Lead IT Procurement Officer

Lead It Procurement OfficerThe State of MS - MDHS is seeking a Lead IT Procurement Officer to drive the acquisition of IT products, services, and technical staff. This role acts as a bridge between internal user communities, external vendor networks, and Information Technology Services (ITS). The ideal candidate will combine extensive business analysis and project management expertise with deep knowledge of state government procurement and contract management processes.Key ResponsibilitiesContract Management: Ensure contract management activities for all IT procurement are undertaken timely in coordination with internal and external teams.Project Oversight: Provide continuous oversight and project management leadership across multiple IT initiatives.State Guidelines Compliance: Drive the acquisition of products, services, and technical staff strictly in accordance with state laws and Information Technology Services (ITS) procurement guidelines.Needs Analysis & Evaluation: Research, evaluate, and acquire products based on specific agency needs and desired technical solutions.Solicitation & RFPs: Create Request for Proposals (RFPs) and other solicitations to acquire goods and services, meticulously following established procurement guidelines.Proposal Scoring: Review, score, and analyze proposals, bids, and quotes to determine the best value and fit for the Agency’s needs.Strategic Partnerships: Partner with ITS to obtain strategic oversight and leadership on various complex IT projects.Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with both the internal user community and the external vendor community (including potential vendors).Required Experience & Skills10+ Years: Experience in gathering, documenting, and communicating business requirements and/or user stories.10+ Years: Defining and documenting business requirements, user stories, processes, and workflows.10+ Years: Experience organizing project teams and work plans for multiple concurrent projects.10+ Years: Hands-on experience operating as a Business Analyst and/or Project Manager.10+ Years: Experience working within State Government environments.10+ Years: Experience creating solicitations to acquire IT software and services (RFPs, bids, quotes, etc.).