Procurement/Contract Specialist

The Ohio Attorney General's Office is currently seeking a Procurement/Contract Specialist for a position in the Finance Section. This position will work a hybrid in-person/remote schedule. There may be changes to this schedule based on training and operational needs. The headquarter location is at 30 E. Broad St Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Under the direction of the Procurement Director, the Procurement/Contract Specialist will assist in the procurement functions of the AGO, which include acquisition planning, formal bidding, contracts management, and administering complex procurement methods that require a high degree of experience and knowledge. The Procurement/Contract Specialist performs a variety of specialized procurement assignments and serves as a subject matter expert and resource to staff in the following ways:

·       Serves as a senior technical expert in the procurement of complex goods or services, as well as all types of procurement for the AGO

·       Provides exceptional customer service through advice and assistance to AGO personnel involved in the development of statements of work; solicits, evaluates, negotiates, and awards contracts for goods and services utilizing various procurement methods to include, Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Quotes (RFQ), and Quick Quotes (QQ)

·       Facilitates the use of DAS cooperative agreements ensuring such use is within applicable laws and policies; performs contract administration, including liaising between suppliers and sections, negotiation of prices and terms and conditions, compliance with contract terms and conditions, compliance with grant requirements, and negotiation of contract amendments, extensions, and change orders

·       Reviews requests for purchases submitted by sections to determine the appropriate procurement method; leads acquisition planning meetings with sections to develop strategies for implementing the most effective procurement methods for goods and services to satisfy business needs

·       Represents the AGO at pre-proposal conferences; attends evaluation committee meetings, and provides guidance on evaluation of proposals

·       Prepares contract documentation, semi-annual vendor performance and procurement contract evaluations to ensure compliance and to identify challenges and solutions; monitors annual service dates for critical renewals to ensure timely submissions

·       Prepares and maintains accurate records and electronic documentation on all solicitations, responses, purchases, contracts, correspondence, and related follow-up

·       Analyzes current procurement activities and recommends improvements through more efficient procurement methods

·       Responds to protests and other vendor complaints orally and in writing

·       Serves as the initial level of mediation of disputes regarding the selection of the awarded bidders and issues of vendor performance and prepares appropriate documentation of the conference and rulings within the appeal process procedures

·       Analyzes and assists the development, review and implementation of procurement policies, standards and tools to continuously improve AGO responsiveness and efficiency in alignment with purchasing metrics

·       Provides procurement guidance and direction to personnel on an as needed basis

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has played a vital role in shaping Ohio’s past and present and the work it does today helps chart the state’s future. The office consists of nearly 30 distinct sections that advocate for consumers and victims of crime, assist the criminal justice community, provide legal counsel for state offices and agencies, and enforce certain state laws. In these and other capacities, staff members interact with tens of thousands of Ohioans each year.

The Attorney General’s Office is a dynamic organization that offers career opportunities across many different disciplines to people from all backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate in any way. All people are equal under the law, and it is so at the AGO. This is a workplace where talent gains you entry and performance determines your career path.  Staff can join and lead employee resource groups and participate in online or in-person events to learn about the experiences of others.

Employees of the Attorney General's Office must have been in their current positions for at least 12 months in order to be eligible for consideration.

The Attorney General's Office may fill additional, similar positions as a result of this posting.The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General per O.R.C. 124.14(B)(2).

AGO#\: 25-09-176

Background Check Info: Selected candidate(s) will be subject to the following background checks:
Criminal history
Driving record
Taxes
Drug Test

In addition, an Internet search may be conducted of publicly available and job-related information through social media.

·       5 years of progressively responsible experience in public procurement, with a preference to include experience with OhioBuys or a similar eProcurement platform

·       A bachelor's degree in business, public administration, supply chain management, or a related field can substitute for 2 years of experience.

Job Skills\: Accounting and Finance, Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, Verbal and Written Communication

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.