Procurement Specialist Lead

Procurement Specialist 3

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of General Business Services is seeking a Procurement Specialist 3 to join our team!

Under the general direction of the Bureau Chief of General Business Services, serves as the lead for the Department's purchasing operations. Oversees workflow, provides guidance to procurement staff, and independently manages the Department's most complex and high-value procurements exceeding $50,000. Ensures all phases of the procurement process—from planning and solicitation through contract award, delivery, and implementation—are completed in compliance with state laws, administrative rules, and departmental standards.

Manages end-to-end procurement activities for high-risk and complex acquisitions exceeding $50,000, including development of specifications, solicitation strategy, evaluation processes, contract negotiation, award, and oversight through delivery, implementation, and contract closeout. Exercises independent judgment to resolve procurement challenges, ensure compliance with state laws and administrative rules, and support successful project outcomes for agencies with diverse operational needs.

Provides advanced support to Procurement Specialist 2 staff by assisting with complex, time-sensitive, or high-difficulty procurement tasks. Offers guidance, troubleshooting, and subject-matter expertise to help resolve issues, ensure compliance with state procurement requirements, and maintain continuity of operations across the procurement team.

Reviews purchase requests submitted by all divisions to determine the appropriate procurement method based on item type, dollar thresholds, and applicable state procurement laws, administrative rules, and departmental policies. Evaluates each request for completeness, compliance, and risk, and selects the correct sourcing approach to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant acquisition of goods and services.

Processes high level purchases and transactions made through DAS Master Agreements by verifying specifications, confirming required documentation, and completing procurement actions in accordance with DAS policies, Iowa Code, and Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) requirements. Ensures all purchases are accurate, compliant, and properly documented to support timely and efficient acquisition of goods and services.

Conducts informal bid processes for procurements agency-wide procurements by preparing solicitation documents, obtaining vendor quotes, evaluating responses for compliance and best value, and developing award recommendations. Ensures all activities align with DAS procurement policies, Iowa Code, and applicable state regulations to support fair, transparent, and cost-effective purchasing.

Ensures compliance with all procurement requirements by consistently applying DAS policies, Iowa Code, Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) rules, and departmental procedures throughout each stage of the purchasing process. Exercises independent judgment to interpret and implement applicable regulations, mitigate risk, and maintain adherence to state procurement standards.

Prepares, enters, and maintains procurement documents in the state's accounting and procurement system (Iowa Advantage), including requisitions, purchase orders, delivery orders, and all required supporting documentation. Ensures entries are accurate, complete, and compliant with state procurement and accounting requirements to facilitate timely processing and tracking of purchases.

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

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Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer.

HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa View phone number on click.appcast.io TDD).

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Seven years of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms.
2. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business or public administration, accounting, or economics, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable and non-expendable items or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms.
3. A total of seven years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
4. All of the following (a, b, and c):
   1. Two years of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms; and
   2. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in business or public administration, accounting, or economics equals one year of full-time experience; and
   3. A total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business or public administration, accounting, or economics equals one year of full-time experience.
5. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Procurement Specialist2.