Procurement Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Washington

Human Resources announces an opening for a 1.0 FTE position as the Assistant Director of Procurement. This is a twelve-month, full-time, in-person, Grade P-11 position. This position requires a three-year probationary period based on supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent reports to the Director of Procurement.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION

The Assistant Director of Procurement is a professional position in a busy, fast-paced Procurement Office. The position is responsible for assisting the Director of Procurement/Procurement Agent in administering Arlington Public Schools' procurement program and developing program improvements.

The Assistant Director assists with legal matters related to bid awards, contract administration, calculation of liquidated damages, and protests of awards by bidders or other parties. The position also responds to inquiries and complaints, analyzes market trends to obtain the highest quality goods and services at the best value, and assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Director of Procurement during absences.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Procurement. The Assistant Director directly supervises four Procurement Office employees: two Senior Procurement Specialists, one Procurement Specialist, and one Procurement Technician.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for awarding contracts for goods, services (professional and non-professional), construction, and insurance on behalf of all Arlington Public Schools departments and schools.

• Administers Arlington Public Schools' procurement program and develops improvements. 
• Investigates and identifies the most efficient and reliable vendors for the purchase of materials, supplies, and services. 
• Conducts interviews and establishes ongoing relationships with vendors; responds to vendor inquiries and concerns. 
• Participates in cooperative purchasing programs with federal, state, and local governments. 
• Participates in and leads a variety of purchasing-related meetings and activities. 
• Ensures compliance with established procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Investigates complaints and reports improper purchasing procedures, bid protests, restrictive specifications, and contractor solicitation issues to the Director of Procurement. 
• Prepares Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and bid specifications. 
• Reviews and analyzes bids for completeness. 
• Evaluates and recommends enhancements to the automated purchasing system and identifies opportunities for process improvements. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of procurement practices, procedures, methods, and strategies. 
• Thorough knowledge of formal competitive bidding procedures. 
• Thorough knowledge of legal requirements related to formal competitive bidding. 
• Considerable knowledge of the structure and organization of a school system. 
• Skill in conducting technical research and preparing detailed reports, specifications, and related documents. 
• Skill in analyzing proposals and recommending appropriate courses of action. 
• Skill in identifying procurement and contracting issues and implementing effective solutions. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and sound reasoning in evaluating proposals and bids. 
• Ability to maintain detailed records and prepare evaluative reports. 
• Ability to establish and oversee an effective contract administration system to ensure vendor compliance with contract specifications, terms, and conditions. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, school personnel, contractors, vendors, county purchasing staff, attorneys, and the public. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field that includes coursework in purchasing, plus considerable experience as a buyer or in a similar position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public procurement. Virginia public procurement experience is preferred. Comparable public procurement experience outside Virginia or complex private-sector procurement experience may be substituted. 
• Experience supervising staff, including setting objectives, monitoring performance, conducting evaluations, and developing training plans. 
• Working knowledge of the Virginia Public Procurement Act is preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal customers and stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of the terms and conditions associated with Invitations to Bid (ITBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and contracts. 

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS

The following certifications are preferred:

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) 
• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) 
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) 
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) 

SALARY

FY26/27 Salary Range: $94,349 - $154,638

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in ASD 35-3.03, that employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged, or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, or disability.