Supplier Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities Program Manager

Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services; Marietta (GA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services seeks a leader to drive an inclusive supplier program, expanding participation among diverse vendors and embedding inclusive sourcing practices across procurement. The role emphasizes data-driven reporting, outreach events, and collaboration with departments to meet equity goals.

The position requires public sector procurement experience, certifications guidance, and the ability to present program impact to Boards and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or related field.
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contracting, or diversity & inclusion programs.
• Experience leading or supervising in a large public sector organization.

Responsibilities

• Leads day-to-day operations of the Supplier Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities Program, ensuring alignment with procurement policies and equity goals.
• Implements small business, veteran-owned business, and other diverse-supplier policies across procurement categories.
• Conducts outreach to small and diverse suppliers through events, workshops, and partnerships with chambers and certifying bodies.
• Guides vendors on certification pathways and maintains relationships with certifying agencies.
• Communicates supplier diversity initiatives and outcomes through public presentations to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Trains procurement staff on inclusive sourcing and due diligence for diverse suppliers.

Education

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

Job description

Position Information

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.

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

Essential Functions

• 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.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Physical Abilities

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.