Supplier Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities Program Manager

Cobb County Government; Marietta (GA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cobb County Government is seeking a leader to strengthen equitable access to procurement by directing a comprehensive supplier diversity and inclusion program. The role advances equity by expanding participation of underrepresented businesses, embedding inclusive sourcing, and delivering transparent reporting.

This hybrid position allows some remote work after 90 days with supervisor approval, and requires a bachelor’s degree and six years in procurement or diversity programs; leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus six years of progressive procurement/diversity & inclusion experience.
• Public sector experience with supervisory responsibilities.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Supplier Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities Program, ensuring alignment with policies and equity goals.
• Implement small/diverse-supplier policies across procurement categories.
• Outreach to small and diverse suppliers through events, workshops, and partnerships with chambers and certifying bodies.
• Guide vendors on certification pathways and maintain relationships with certifying agencies.
• Communicate initiatives and outcomes through public presentations for diverse stakeholder groups.
• Train procurement staff on inclusive sourcing and due diligence expectations.
• Track and report utilization with dashboards and reports for leadership and the Board.
• Ensure accuracy of vendor classification, spend data, and reporting metrics across procurement systems.
• Identify upcoming solicitations suitable for small/diverse suppliers and coordinate with buyers.
• Monitor compliance with goals and subcontracting plans.
• Partner with department heads to embed diversity considerations early in planning.
• Identify barriers to participation and suggest policy/process improvements.
• Evaluate program performance and benchmark against peers to strengthen equity.
• Prepare Board-level briefings and public-facing communications that demonstrate impact.
• Build relationships with small and diverse suppliers to support participation and capacity building.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Diversity & inclusion

Leadership

Public speaking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, or related field

Job description

The purpose of this position is to strengthen equitable access to procurement opportunities by leading a comprehensive supplier diversity and inclusion program. This role advances organizational goals by expanding participation among underrepresented businesses, embedding inclusive sourcing practices, and ensuring transparent reporting on program performance and impact.

Candidates selected for an interview will be required to deliver a 10–15 minute PowerPoint presentation as part of the interview process. The presentation will provide an opportunity to demonstrate public speaking and presentation skills, as well as knowledge and understanding of core issues and topics relevant to the position. The presentation topic and specific guidelines will be provided to candidates selected for an interview.

This role is a hybrid position, with eligibility for some remote work after 90 days, pending supervisor approval.

• Leads day-to-day operations of the Supplier Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities Program, ensuring alignment with procurement policies, disparity-study recommendations, and organizational equity goals.
• Implements small business, veteran-owned business, and other diverse-supplier policies across all procurement categories.
• Conducts proactive outreach to small and diverse suppliers through events, workshops, one-on-one meetings, and partnerships with chambers, certifying bodies, and business associations.
• Guides vendors on certification pathways and maintains relationships with certifying agencies.
• Communicates supplier diversity initiatives and outcomes through well-crafted public presentations tailored to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Trains procurement staff on inclusive sourcing, due diligence expectations, and how to integrate small/diverse suppliers into solicitation strategies.
• Tracks, analyzes, and reports utilization of small and diverse businesses; maintains dashboards and prepare reports for leadership, Boards, and public transparency.
• Ensures accuracy of vendor classification, spend data, and reporting metrics across procurement systems.
• Identifies upcoming solicitations suitable for small/diverse suppliers and coordinate with buyers to shape inclusive sourcing strategies.
• Monitors compliance with small/diverse business goals, subcontracting plans, and post-award commitments.
• Partners with department heads, project managers, and procurement teams to embed supplier diversity considerations early in the planning process.
• Identifies barriers to participation and recommend policy, process, or outreach improvements.
• Evaluates program performance, benchmark against peer organizations, and recommend enhancements to strengthen equity and access.
• Prepares Board-level briefings, annual reports, success stories, and public-facing communications that demonstrate program impact.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with small and diverse suppliers to support long-term participation and capacity building.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or related field required; supplemented by six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contracting, or diversity & inclusion programs with a large-scale public sector organization to include lead or supervisory experience or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

EEOC Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.