Chief Procurement Officer
- Summary
King County’s Finance and Business Operations Division is searching for an exceptional leader to serve as its Chief Procurement Officer. This leadership position is responsible for continuing a transformation of the County’s procurement process to add more value and make the procurement process more efficient and equitable. This transformation is part of the Executive’s goal of being a “best run government.”
The Chief Procurement Officer is responsible for all centrally provided procurement services across King County government. The position plays a key leadership role in initiating or continuing improvement projects that will further advance efficiency and equity in the procurement process.
ABOUT FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS DIVISION (FBOD)
The Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD) of Department of Executive Services (DES) provides exceptional customer value for accounting, procurement, treasury, payroll and employee benefits, and small business services. FBOD primarily provides services to other King County agencies and has some services provided directly to businesses and the public. FBOD is comprised of four sections: Financial Management (central accounting); Treasury Operations; Procurement and Payables; and Business Development and Contract Compliance.
To learn more about FBOD and the Procurement and Payables Section, please visit the website at: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/finance-business-operations.aspx.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
As the only county in the United States named after one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation’s history, Martin Luther King, Jr. County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures.
King County has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and is seeking a Chief Procurement Officer who understands that as public servants, we are the gatekeepers of our county’s policies and services and have a direct impact on whether they are equitable and just in practice. The Chief Procurement Officer will have the opportunity to lead employees in innovative procurement practices to advance King County’s pro-equity agenda for regional change. Specifically, the Chief Procurement Officer has a key leadership role in implementing the County’s pro-equity contracting initiative, launched in April 2021, which is designed to amplify the participation of minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) in public contracts.
To learn more about King County’s Equity and Social Justice Initiative please, visit the website at: https://kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx.
ABOUT KING COUNTY (GREATER SEATTLE METRO AREA)
King County has a very strong and resilient economy and an environment where people and businesses can thrive. Located on Puget Sound in Washington State, and covering 2,134 square miles, King County is nearly twice as large as the average county in the United States. With more than 2 million people, it also ranks as the 13th most populous county in the nation.
King County is comprised of 39 cities and is truly an international destination, with over 100 languages spoken in the region and 30 million visitors annually. King County is home to the City of Seattle, suburban cities, small towns, islands, and rural communities, as well as forests, bodies of water, and farmlands.
Cities within King County frequently appear on “Best Places to Live” lists and it is #4 on the Forbes “The Best Places for Business and Careers” List. Many King County communities have highly rated schools, nationally recognized restaurants, vibrant recreation, and numerous cultural opportunities. Housing options range from easy-to-access islands, downtown high-rises, and distinct Seattle neighborhoods to suburban developments that boast walkable amenities.
KEY DELIVERABLES AND EXPECTATIONS
Reporting to the Finance Director, the Chief Procurement Officer is responsible for providing collaborative leadership and a clearly articulated vision for responsibly managing the daily operations of the Procurement and Payables Section.
The Chief Procurement Officer works with division staff, department directors, Executive Office leaders, and other separately elected leaders, to manage the procure-to-pay value stream. This role also:- Oversees the day-to-day operations and staff (approximately 70 employees) and serves as a key adviser to executive-level Management on all procurement and accounts payable related issues.
- Models the way for others, especially involving everyday actions and behaviors that are consistent with King County’s values.
- Directs the development and implementation of strategic goals, vision, workforce management, performance measures, strategies, policies, best practices, and initiatives.
- Directs and shapes systems to promote an organizational culture that supports continuous improvement (LEAN) and embraces equity and social justice for employees and customers.
- Fosters a culture of innovation and sustained change with a strong sense of how to develop and offer new products and services to meet customer requirements.
- Leverages the County’s technology systems and business processes to drive operational improvements with a focus on performance, measurement, and accountability.
- Utilizes internal and external resources, technology, and continuous improvement techniques to report metrics, improve processes, create more capacity, and deliver greater value to customers and community.
For this important role, King County seeks a credible, unifying people leader who is deeply committed to the success of the Procurement and Payables Section, is a strategic big-picture thinker, and can transform a vision for the future into the delivery of services to internal agencies and external customers (i.e., suppliers). Candidates should bring strengths in both external relations and internal management with an ability to balance the two.
In addition, the ideal candidate will:- Be a champion for Equity & Social Justice. Understands that systematic racism and its long-term effects are pervasive in our society. Are comfortable having candid and sincere conversations with all employees, customers and stakeholders about race and equity in our work.
- Bring a background in directing and providing leadership to multi-faceted organizations, including working collaboratively at all levels.
- Have an exceptional record of successfully managing, developing, and/or implementing strategic initiatives, policies, and systems to achieve these outcomes.
- Have experience planning and launching strategic sourcing projects that save dollars, avoid pricing volatility, and/or ensure the supply of critical services and commodities.
- Be customer-focused and comfortable advising and partnering with senior and executive-level management about complex initiatives, polices, and issues.
- Understand how to manage complex projects including scoping and organizing resources, developing work programs, and facilitating multi-disciplinary teams.
- Have strategies and ideas to continue reinforcing a culture of employee engagement which supports the development, learning, coaching, and team-building necessary for the workforce of the future.
- Be a Champion of LEAN processes and standard work, with an emphasis on visible performance measures.
- Be able to persevere and adapt as required, while working in a multi-faceted and sometimes ambiguous environment.
- Have certifications in the procurement or project management fields, e.g., Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Project Manager (CPM), or other related certifications are highly desirable.
This exciting opportunity is open to all applicants. A King County Application is required. We highly suggest you include a resume and cover letter with your submission.
The salary for this position is $139,155 – $176,387 annually (Range 80) and includes innovative and award-winning employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a robust leave package. To see all of King County’s benefits, please visit our web site at http://kingcounty.gov/jobs/benefits.aspx.
The work associated with this position will be mostly performed remotely. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Employees must reside and work must be performed in the State of Washington. There may be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite.
This position will remain open until filled. Applicants who apply by Sunday, April 24, 2022, will receive first consideration in the process. Please apply online at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.
Confidential inquiries are welcome to Brittney Marzest at bmarzest@kingcounty.gov. or 206-477-8104.
- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
02If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoffRequired Question