Purchase/Procurement Agent 3

Make a difference and join the DCA Team!  DCA gives employees more to do than merely make a living.  We are serious about helping Georgia's families live more abundantly with a greater sense of hope and achievement.  If public service, a great environment, and the desire to enrich the lives of others motivate you to do your best work, you should consider joining the DCA Team.  

OUR MISSION

To help build strong, vibrant communities.

OUR VISION

For Georgians of today and tomorrow to have the opportunity to live and work in thriving communities.

OUR CULTURE

DCA is dedicated to helping build strong, vibrant communities. We are a diverse team of highly competent and committed professionals who strive to help people and communities thrive through technical expertise, innovative thinking and a passion for making a difference.  Team members are at their best when collaborating and supporting each other as they perform challenging and dynamic work.  We are serious about helping Georgia's families live more abundantly with a greater sense of hope and achievement. If public service and the desire to enrich the lives of others motivates you to do your best work, you should consider joining the DCA Team.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a state organization dedicated to partnering with communities to help create a climate of success for Georgia's families and businesses. DCA offers a fast-paced, challenging, and dynamic environment that requires attention to detail, pride in quality of work, and the ability to work as a versatile team player.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Procurement/Purchasing Agent 3 is a key role within the Office of Procurement at both DCA and GHFA. Reporting to the Manager of Procurement and Purchasing, this position carries delegated authority to execute procurement actions on behalf of both agencies. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in public procurement, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to compliance and ethical standards. This role conducts in-depth research and analytical support across a range of procurement activities, develops and executes sourcing strategies to maximize value and minimize cost, builds effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and manages category and vendor performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement Operations

• Purchase supplies, equipment, and services necessary for DCA operations.
• Create purchase orders (POs) from approved requisitions, ensuring all fields comply with DCA processes and the Georgia Procurement Manual (GPM).
• Obtain appropriate supporting documentation for each Purchase Order.
• Verify that requestors have entered correct accounting chart fields based on items purchased.
• Review forms to ensure standards and specifications are met.
• Deobligate purchase orders as needed.
• Represent the Procurement and Purchasing department at internal and external meetings.
• Conduct procurement training for agency staff on rules, regulations, and procedures.

Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management

• Perform market research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, and supplier reputation and history.
• Develop, implement, and communicate strategic sourcing strategies, procurement objectives, and related procedures in compliance with Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) regulations and industry best practices.
• Conduct pre-bid conferences and meetings.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of solicitation processes, including development of RFX (Request for Proposals, Request for Quotes, Request for Information, Request for Qualified Contractors), and non-competitive solicitations (sole source and consortia), ensuring accuracy, fairness, and alignment with agency needs.
• Leads cross-functional teams on less complex and complex sourcing initiatives and high-value procurements, collaborating with program managers and leadership to identify procurement needs, forecast demand, and align sourcing strategies with organizational priorities.
• Leverages cost, quality, and performance data to guide DCA and GHFA programs in supplier selection and sourcing strategies, while monitoring vendor performance and contract compliance and recommending corrective actions or process improvements as needed.
• Advises internal stakeholders on market trends, sourcing risks, and opportunities for cost savings or process improvement.

Compliance & Georgia Law

• Ensure procurement documentation, records, and reporting comply with state retention requirements and audit standards.
• Post competitive solicitations in Jaggaer and the Georgia Procurement Registry.
• Advise the Deputy Commissioners, Division Directors, and internal stakeholders on regulatory changes impacting agency operations.
• Ensures full compliance with all state, federal, and local procurement regulations and internal policies while promoting equitable, ethical, and transparent procurement practices that support DCA and GHFA strategies, maximize resources, and minimize costs.
• Resolve protests, and assist with vendor performance issues, working toward amicable resolution while ensuring contract compliance.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate degree in accounting or business, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of job-related experience in a procurement environment; or Technical diploma in accounting or business and four (4) years of job-related experience in a procurement environment; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Purchase/Procurement Agent 2 (FEP021) or equivalent position.

Note: Some positions require Georgia Procurement Manual area-specific certification(s). A combination of education and experience may be considered at the agency’s discretion.

REQUIRED & PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS

Required Experience

• Hands-on experience developing and administering RFQs, RFPs, and Sole Source procurements.

Required Georgia Certifications

• Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate (GCPA)
• Georgia Certified Purchasing Manager (GCPM)

Preferred National Certifications

• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)
• Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB)
• NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience managing procurement operations in a government or public-sector environment.
• Experience with Workday/Jaggaer procurement systems.
• Experience with managing solicitations in the Georgia Procurement Registry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and Planner.

WORKING CONDITIONS (TRAVEL, HOURS, ENVIRONMENT)

This position is currently designated as a remote/telework position.  This position is full-time (40 hours per week) and may require occasional overtime.  Local periodic travel may be required. 

PHYSICAL / SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Work is principally stationary, but the person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc., and constantly operate a computer and other office equipment.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

Must be able to perform office-related duties.

Must be able to operate office equipment.

Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, tenants, and community agencies and other entities that provide services.

Must be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that will sometimes include increased levels of work-related stress.

Must maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.

NOTE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.  This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

DCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need accommodation for an interview, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 679-4845

Hiring is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background, criminal records investigation and motor vehicle reports.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the business and requirement of the job change.  This job posting may close at any time upon gaining a sufficient applicant pool from which to select a qualified candidate.

All duties and responsibilities listed are considered to be essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Marginal functions of the position (those that are incidental to the performance of the job duties) have not been included.   However, the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.