Chief Procurement Officer - ADEQ

The State of Arizona is seeking a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for the Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to lead procurement operations. The CPO will manage procurement activities, ensure compliance with regulations, and oversee contract management. Responsibilities include strategic negotiations, developing policies, and conducting analyses. The role requires knowledge of procurement codes, strong analytical and communication skills, and leadership experience. This position is remote and allows for flexible location.
About the position

The Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), State Procurement Office (SPO) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to lead procurement operations at the Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The CPO has a matrix reporting structure, reporting to the ADOA State Procurement Administrator with a dotted-line to the ADEQ CFO. The CPO will oversee all day-to-day procurement activities for ADEQ, encompassing direct and indirect sourcing and procurement. This critical role is responsible for administering ADEQ's purchasing and contracting activity, ensuring alignment with the Arizona Procurement Code and all applicable federal/state laws, regulations, and ADOA policies. The CPO will lead and direct Procurement, Contract Management, Strategic Sourcing, and the Agency's Purchasing Card Program, while also managing contract performance and conducting complex expenditure and risk analyses to inform strategic proposals. With delegated procurement authority and full signature authority for all purchases, the CPO will develop procurement policies and procedures, determine solicitation methods, and make final award and rejection decisions. This leader will drive cross-functional procurement strategy, define and deploy common processes, and champion personnel and organizational development. Directly accountable for cost reductions, indirect savings, supplier development, and performance improvements (including quality, lead time, and receipt reliability), the CPO will manage a team of procurement professionals and oversee ADEQ's complex procurement program for supplies, materials, equipment, and services.

Responsibilities
• Handle all strategic negotiation of goods and services on behalf of the assigned agency.
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• Administer all contracting functions within the agency, including scope of work development, pre-offer conferences, proposal evaluation, strategic negotiations, and contract award.
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• Perform contract management oversight and ensure contracted suppliers meet all Service Level Agreements.
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• Manage pricing negotiations and the authorization of new vendors.
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• Engage in implementation and consistent application of Arizona Management System to lead teams and guide the strategic sourcing process.
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• Conduct expenditures analyses, requirements assessments, and business case development.
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• Create policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ethical standards and outlined laws, rules, and regulations.
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• Administer the P-card program for the agency and review all card reconciliations for adherence to procurement code.

Requirements
• Knowledge of Arizona Procurement code and rule.
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• Knowledge of state purchasing procedures and guidelines.
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• Knowledge of principles of strategic planning.
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• Knowledge of data management/measurements and application of Lean principles.
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• Background in or familiarity with construction processes and nomenclature (a plus).
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• Supervisory experience (desired).
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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• Complex analytical skills for reviewing contracts and purchase requests.
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• Policy and procedure development skills.
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• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
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• Leadership and interpersonal skills.
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• Research and analytical skills.

Nice-to-haves
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management, Finance, or a related field.
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• Five or more years of experience in state or other public procurement.
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• One or more of the following certifications: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.)

Benefits
• Sick leave
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• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
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• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
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• Health and dental insurance
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• Retirement plan
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• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
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• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance