Position Overview
Reporting to the Director of Contracts, the IT Purchasing Specialist will play a key role in planning, advising, administering, and tracking a wide range of technology procurements in support of a large public-sector capital improvement program. This role requires strong knowledge of public procurement processes, IT purchasing strategies, and contract lifecycle management.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop procurement plans to support diverse technology purchasing requirements tied to a major facilities and infrastructure program
- Collaborate and maintain clear communication with internal teams, consultants, vendors, and other stakeholders
- Provide strategic guidance on IT sourcing approaches, purchasing methods, and industry best practices
- Ensure all procurements comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies and procedures
- Manage the full procurement lifecycle, including drafting solicitation documents, coordinating evaluations, and facilitating contract execution, including any required governing board approvals
- Support project teams with quote requests, contract compliance reviews, approval routing, and purchase order issuance
- Track and report on the status of IT-related contracts, solicitations, and purchase orders
- Utilize enterprise and project management systems, including ERP platforms (currently SAP), project controls software (currently Proliance, transitioning to Trimble Unity Construct), and internal databases
- Coordinate with statewide and cooperative purchasing organizations, public agencies, and strategic partners to leverage existing contracts and maximize purchasing efficiencies for IT needs
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Contracts
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 7 years of relevant experience in procurement or contract administration
- Bachelor’s degree required (may substitute an additional 4 years of directly related experience)
- Experience conducting procurements governed by California Public Contract Code
- Understanding of software licensing structures, including SaaS, subscription-based, and perpetual models
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, SAP, and Adobe Acrobat
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing deadlines
- Demonstrated professionalism, dependability, and high ethical standards
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using electronic bidding systems such as PlanetBids
- Professional certification in Public Purchasing or Contract Management
- Familiarity with California higher education regulations and community college district requirements
- Experience supporting procurement and implementation of large-scale ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday) within a similarly sized public agency
