Public Sector Procurement Director: Strategy & Contracts

Counties; California; On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based pay reviews

Medical, dental, vision plans

Disability and life insurance

Retirement plan (SDCERA)

Job summary

County of San Diego seeks a seasoned Director of Purchasing and Contracting to lead a centralized procurement function serving multiple county departments. The role directs major solicitations, negotiations, and contract administration while driving modernization and service improvements.

The ideal candidate will use data to inform decisions, expand local sourcing, and foster a high-performing, compliant team. Strong stakeholder engagement and cross-department collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading bidding, negotiations, and contract administration in a large public organization.
• Ability to build cross-department relationships and drive change across priorities.
• Experience with supplier diversity programs and local procurement outreach.

Responsibilities

• Set direction for the Department of Purchasing and Contracting.
• Oversee major solicitations, negotiations, and contract administration.
• Improve time to award and solicitation timelines; align with equity and local sourcing goals.
• Lead modernization efforts (Oracle, BuyNet, records and AI pilots) and process redesign.
• Develop a service-oriented team with clear expectations.

Skills

Government bidding

Negotiations

Contract administration

Relationship building

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (substitution for experience)

Public procurement certification

Tools

Oracle

BuyNet

Job description

County of San Diego seeks a seasoned Director of Purchasing and Contracting to lead a centralized procurement function serving multiple county departments. The role directs major solicitations, negotiations, and contract administration while driving modernization and service improvements.

The ideal candidate will use data to inform decisions, expand local sourcing, and foster a high-performing, compliant team. Strong stakeholder engagement and cross-department collaboration are essential.