Sr. Procurement & Contract Specialist

Pay Grade: L Senior Procurement and Contracting Specialist We protect lives. 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. What We Offer. As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits. Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play. Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia. Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths. Achieve Career Longevity – Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long‑term career. Take Part in a Hands‑on Working Culture – Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem‑solving, no matter your role. Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself. 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. 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, using stakeholder‑provided Contract Action Requests (CARs) to develop contract shells, amendments, renewals, extensions, and terminations. 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, including the Georgia Procurement Manual (GPM), State Purchasing Division (SPD) requirements, grant regulations, and agency policies. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define business requirements, evaluate sourcing options, facilitate vendor selection, negotiate agreements, and manage competitive procurement processes, including RFPs, RFQs, RFQCs, sole sources, and RFIs. Serve as a trusted advisor and primary procurement liaison to assigned divisions, programs, and business owners by providing guidance on procurement requirements, sourcing strategies, contract administration, risk mitigation, and best practices. Review procurement and contract documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; identify risks, trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for operational improvement; and ensure appropriate documentation and record retention requirements are maintained. Identify and implement opportunities for standardization, strategic sourcing, cost savings, process improvement, and operational efficiencies through data analysis, supplier management, and the effective use of procurement systems, tools, and technologies. Develop and maintain productive relationships with agency leadership, program staff, suppliers, legal counsel, governmental entities, and other stakeholders to support successful procurement and contracting outcomes. 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 while supporting the development and maintenance of procurement procedures, templates, job aids, training materials, and continuous improvement initiatives. 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). Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year‑over‑year. Preferred Qualifications Associate degree from an accredited college or university 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. The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well‑being. The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15‑minute breaks or one 30‑minute break. Employment Information State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary. DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials. The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre‑employment drug screening and a criminal background check. Relocation assistance is not provided. In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. ADA Statement DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email View email address on click.appcast.io. Equal Opportunity DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Benefits Standard Benefits for Full‑Time Salaried Employees In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long‑term care, and life insurance. Standard Benefits for Part‑Time Employees Part‑time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave. #J-18808-Ljbffr Georgia Department of Public Health (GA)