Executive Director - Procurement Services

Atlanta Public Schools; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlanta Public Schools is seeking an Executive Director of Procurement Services to lead the district's procurement function and ensure ethical, compliant sourcing of goods and services.

The role directs strategy, policy, and performance, aligning procurement with fiscal objectives and district priorities. It requires extensive public sector purchasing experience, executive leadership, and a focus on transparency and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), CPBB, CPP, CPM or equivalent procurement certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for Procurement Services, setting vision, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Develops and evaluates the district's procurement strategy to promote fiscal stewardship, competition, transparency, and compliance.
• Directs policy development, procedures, standards, and internal controls for procurement.
• Oversees budget administration and strategic sourcing initiatives to achieve cost savings and value.
• Leads supplier management, risk mitigation, and contract oversight with senior leadership.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic procurement

Public sector procurement

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

CPPO/CPPB/CPP/CPM certification preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

The Executive Director, Procurement Services provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the District's procurement function and ensures the effective, ethical, and compliant acquisition of goods and services. This position establishes the strategic direction, policies, processes, and performance expectations for Procurement Services and ensures alignment with District priorities, fiscal objectives, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

The Executive Director provides leadership and direction to procurement management and staff, oversees complex and high-risk procurement activities, and serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on procurement, contracting, supplier management, and related fiscal matters. The position promotes operational efficiency, cost effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the District's procurement function.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required
• Master's degree preferred

Certifications/Licenses:

• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or equivalent procurement certification preferred.

Experience:

• 10 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related field required
• 5 years of supervisory or management role required
• Experience leading enterprise-wide procurement operations, developing procurement strategies, and managing complex contracts preferred.
• Experience in K-12 education or public sector preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Procurement Governance

• Provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for Procurement Services, establishing the vision, priorities, goals, and performance expectations for the function.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates the District's procurement strategy to promote fiscal stewardship, competition, transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
• Directs the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of procurement policies, procedures, standards, and internal controls.
• Establishes organizational structures, staffing strategies, and resource requirements necessary to achieve Procurement Services objectives.
• Monitors legislative, regulatory, and industry developments affecting public procurement and recommends changes to District policies and practices.
• Monitors legislative, regulatory, and industry developments affecting public procurement and recommends changes to District policies and practices

Fiscal Stewardship & Resource Management

• Directs the development and administration of the Procurement Services budget, monitors expenditures, evaluates resource requirements, and ensures resources are aligned with District priorities.
• Oversees strategic sourcing initiatives to identify opportunities for cost savings, standardization, improved service delivery, and increased value to the District.
• Establishes and monitors performance measures and key performance indicators to evaluate procurement effectiveness, cost savings, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
• Evaluates procurement-related financial and operational risks and establishes strategies to strengthen internal controls and protect District resources.

Procurement, Contracting & Compliance Oversight

• Provides executive oversight of complex, high-value, high-risk, and strategically significant procurements and contracts.
• Oversees the District's solicitation and contracting framework to ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with Board policy and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ensures appropriate controls, approvals, evaluation processes, and compliance requirements are established for major procurement and contracting activities.
• Provides direction regarding complex, sensitive, or disputed procurement and contract matters.
• Ensures vendor registration, qualification, performance, and compliance processes support transparency, competition, accountability, and District requirements.
• Oversees procurement-related risk management and establishes strategies to mitigate financial, operational, contractual, and compliance risks.

Executive Advisement & Stakeholder Relations

• Provides executive-level guidance and recommendations to the Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer, and other senior leaders regarding procurement strategy, major contracts, supplier relationships, procurement risks, and significant purchasing decisions.
• Represents Procurement Services with senior leadership, Board representatives, government agencies, vendors, professional organizations, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Establishes and maintains strategic relationships with vendors, suppliers, governmental agencies, and professional organizations to advance District procurement objectives.
• Serves as the District's senior procurement subject matter expert and provides guidance on complex procurement, contracting, compliance, and supplier matters.

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development

• Provides leadership, coaching, and accountability to procurement managers and staff and establishes performance expectations aligned with departmental and District objectives.
• Develops leadership capacity within Procurement Services through coaching, professional development, succession planning, and accountability for results.
• Reviews departmental performance and directs corrective actions or process improvements when service, compliance, financial, or operational expectations are not being met.
• Oversees the development and delivery of procurement training and communications to promote consistent understanding and application of District procurement policies and procedures.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives that leverage technology, data, process redesign, and industry best practices to improve procurement efficiency and customer experience.
• Oversees the preparation and presentation of procurement reports, performance measures, financial analyses, and recommendations for senior leadership and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Ensures appropriate documentation, records management, and reporting practices are maintained to support transparency, accountability, audits, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of Procurement Services and establishes strategies to improve processes, service delivery, compliance, and organizational performance.

General Responsibilities

• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of public procurement principles, contract administration, purchasing practices, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, procurement risk management, and cost analysis.
• Knowledge of fiscal management, budgeting, internal controls, and resource allocation as they relate to procurement operations.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic procurement policies, procedures, performance measures, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to interpret complex laws, regulations, and policies and provide sound recommendations to senior leadership.
• Strong executive leadership skills with the ability to establish direction, develop leaders, allocate resources, and hold staff accountable for organizational results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex information, identify risks, and make informed recommendations.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder-management skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders, vendors, community stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across the District and with external organizations to advance strategic procurement objectives.
• Ability to lead organizational change, improve business processes, and promote innovation and operational excellence.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement technology, financial systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and safeguard the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the public procurement process.

POSITION INFORMATION

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Category: At-Will