Hybrid Senior Assistant Purchasing Agent at Loudoun County Government, VA

About the Department

Are you a seasoned public procurement professional with a strong background in leadership and management? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative work environment with a focus on teamwork, innovation, and customer service? Do you have a passion for driving public procurement forward? If so, then consider Loudoun County Government’s Senior Assistant Purchasing Agent position as the next step in your career.

Position Duties

Loudoun County’s award-winning Procurement Division is currently seeking highly qualified applicants for a Senior Assistant Purchasing Agent position. This position will have oversight and management of all section managers and resulting activities within the division, including contracting (operational and capital), systems and compliance (delegated purchasing), and contract administration. This newly created position will support the Assistant Director (Purchasing Agent) in managing all aspects of the Procurement Division and act on their behalf in their absence and will work with staff at all levels of the organization.

Key responsibilities of the position include:

• Support Procurement Operations: Assist the Assistant Director in managing the procurement division, ensuring the efficient and effective purchase of goods, services and construction in alignment with the organization’s goals and budget.
• Procurement Strategy Development: Help formulate, implement, and update procurement strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure cost-effective, sustainable, and transparent purchasing practices.
• Vendor Management: Maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, and ensure the organization receives the best value from its suppliers.
• Team Leadership & Supervision: Supervise staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations to ensure adherence to procurement processes and promote professional development.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as internal policies and procedures. Monitor purchasing activities to mitigate risk and avoid fraud or unethical practices.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and present regular reports on procurement activities, including cost savings, vendor performance, and process improvements to senior leadership as may be necessary. This includes coordinating, reviewing, preparing and presenting contract action recommendations to department heads, committees, and the Board of Supervisors in a public forum.
• Problem Resolution: Address procurement-related issues or disputes in a timely manner, working closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, and other departments to resolve concerns.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for improving procurement processes, technologies, and systems to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Excellent written and oral communication and public presentation skills are necessary. Additionally, attention to detail and good organization skills are essential to be successful in this position. Successful candidate must have excellent computer and research skills and experience with an automated purchasing system.
  
  Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.
  
  This is a hybrid position with up to three days of telework per week in accordance with the County’s telework policy.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field with coursework in procurement or related subjects; four (4) years of related work experience in procurement including experience in project management and using ERP systems along with supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Prior experience serving in a supervisory/leadership role is required. Preference is given to those with Certified Professional Public Buyer, Certified Public Procurement Officer, and/or NIGP-CPP certifications. Knowledge of the Virginia Public Procurement Act is preferred, but training will be provided.

Other Qualifications

Successful candidate will undergo pre-employment criminal, credit, and DMV background checks.

The successful candidate must be available to support evening Board and Board committee meetings.