PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Division of Financial Operations (DFO)

Office of Procurement
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $66,299.98 - $69,299.98 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ Video. Come Join the DES Team!

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Procurement Specialist with the Division of Financial Operations, Office of Procurement. As a Procurement Specialist, this position will manage the full procurement lifecycle by conducting market research, issuing solicitations, and performing contract administration.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work in a hybrid environment by working in offices and remotely in their homes. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Creates procurement documents in compliance with the Arizona Procurement Code.
• Utilizes the State’s e-procurement system, the Arizona Procurement Portal, for procurement-related efforts.
• Manage end-to-end lifecycle of all procurements and contracts, ensuring full compliance with the Arizona Procurement Code from initial drafting, issuance, and completion.
• Develops, prepares, and issues solicitations for services and commodities.
• Provides support and guidance to Department customers in alignment with standardized procurement practices and guidelines.
• Leads negotiations utilizing market research for products and services to secure fair and reasonable pricing.

Knowledge in:
• Arizona procurement code, public contracting, and the acquisition process.
• General accounting practices to assist with the analysis and reporting of financial data, and business law.
• Procurement best practices, processes, and procedures.
• Contract terms and conditions, a broad range of standard commodities and products.
• The importance of professional ethics and confidentiality in fulfillment of procurement services.
Skills in:
• Oral and written communications
• Establishing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships.
• Dispute and mediation, planning, coordinating, and prioritizing work assignments
• Effective project and time management.
• Customer service and teamwork.
Ability to:
• Provide sound recommendations, resolve problems, and apply critical judgment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
• Interpret and apply Federal and State laws governing assigned areas.
• Interpret Department program rules and operating procedures.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Two years of experience equivalent to or above the Procurement Technician level in such fields as budget analysis, procurement, purchasing, accounting, or related services.
• A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, procurement, or related field from an accredited college or university. Certification, such as CPPO, CPPB, or CPM from a professional procurement organization.

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact dbsdfohr@azdes.gov.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting dbsdfohr@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.