Department Manager of Procurement and Contracts

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a skilled and collaborative leader to fill the position of Department Manager of Procurement and Contracts. The Department Manager will be an experienced, hands-on professional focused on introducing and supporting best practices in procurement and contracting, providing high-level technical assistance, and supporting the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation project currently underway. Under general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Department Manager of Procurement and Contracts will assume full managerial responsibility for the Contracts Department, consisting of 10 full-time employees. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing SCAG’s procurement and contract processes, including bid package preparation, contract negotiations, purchasing activities, and negotiating contract terms and conditions. The Department Manager will ensure organizational compliance with applicable grant, federal, state, and agency requirements, including the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200), the California Public Contract Code, Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM), and SCAG’s Procurement Policy and Procedures Manual. The Department Manager of Contracts will also advise and recommend best practices and collaborate with leadership and staff to streamline procurement and contracting processes. The Contracts Department supports SCAG programs by procuring professional services, goods, and other resources necessary to implement regional planning initiatives and agency operations. The department oversees procurement and contracting activities throughout the contract lifecycle and works closely with departments, project managers, consultants, and vendors to ensure procurements are competitive, compliant, timely, and aligned with agency needs.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered. As part of our View email address on click.appcast.io policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION

To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION

Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAGCORE VALUES

Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do. Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region. Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive. Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits. Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all. Oversee contract compliance, purchasing programs, administrative support functions, and specialized departmental programs. Manage the development and administration of the department and division’s annual budget and forecast resources needed for staffing, consultants, and other operational needs. Plan, direct, and review the department’s work plan, including workflows, work products, priorities, and staffing. Collaborate with and advise SCAG executive management on the development and coordination of programs, policies, and workforce strategies. Provide technical expertise, guidance, and training on procurement and contracting matters to divisions across the agency. Support SCAG’s ERP system implementation by providing procurement and contracting expertise, recommending best practices, supporting process improvements, and overseeing data cleanup and migration activities. Lead special projects and conduct research, budget analyses, and feasibility studies to evaluate new contracting programs and services and provide recommendations. Evaluate service delivery methods and procedures, identify opportunities for improvement, recommend solutions to the Chief Financial Officer, and lead implementation of approved improvements. Communicate with federal and state administrators, contractors, subregions, and vendors to address and resolve issues affecting SCAG. Collaborate with divisions to understand business needs, develop scopes of work and specifications, negotiate contracts, and monitor contractual performance. Oversee the contract lifecycle, including award, negotiation, execution, administration, amendments, cost and price analyses, file management, and contract close-out activities. Participate in committees, task forces, and professional groups and remain current on emerging trends, regulations, and innovations in public procurement and contracting. Perform other duties as assigned. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in government contracts and procurement, 4 years of management or direct supervisory experience, and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered. We’ll be a great match if you also have: Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement procedures to streamline processes. Experience effectively delegating, distributing, and monitoring workloads and performance. The ability to establish and maintain trusting and collaborative working relationships with management and staff. Demonstrated ability to set clear goals, communicate expectations, and ensure successful completion of projects and deliverables. Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information clearly and effectively for staff and stakeholders at all levels. Ability to identify and proactively respond to issues to resolve challenges. A confident and engaging leadership style, with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for identifying and implementing best practices. Strong knowledge of public-sector procurement and contracting practices, including applicable federal and state requirements. Experience leading organizational change initiatives, including process improvements, systems implementations, and business transformation efforts. Commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer-focused service delivery. Please note, this posting will remain open until October 5, 2026 with the first application review taking place on September 21, 2026. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern California Association of Governments