Division Director - Procurement en Wayne County Government

The Division Director of Procurement will lead the County's Purchasing Division within the Department of Management & Budget. The Purchasing Division oversees the contracting and procurement activity for the entire Wayne County government (12 Executive Departments and 6 Elected Offices). This role is responsible for shaping and executing the County's procurement strategy - advancing transparency, focusing on customer service, driving innovation, and ensuring the efficient and ethical stewardship of public funds. The Division Director of Procurement provides leadership over all aspects of procurement operations, including sourcing, contracting, supplier engagement, and compliance with County, State, and Federal regulations. The position also leads major modernization initiatives aimed at transforming how Wayne County procures goods and services, supports local businesses, and delivers value to residents and taxpayers.

This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer/Director of Management & Budget and serves as a key member of the County's financial leadership team. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, technology, and public service. They bring a track record of innovation in procurement, a passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to inspire teams to deliver results. This candidate demonstrates integrity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to public trust - ensuring Wayne County's procurement practices reflect transparency, fairness, and fiscal responsibility.

• Required Tasks
  • Lead the County's centralized procurement and contracting functions, overseeing solicitation development, bid evaluation, contract negotiation, contract management, and vendor performance management.
  • Review and approve high-value purchase orders and contracts in accordance with the Wayne County Procurement Ordinance.
  • Develop, implement, and manage policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure legal compliance and operational excellence.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor on procurement policy to the Chief Financial Officer, County Executive, and Board of Commissioners.
  • Direct major technology and process initiatives utilizing Oracle and Jaggaer Finance and eProcurement systems, contract lifecycle management, including KPI and SLA performance dashboards.
  • Manage the County's Purchasing Division budget, staff, and performance metrics to achieve organizational objectives.
  • Drive continuous improvement and cost optimization through category management, cooperative purchasing, and strategic sourcing.
  • Coach and develop a high-performing procurement team, fostering accountability, professional growth, and customer-service excellence.
  • Establish and communicate a clear vision for a modern, service-oriented, and data-driven procurement organization aligned with Wayne County's strategic priorities.
  • Lead procurement transformation initiatives - including KPI and SLA metrics development and management, process automation, supplier diversity, and spend visibility - to deliver greater efficiency and transparency.
  • Provide strategic guidance and technical oversight for all procurement activities across County departments.
  • Ensure compliance with all Wayne County Ordinances, state statutes, federal procurement requirements, and grant funding conditions.
  • Cultivate strong, customer-focused partnerships with internal stakeholders, local suppliers, and other government partners including the State of Michigan to strengthen sourcing collaboration and innovation.
  • Promote equity and inclusion in the County's supplier base, expanding opportunities for small, minority-, and women-owned businesses.
    Represent the County on boards, committees, and task forces related to procurement and public-sector innovation.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by the Division Director of Procurement and other upper management designees.

• Educational Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field
    Preferred: Master's degree in business, Finance, or Public Administration; Professional certifications such as Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM).
• Experience Requirements
  • Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in procurement or supply chain management, including at least five (5) years in a leadership or supervisory capacity
    Preferred: Experience in the public sector or a regulated procurement environment.

The Charter County of Wayne

The Charter County of Wayne is Michigan's largest county. We are home to 34 cities and nine townships. From Rockwood to Livonia, from Sumpter Township to the Grosse Pointes, each community in Wayne County offers residents and businesses a unique blend of opportunity to live, work, play and raise families. Headquartered in Detroit, our largest city and the automotive capital of the world, Wayne County offers a diversified economy and high standards for our residents' quality of life. Our history is rich, and we take pride in being one of the most diverse communities that values culture, arts, and world-class amenities. Wayne County provides leadership that ensures the County operates efficiently, effectively, and responsibly. We provide transparently while building a stronger County inclusive of collaborations, innovation, and a clear focus on serving our residents.