SENIOR SPECIALIST, STRATEGIC SOURCING

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 76,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver Public Schools is seeking a procurement leader to drive end-to-end RFPs and competitive solicitations, aligning with district priorities and public procurement laws. You will lead negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and ensure transparency while maximizing value for public funds.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5+ years in procurement, with CPPB/CPPO or CPM a plus. Denver residency is preferred for this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or related business administration.
• Advanced knowledge of public sector procurement principles and end-to-end RFP processes.
• Experience with complex multi-phase procurement projects and ERP/e-Sourcing tools.
• Strong communication to guide evaluation committees and ensure compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and execution of complex RFPs and competitive solicitations.
• Define business requirements, document solicitations, and facilitate evaluations.
• Lead strategic negotiations for contracts, SLAs, terms, and risk allocation.
• Ensure compliance with procurement laws, board policies, and equity goals.
• Develop supplier relationships, monitor KPIs, and resolve contract issues.
• Analyze spend, market conditions, and supplier capabilities to identify opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Procurement

RFP management

Negotiation

Sourcing strategy

Vendor management

Stakeholder collaboration

Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/SCM

Tools

e-Sourcing/ERP tools

Job description

About This Job

Drive district wide fiscal responsibility and operational excellence by leading complex, high dollar competitive solicitations and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Operates within the Strategic Sourcing Procurement team. Partners with district leadership to align sourcing strategies and vendor selections with organizational priorities, optimize stewardship of public resources, and ensure full compliance with applicable public procurement laws, regulations, and policies.

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range: $76,211 - $91,454
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off , health and wellness benefits - English Version or Health and Wellness Benefits - Spanish Version , and PERA Retirement . For additional information visit our New Employee Resources page.

What You'll Do

• Lead the end-to-end development and execution of complex, high dollar Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and other competitive solicitations from planning through contract award.
• Partners with district stakeholders to define business requirements, develop solicitation documents, facilitate proposal evaluations, build consensus among evaluation committees, and ensure timely, transparent procurement outcomes.
• Lead strategic negotiations for complex contracts, including pricing structures, commercial terms, service level agreements (SLAs), performance metrics, and risk allocation to maximize value, mitigate risk, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local procurement laws, Denver Public Schools Board policies, and district procedures while advancing equity in procurement practices. Maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, confidentiality, and ethical conduct throughout the procurement process.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships by establishing performance expectations and key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting regular business reviews, monitoring contract compliance, and resolving complex supplier performance issues and contract disputes.
• Analyze district spending patterns, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and industry trends to identify strategic sourcing opportunities, reduce total cost of ownership, optimize supplier portfolios, and develop long term category and sourcing strategies that align with district priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, Statistics, Mathematics, or Related Field is required.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, finance, and/or business administration required.
• Advanced knowledge of public sector procurement principles and the ability to execute complex, end-to-end Request for Proposal (RFP) processes.
• Proven skill in managing multi-phase, high-stakes procurement projects with tight deadlines, including ability to utilize complex enterprise procurement software (e-Sourcing/ERP tools).
• Superior communication and facilitation abilities to record and deliver technical procurement data, explain complex compliance procedures, and lead cross functional evaluation committees with a high level of service and responsiveness.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effectively handle multiple demands and competing deadlines.
• The ability to take responsibility for one’s own performance.
• Work collaboratively with others on a team.
• Aptitude for variety and changing expectations and a fast-paced environment.
• Preferred: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Official (CPPO), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Procurement Specialist (CPS), or other certification (ISM, APICS, etc.). Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or higher
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students. DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.