Procurement Specialist - Phoenix Arizona

Division of Business Services
Office of Procurement
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $65,000.00 - $69,300.00 Annually 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: December 11, 2024

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that makes Arizona 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 that 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!

The Department of Economic Security is seeking an experience and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Procurement Specialist for the Division of Business Services (DBS), Office of Procurement (OP). This position will be responsible for sourcing products and services, conducting market research, analyzing contracts, preparing solicitations, negotiating proposals, and issuing purchase orders for the department. This role also includes managing contract administration, reviewing direct contracts processing amendments, and overseeing Demand for Assurance letters. The specialist will evaluate contractor responses, prepare close-out correspondence, and escalates unresolved disputes to procurement management. Additionally, the Procurement Specialist drafts reports and correspondence, maintains ethical relationships with stakeholders, and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. They also advise program monitoring staff on procurement laws and policies.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (two days per week in the office/hoteling).

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 remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. 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 the Arizona Procurement Portal and ensure compliance with the Arizona Procurement Code.
• Conducts complex procurements to include coordination, preparation, issuance, evaluation, and award of solicitations.
• Provides technical and informational support to Department customers.
• Analyzes and performs market research to compare products, and services, and make purchase recommendations.

Knowledge of:
• Arizona Procurement Code; public contract and the acquisition process; contract language; personal computers and software, including eProcurement systems such as Arizona Procurement Portal.
• General office procedures; general accounting practices and business law; procurement best practices; and quality customer services techniques.
• The importance of professional ethics and confidentiality in fulfillment of procurement services; and quality customer services techniques.

Skills in:
• Oral and written communications; establishing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships; dispute and mediation.
• Planning, coordinating, and prioritizing work assignments; effective time management; providing high quality customer services.
• Preparation and analysis of technical specifications and bids.

Ability to:
• Provide sound recommendations; resolve problems; apply critical judgment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels of the Department.
• Learn, interpret, and apply Federal and State laws governing assigned areas, as well as Department and 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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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 pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page