Procurement Specialist Journey

Minimum Pay Rate: $100,422.40 Maximum Pay Rate: $132,995.20 Limited Term Position: No Civil Service Status: Civil Service Apply by Date: 06/08/2026 Posting Type: Open We’re looking for an experienced Procurement Specialist to join our Procurement team. As a community-owned electric utility, we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable power to our community. In this role, you’ll take the lead in creating solicitation documents and managing competitive bids and contracts from start to finish. You’ll source everything from fleet vehicles and electrical equipment to office supplies and maintenance materials that keep our operations running smoothly. We’re looking for someone who’s strategic and results-focused, with experience delivering measurable value through cost savings, risk mitigation, process improvements, and innovative sourcing strategies in a public-sector or utility environment. If you thrive in collaborating with engineers to translate technical requirements into clear, compliant solicitations while navigating supply-chain challenges such as long lead times and material shortages, we invite you to apply. Purpose Provide professional expertise, analysis, organization, and coordination on specifications and requirements for the development of solicitations; develop and execute contracts and purchase orders for goods and services with the exception of Legal Services, Power Contracts, and Non-Fleet Fuel; provide procurement and grant administration expertise; interpret SMUD policy and directives to create and implement procurement solutions that balance the business need, while supporting the policies and strategic vision established by SMUD's Board of Directors.Nature and Scope There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements: Flex classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series: Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level. Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job. Non-Flex classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series: Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead and/or supervisory capacity. Supervisor: Working supervisor directing the work of a functional team. Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series. Seniors and Supervisors must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.Duties and Responsibilities Administers the procurement process by serving as a technical expert for the planning, developing solicitation and negotiating of contracts for products and services; conducts needs assessment; develops reports for management; forecasts supplier/contractor and project costs and activities; identifies areas for cost savings and adjustment; ensures procurement risks are clearly identified and provide recommendations and appropriate mechanisms for risk mitigation. Supports SMUD personnel in identifying material/source availability; develops solicitations and identifies bidders; encourages participation from suppliers/contractors; researches supplier/contractor information; works with project personnel to identify technical acceptability of supplier/contractor submitted bids; evaluates proposals and recommends awards; resolves protests; writes and negotiates terms of agreements. Resolves moderately complex issues or obstacles within contracts by communicating as a contract expert with suppliers/contractors/Supplier Legal Counsel, and SMUD's Legal and internal department representatives; ensures terms of contracts are met; oversees purchase orders and contracts; researches problems and explores alternatives; researches and identifies new material/source availability to expand SMUD’s competitive bidder’s base; educates suppliers/contractors on SMUD’s procurement policies and regulations; renegotiates contracts; records changes. Facilitates the administration of contracts and grants by continually evaluating progress and milestones of existing contracts; documents performance; monitors payments; negotiates contract adjustments; monitors compliance issues; responds to stop notices; documents final inspections and acceptances; prepares final notices of completion; releases retention; and closes contract. Supports the SEED program; selects and develops bid mechanisms that best balance SMUD’s business need with those of small business participation in contracting; identifies sources and specifies regulations to maximize participation; communicates requirements; encourages participation by potential suppliers; evaluates bids for participation; validates certifications; identifies responsiveness by vendors; communicates vendor selections; monitors usage of the programs; and attends SEED outreach events during and after standard work hours. Ensures compliance to Municipal Utility District Act (MUD Act), California Public Contract Code, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) when appropriate, SMUD Board Policy, SMUD Procurement Policy, management directives, SMUD Policy BL-13, and applicable Grant SDP and DAP’s. Administers SMUD-wide grant program; serves as a primary point of contact for the identification and communication of opportunities, technical assistance, and the development and submittal of grant proposals; develops and maintains grant administration policies, procedures, guidelines, and tools; completes all reporting and filing requirements (except those provided by Accounting and Project Manager) in compliance with grant contracts; ensures consistency of policy applications and grant requirement fulfillment. Supports SMUD's asset recovery efforts and ensures compliance to appropriate Board Linkage Policy. Supports the managing of Inventory/Non-Inventory Strategic Contracts, managing and tracking of spending, initiating of cost adjustments, and resolving of all quality and billing issues. Additional Duties and Responsibilities Provides technical, maintenance and desktop support for SMUD’s Electronic Bid Solicitation System (EBSS) interfacing with external bidders and internal employees regarding registration, access and vendor status; provides assistance to bidders with questions and challenges with system functionality; takes appropriate measures to maintain data integrity; provides reports internally to SMUD management and supervision. Performs other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs. Required Education Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration or other related disciplines from an accredited college or university. Relevant procurement experience can be substituted on a year for year basis. If no degree, seven (7+) or more years of relevant experience is required. Required Experience Qualifications Three or more (3+) years of progressively responsible procurement experience including grant writing and management or administration of Federal/State grant programs, or management of contracts with Federal/State agencies. Knowledge Of General: Public procurement; ERP system for Materials Management Procurement, and/or budget and reporting; SEED program, goals, practices, and sub-contracting opportunities; Federal and State Grant Procurement guidelines and reporting; Federal Procurement Requirements for Grant purchases including Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Buy American and Davis-Bacon; Protest Policy and Public Records Act procedures; life cycle analysis concept and methods; databases and Microsoft SharePoint; the MUD Act and Public Contract Code; advanced Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Grant Administration: Extensive knowledge of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars; contractual agreement terms and conditions typical of Federal and State of California Grants; earned value management for projects utilizing federal grant money. Procurement Performance: Performance reporting methodologies and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s); organizational performance and operational improvement. Skills To Write and assemble logical and effective bid or grant documents; develop a procurement or grant plan to our internal customers; create and route clear and concise Staffing Summary Sheets that accurately documents; gain the cooperation and support of internal clients; plan, organize and prioritize the activities to meet schedule; effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with SMUD management, and Suppliers/Vendors; effectively evaluate and resolve problems and overcome obstacles providing solutions and direction to our internal customers, vendors/sub-recipients, and governmental agents; collaborate across business units; research industry trends and identify procurement and grant needs within business units and provide customized consultative solutions; develop reports; conduct oneself in an open, honest and straightforward manner; persuasively present ideas to gain commitment from others; educate and guide internal customers and external venders on SMUD’s procurement process; gain SEED vendor participation by assessing contracts and compartmentalizing into smaller portions that may be completed by SEED vendors; and establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders.Desirable Qualifications Certifications for CPPB, CPPO, CPM, or PMP are a plus Knowledge of California Public Contract Code, the MUD Act, public bidding practices, and procurement ethics Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with a track record of cost savings and efficiency improvements Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and collaboration Proficiency with SAP MM, ServiceNow, Planet Bids, Microsoft Office, and data analysis Commitment to transparency, equity, supplier diversity, sustainability, and supporting utility operations Physical Requirements Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations. Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together. An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance. SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests. Why Sacramento, California? The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few. Hybrid Work This position may be eligible for SMUD's hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to hybrid work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis. CalPERS SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit