced procurement and contract administration expertise, strategic sourcing guidance, and technical consultation to internal stakeholders, staff, and business partners while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex procurement and contracting activities throughout the full procurement lifecycle, including procurement planning, market research, strategic sourcing, competitive solicitations, contract negotiation, and contract administration.
• Develop, implement, and administer contracts, service level agreements, and procurement documents for goods, services, leases, and other contractual agreements.
• Develop and execute leadership-developed procurement strategies that align with agency objectives and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define business requirements, evaluate sourcing options, facilitate vendor selection, negotiate agreements, and manage competitive procurement processes.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary procurement liaison to assigned divisions, programs, and business owners.
• Review procurement and contract documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; identify risks, trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Identify and implement opportunities for standardization, strategic sourcing, cost savings, process improvement, and operational efficiencies.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with agency leadership, program staff, suppliers, legal counsel, governmental entities, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, performance metrics, management updates, and procurement analyses; support audits, open records requests, and leadership reporting requirements.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, training, and technical guidance to procurement staff and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in communication, English, or public relations from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of experience related to area of assignment; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Business Support Analyst 2 (GSP131).
• Preferred: Associate degree in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, finance, accounting, or a related field and three (3) years of professional experience in procurement, purchasing, contract administration, strategic sourcing, grants management, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of procurement and contracting experience, preferably in a public sector or government environment.
• Experience with the Georgia Procurement Manual (GPM), State Purchasing Division (SPD) policies, competitive solicitations, and contract administration.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and administering complex contracts, amendments, renewals, and extensions.
• Experience using procurement and financial management systems such as Workday, PeopleSoft, Jaggaer, Team Georgia Marketplace, or similar ERP systems.
• Professional procurement certification such as CPPB, CPPO, CPM, GCPA, GCPM, NIGP, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Shifts, Teams, and PowerPoint.

Requirements

• Engagement in regular wellness activities and lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.
• Physical activity breaks during the workday authorized to support wellness goals.
• Pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check may be required.
• Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Assistance in meeting emergency responsibilities of the department may be required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Generous benefits package including a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), and deferred compensation.
• 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance for full-time employees.
• Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.

Company Description

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.