Strategic Public Procurement Leader

Santa Fe County; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Fe County seeks a Chief Procurement Officer to oversee the county's procurement function and ensure compliance with federal, state, and county rules. You will supervise staff, direct strategic sourcing, manage complex procurements, and negotiate terms to maximize value for taxpayers.

The role requires strong leadership, policy interpretation, and collaboration with department heads and elected officials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years procurement experience, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis or High School Diploma/GED with eight (8) years of procurement experience, with at least two (2) in a supervisory capacity.
• New Mexico EDGE Public Supervisor certification can substitute for two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Candidate must hold or obtain a valid Certified Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) credential within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Directs procurement staff, plans and assigns work, and evaluates leave and timesheets.
• Oversees strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, logistics, and inventory planning.
• Leads complex competitive procurements (RFPs/IFBs/RFQs/LOIs) and contract changes.
• Negotiates pricing and terms to maximize value while protecting public funds.
• Implements process improvements, procurement technologies, and internal controls.
• Advises department heads and elected officials on forecasting, market conditions, and sourcing.
• Manages supplier relationships and resolves disputes for cost-effectiveness and service quality.
• Presents procurement packets and sourcing recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

Skills

Staff leadership

Procurement strategy

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Policy interpretation

Training & mentoring

Communication (written)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/related field

Public-sector procurement experience (4 years)

New Mexico EDGE Public Supervisor certification (substitution)

CPO credential (or ability to obtain within 1 year)

Tools

Procurement systems

RFP/IFB/RFQ/LOI management

Job description

Santa Fe County seeks a Chief Procurement Officer to oversee the county's procurement function and ensure compliance with federal, state, and county rules. You will supervise staff, direct strategic sourcing, manage complex procurements, and negotiate terms to maximize value for taxpayers.

The role requires strong leadership, policy interpretation, and collaboration with department heads and elected officials.