Initial Posting Date:

08/08/2025

Application Deadline:

09/02/2025

Agency:

Secretary of State

Salary Range:

$7,732 - $12,555

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Chief Procurement Officer (Business Operations Manager 2)

Job Description:

LOCATION: Salem, OR

In-state remote work is available for this position with supervisor approval.

See definition and requirements of remote work for the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office: Remote work with the Secretary of State’s Office

SALARY:

$7,732 - $12,555/per month Non-PERS

$8,194 - $13,307/per month PERS

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

In this role you will advance the goals of the Agency through oversight of the procurement process for all procurement types, provide leadership and implement procurement strategic plans, drive continuous improvements through managing procurement metrics, and lead procurement training initiatives. This is accomplished in part by, but not limited to:

• Leading the Agency's procurement program by creating vision, strategic plans, policies, and Agency specific procurement rules and procedures.

• Reviewing and researching federal and state laws, rules, and regulations effecting the Agency's procurement practices and propose changes.

• Tracking legislation relating to procurement policies.

• Overseeing all procurement transactions as the Agency’s Chief Procurement Officer, from creation to contract close out, by ensuring appropriate procurement strategies are used to reduce the Agency's risk.

• Assisting management and project teams in the development of procurement documents.

• Overseeing efforts for standards and quality control, including maintaining updated procedures, templates, and forms.

• Executing procurement-related actions required by law. Actions include but are not limited to: approving exceptions, resolving protests, ensuring staff administering contracts has read and understands all advice provided by Department of Justice, and preparing reports.

• Developing, recommending, and implementing policy to ensure sound procurement operation and accountability.

• Establishing and reviewing business process and practice to ensure internal controls are sound, in place, and utilized.

• Interpreting and applying federal and state laws and regulations, and Agency rules, policies, and procedures for procurement process.

• Monitoring procurement performance metrics and leading continuous improvement efforts.

• Providing training on purchasing, contracting, and contract administration to staff.

• Monitoring and reporting performance statistics, notifications of contract retainages, balances, amendments, and expirations.

• Leading contract dispute resolution between the Agency, vendors, and consultants.

• Serving as a liaison with Attorney General and Department of Administrative Services (DAS), when necessary.

• Reviewing, advising, and approving all sole source, special procurement, and emergency procurement requests.

• Participating in, and occasionally leading, statewide projects designed to find ways to modernize, streamline, and improve procurement functions. These projects cross agency silos and impact all of state government procurement operations.

• Directing and administering the procurement unit to ensure compliance with procurements rules and laws.

• Managing the daily operations of the Procurement staff including but not limited to: interviewing, selecting, and providing training for new staff, developing, coaching, planning, assigning, prioritizing and reviewing work, monitoring and evaluating performance, determining the need for and initiating disciplinary action in order to ensure adequate and competent staff for the procurement program, and responding to complaints.

• Assisting the Business Services Division Director with strategic planning (short and long-term goals) for the Business Services Division.

For explicit duties, please request a copy of the position description from HR.SOS@SOS.oregon.gov.

TO QUALIFY:

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our desired qualifications listed.

Your application must demonstrate education and/or experience in the following:

Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR three years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. At least two years experience must include direct supervision and management over staff which included authority to: Hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward or discipline other employees, or responsibility to direct them, or to adjust their grievances, or to effectively recommend such action(s).

As the most competitive candidate, your application will demonstrate the following requested skills and experience:

• Knowledge and experience engaging and motivating professional-level procurement team members through effective communication, listening, and inclusion.

• Excellent customer service and communication skills in supporting a diverse customer base (e.g. management, employees, etc.).

• Ability to lead and advise with ethical integrity and professional responsibility.

• Management experience which includes creating staff development plans and effectively administering progressive discipline, when necessary.

• Ability to effectively promote and maintain an inclusive, diverse and discrimination/harassment-free workplace.

• Ability to provide consistent and stable leadership and management organizational change through transparent planning and communication.

Preference may be given to applicants who have work experience with the State of Oregon, have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Public Administration, Business Administration, or Law, and/or that currently hold a professional procurement certification (e.g. CPPB, CPPO, OPBC). Knowledge of Oregon’s Public Procurement Statutes and Rules and experience conducting/advising on procurement transactions exceeding $150,000.

If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Click apply

• Upload your resume

• Complete job history and education sections to clearly demonstrate how you meet minimum qualifications for the position

• Complete application questionnaire

• Attach a one or two page cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications in the “To Qualify” section and what knowledge, skills and abilities you possess to perform the duties listed in the “What You Will Do” section

• Submit your finalized application

• Complete additional inbox questionnaires on confidentiality and veteran status

• Check back periodically for additional actions

Please note: you must attach your cover letter and resume to your application and complete the job history and education sections of the application. Failure to submit the required materials will remove your application from consideration.

ABOUT THE AGENCY:

The Oregon Secretary of State is one of three constitutional offices created at statehood. As an independent constitutional officer, the Secretary of State answers directly and solely to the people of Oregon.

The Secretary of State employs approximately 245 full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. The Secretary oversees the functions of seven program divisions: Archives, Audits, Corporation, Elections, Business Services, Information Systems, and Human Resources.

OUR MISSION:

Build trust between the people of Oregon and our state government so that public services can make a positive impact in peoples’ lives.

OUR VISION:

We envision an Oregon without barriers, where we lead with our values and believe every voice should be heard. We do so by:

• Building equitable access to our democracy.

• Making tools easily available to achieve economic success.

• Ensuring state resources are used sustainably, efficiently and accountable to the public.

• Honestly acknowledging Oregon’s history.

OUR VALUES:

Access for all
We elevate equity through identifying and actively eliminating barriers.

Authenticity
We have integrity and are honest and true to ourselves and others.

Clarity
We share stories, using plain language to increase understanding and impact.

Respect
We are committed to serving the people of Oregon and strive to understand all viewpoints.

Service
We are responsive and prioritize the needs of current and future Oregonians we serve.

For more information about the Oregon Office of Secretary of State, please visit: State of Oregon: Oregon Secretary of State - Home

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Family Friendly Work Life Balance (paid time off, 12 holidays, 3 personal days, short and long term disability benefits)

• Take Care of Yourself and Your Family (comprehensive employee benefits, choice of medical plans, vision plan, life insurance, child care flexible spending account, employee assistance program)

• Celebrate Uniqueness: Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of our values. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are critical to developing a talented, high-performing workforce and are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all of our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. We strive to maintain a culture that attracts, develops and retains a diverse workforce that closely mirrors the residents of our community. We learn from and respect the cultures in which we operate and value the uniqueness of individual talents, experiences and ideas.

• Invest in Your Future: (Pension plan, deferred comp, short and long term disability plan, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care)

• Be Appreciated (employee recognition events, agency unique employee recognition program allowing for additional leave options such as vacation buy-out and sick leave roll-over, dynamic employees doing impactful work)

• ADA: At the Secretary of State, we value community and foster a sense of belonging for our employees

See our current job listings and internship opportunities, compensation, and benefits here: Careers with the Secretary of State.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Additional applicant screening will depend on the number of qualified applications received. Screening may include skills testing, the results which may be used as part of the applicant evaluation process.

• Candidates whose background most closely matches the qualifications and required/requested skills of this position will be invited to an interview.

• Successful candidates will require professional reference checks and must pass a criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veteran Resources. You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.

• The Secretary of State does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6%.

QUESTIONS?

For additional information you may contact us at HR.SOS@SOS.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Secretary of State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workplace.