Purchasing Manager/Procurement Manager

Agriculture & Consumer Services; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services seeks a Procurement Manager (NS) to lead the Purchasing Section and oversee procurement for about 25 divisions and programs. You will ensure ethical, compliant purchasing operations and provide strategic guidance to agency leadership.

Responsibilities include supervising seven Procurement Specialists and a Mail Room Clerk, driving process improvements, and managing vendor relationships while balancing cost, timeliness, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business from an accredited institution.
• Five years of progressive procurement experience.
• One year of supervisory experience in procurement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Purchasing Section and oversee procurement for ~25 divisions and programs.
• Ensure procurement activities are compliant with state statutes, codes, and IT procurement requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement of procurement processes and internal controls.
• Serve as a liaison among agency leadership, vendors, and state procurement authorities.

Skills

Procurement management

Regulatory compliance

Strategic leadership

Staff management

E-procurement

IT procurement

Procurement technology

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Tools

E-procurement systems

Job description

Job Title

Procurement Manager (NS)

Position Number

60011511

Grade

NC22

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. This posting is open to current State of North Carolina employees, including RIF candidates with priority reemployment rights under G.S. 126. Position currently qualifies for a telework option for 1 telework day. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management.

The Procurement Manager provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for the Purchasing Section of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), supporting the procurement needs of approximately twenty-five divisions and a diverse range of agency programs and operations. The position ensures procurement activities are efficient, ethical, consistent, and compliant with North Carolina General Statutes, the North Carolina Administrative Code, Department of Administration Division of Purchase & Contract requirements, Division of Information Technology requirements, and applicable state policies and procedures.

The manager has overall responsibility for purchasing operations and supervises seven Purchasing Specialists and one Mail Room Clerk, establishing priorities, performance expectations, professional development, and accountability while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused team environment.

The Procurement Manager serves as a senior procurement advisor to agency leadership and division management, providing expert guidance on competitive bidding, solicitations, procurement thresholds, emergency and special purchases, procurement cards, contracts, vendor relationships, and complex purchasing requirements.

The position oversees the agency's e-procurement operations, ensures effective use of electronic purchasing systems, provides training and technical assistance, and maintains extensive knowledge of IT procurement requirements.

Working across approximately twenty-five diverse divisions, the manager develops procurement strategies that address a broad range of commodities, services, technology, equipment, and specialized operational needs while balancing compliance, cost effectiveness, timeliness, and program objectives.

The Procurement Manager also leads continuous improvement of the agency's procurement function by identifying risks, strengthening internal controls, analyzing purchasing operations, standardizing processes, and implementing efficiencies that improve service delivery and accountability.

The position serves as a key liaison among agency leadership, division personnel, vendors, and state procurement authorities and must exercise considerable independent judgment in interpreting regulations, resolving complex purchasing issues, and developing practical solutions. Success requires exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills; the ability to work effectively with all levels of management; and the ability to build strong partnerships while maintaining a high-performing, compliant, and responsive procurement operation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range- $75,925-$120,000 Comprehensive Knowledge of Procurement Management & Regulatory Compliance Proven Expertise in Strategic Leadership & Staff Management Specialized Knowledge of E-Procurement, IT Procurement & Procurement Technology Minimum of five years of progressively responsible procurement experience, preferably in a large, complex, or multi-divisional organization. Demonstrated working knowledge and hands-on experience with e-procurement systems, electronic purchasing processes, procurement cards, and related procurement technologies.

Eligibility and Compliance

Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22. All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. * Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor’s degree in business from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of progressive procurement experience, one year of which must be of a supervisory nature; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Completion of the North Carolina Contract Management Certification Program within one year of hire into the position.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.