(Hiring salary will be based on experience, credentials, pay equity, and statewide rules.)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The State Purchasing Division (SPD), located near the State Capitol in Atlanta, GA is one of five divisions within the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS).  The agency provides enterprise business solutions for Executive Branch Agencies. DOAS is a hybrid work environment and telework is encouraged with some days in the office required.

We are seeking innovative thinkers and enthusiastic problem solvers who enjoy challenges and a fast-paced environment to join us as an Associate Category Manager.  This position encompasses a variety of procurement activities focused on the strategic sourcing of goods and general commodities.  The position works under the supervision/mentorship of a Senior Category Manager to manage a specialized category within Goods, in the Strategic Sourcing Division. The successful candidate will develop and execute procurement strategies to maximize customer satisfaction and cost for assigned complex category(s). Develops and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

Develops, communicates, and implements procurement strategy for assigned sourcing projects within category(s).

Collaborate with Data Team on cost strategy with consideration of highest spend products/services to maximize savings.

Develops Request for Quotes (RFQs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), and other solicitation documents based on specified sourcing strategies. Researches, analyses, and presents market research and sourcing data to executive level committees/councils to support recommended strategies.

Formalizes and leads cross functional support teams during the solicitation process in the development of financial and technical evaluation criteria for solicitations.

Develops negotiation strategies based on supplier response and market analysis to identify possible outcomes. Leads negotiations with selected suppliers.

Establishes and maintains effective channels of communication and working relationships with customers and suppliers and serves as central point of contact for purchasing customers and suppliers during the solicitation process.

Provides internal support staff with clear project expectations and objectives, and coordinates with them in performing procurement responsibilities.

Utilizes computer skills to create, manage, analyze, and document sizable datasets and /or research information.

Participates in the identification, adoption, and implementation of best practices in the field of procurement.

Ensure that procurement activities are conducted in a professional and ethical manner.

Serves as a DOAS Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) resource during State emergencies.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General procurement knowledge with demonstrated ability to think strategically

Advanced Microsoft Office Skills

Strong project management skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent analytical skills

Strong Negotiations skills

Ability to reduce cost within categories

Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills

This position may require some travel.

Completion of a pre-employment background check is required.

DOAS participates in a hybrid work environment and

Telework is encouraged with some days in the office required.

MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Note: An equivalent combination of education and job-specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience, and competencies required to perform the job successfully at the job level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following items below. 

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university

Certification as a CPPB, CPPO, CPCM, CPM, CPSM, GCPA, or GCPM

Government procurement experience

E-sourcing experience

Experience with catalog management

Specific experience in purchasing Goods and general commodities

Procurement/sourcing experience in Goods, Human Services, or Information Technology

Experience with Contract Administration and Management

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Applications accepted at Team Georgia Careers

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email.  Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the hiring agency.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

DOAS is an equal opportunity employer

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications.   Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.