Deputy Director of Procurement

Job Description and Duties

Under the administrative direction of the High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Chief of Contracting, the Deputy Director of Procurement provides oversight of technical engineering and capital program policies and planning in accordance with the Authority’s Program Baseline and Program Management Plan (PMP), including project design and project management of all pre-construction activities. The incumbent provides leadership and oversight to a multi-functional procurement team and contract managers of Authority and consultant staff on a variety of procurement and engineering technical concerns related to project planning and delivery. The incumbent confers and coordinates with various Office Chiefs and management on engineering, technical, and administrative matters related to project delivery activities. The incumbent plans, organizes, and directs assignments and handles the most difficult procurement, technical, and contract administration problems through coordination of staff and resources. The incumbent serves as an expert procurement and technical engineering advisor and proposes and implements changes in policy and procedures, proposes procedural guidelines and standards for work performed, and implements recommendations.

This position is being reposted. If you previously applied to JC-500993 your application materials have been received and are still being considered for this position. Additional application packages from the same candidate will not be reevaluated.

This advertisement is posted as Open, Until Filled and the advertisement will remain open until the vacancy is filled. Cut-offs for the examination will begin on August 14, 2026, and then every Friday after. Application packets will be examined based on the dates application packages are submitted and candidates will be notified in writing of their results once examinations are processed. Hiring interviews may be conducted once examination results are processed. Once the examination results are processed, the appointment may be made at any time.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position works primarily in the office, but limited telework may be available for California residents.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, manage multiple tasks, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a(n) Professional Engineer (PE) License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply for this position. You must provide narrative responses and specific examples for each item listed below in your SOQ to be considered for this position. Your SOQ must be typed in 12-point font, no longer than three (3) pages, organized by including the question below and numbered as reflected below, and then provide a response to these six (6) items:

1. Describe your leadership experience which demonstrates your ability to plan, organize, and direct multi-level staff.
2. Describe your experience in managing and overseeing the full spectrum of complex contracting and procurement activities, including contract formation and administration, processing procurement requests, and developing, issuing, and evaluating solicitations in accordance with applicable regulations and policies.
3. Describe your experience working in policy and process improvement functions. In your response include the types of policies and processes you updated, the level of impact, any issues you experience, and the outcome of the process improvement.
4. Describe your experience effectively collaborating with a wide range of individuals, such as management, executives, employees, elected officials, other public agency representatives, and/or other stakeholders.
5. Describe your experience with change management. In your response include your role in ensuring your staff continue to be engaged and the work culture does not suffer during time of change or uncertainty.
6. Provide an example of a time in your career where you aligned organizational business plans and resources to achieve the strategic goals and objectives of the organization.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated abilities in leading and managing large and complex procurement efforts for rail engineering, design-build, and systems contracts, including development of procurement strategies, policies, and best practices.
• Broad knowledge of state procurement laws, budget processes, workload development, resource management, and project management concepts for design-build and progressive delivery projects.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and policies of federal, state, and local agencies as they relate to public works procurement.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to all levels of officials, executive leadership, and external stakeholders during high-profile procurements and negotiations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to balance cost, schedule, and quality to achieve best-value outcomes.
• Personal characteristics that include a commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and maintaining the highest level of integrity in the procurement process.
• Expert understanding of engineering concepts, procurement risk allocation, and their effect on transportation planning and delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and mentor professional staff, evaluate complex proposals, and ensure fair and defensible source selections.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when evaluating alternative contracting approaches and recommending strategies in the best interests of the Authority.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-527363 and Deputy Director of Procurement, 311-615-7500-001 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.