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Deputy Director of Procurement and Contract Management

Procurement Manager II

Recruitment #26-003007-0001

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Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

GRADE

23

POSITION DUTIES

The Deputy Director of Procurement and Contract Management serves as the second-in-command for the agency's procurement operations, providing operational leadership and management oversight for all procurement and contract management activities across the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). This position is essential to ensuring compliant, efficient, and timely execution of procurement services in accordance with Title 21 - State Procurement Regulations, COMAR requirements, and Board of Public Works (BPW) mandates. 

This position directly manages the day-to-day operations of the Procurement and Contract Management Division, supervising Business Services Partners (BSPs) and Core Services Team members who support complex, high-value educational procurements. The Deputy Director ensures seamless service delivery to MSDE divisions, implements service level agreements, and maintains procurement standards that align with the department's strategic objectives, Blueprint for Maryland's Future initiatives, and federal grant compliance requirements. 

As the agency's operational procurement authority, this position exercises independent judgment on procurement execution, contract administration, vendor management, and process compliance. The Deputy Director serves as the acting Procurement Officer in the Director's absence, maintains critical relationships with the Department of General Services Office of State Procurement (DGS OSP), and ensures continuous operational excellence across all procurement functional areas.

Duties Include: 

Operational Procurement Management & Contract Administration
  • Manages day-to-day procurement operations for high-value acquisitions including assessment contracts, technology systems, professional services, and Blueprint implementation initiatives
  • Oversees preparation and review of comprehensive solicitation documents including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and Master Contracts for legal sufficiency and completeness
  • Exercises delegated procurement authority for solicitations and awards within established thresholds, ensuring compliance with COMAR Title 21, MS-22:05/20 3Education Article provisions, and federal grant regulations
  • Coordinates technical evaluation committee processes for complex procurements, ensuring proper documentation, objective evaluation, and regulatory compliance
  • Reviews and approves sole source justifications, emergency procurements, and contract modifications within delegated authority
Division Operations & Team Supervision
  • Directly supervises Business Services Partners (procurement managers) and Core Services Team professional staff, conducting performance management, coaching, and professional development
  • Assigns procurement workload across BSPs to balance capacity, complexity, and divisional service needs
  • Monitors procurement pipeline and cycle times to ensure timely service delivery and proactive bottleneck resolution
  • Implements work processes, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance protocols for procurement operations
Compliance, Quality Assurance & Process Management
  • Serves as subject matter expert on Maryland Procurement Law, COMAR regulations, and education-specific procurement requirements, providing guidance to procurement staff and MSDE divisions
  • Conducts compliance reviews and quality assurance audits of procurement files, ensuring proper documentation, competitive processes, and regulatory adherence
  • Implements and monitors division performance metrics, service level agreements, and quality standards
  • Develops and maintains standard templates, checklists, and procedural guidance for procurement activities
Special Projects. Compliance, Risk Management, & Process Improvement
  • Serves as primary operational liaison to MSDE divisions, program offices, and external stakeholders including DGS Office of State Procurement, Assistant Attorney General, local education agencies, and vendors on procurement planning, technical guidance, and issue resolution MS-22:05/20 5
  • Coordinates procurement timeline development, market research, and solicitation planning with program offices; facilitates communication between evaluation committees, program offices, and procurement staff throughout the procurement lifecycle 
  • Supports development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives; participates in enterprise-wide process improvement projects to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Law, or a related field.

Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible procurement or contract management experience, to  include:

  • At least three (3) years of experience in Maryland State government procurement operating under COMAR Title 21 and Board of Public Works requirements; and 
  • At least two (2) years of supervisory or lead experience over professional procurement staff

Notes:
  • A Master's degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the general experience requirement.
  • A Maryland Certified Public Manager (CPM), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or equivalent professional procurement certification may substitute for one (1) year of the general experience requirement.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

  • Experience procuring IT systems, educational technology, or assessment services in a state agency or large public institution
  • Demonstrated experience managing solicitations from inception through award, including RFP development, evaluation committee coordination, and BPW package preparation
  • Familiarity with Maryland's eMMA, ADPICS/FMIS, or equivalent state procurement and financial management systems
  • Experience with federal grant-funded procurements and compliance requirements (e.g., 2 CFR Part 200)
  • Working knowledge of education-specific procurement considerations, including Blueprint for Maryland's Future initiatives or Title I/IDEA-funded programs
  • Experience serving as acting procurement authority or operational lead in the absence of a senior official
  • Active CPPB, CPPO, or CPM certification

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1.  Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.  Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2.  Employees in this classification, who have not already done so, must obtain and possess certification as a Procurement Professional from the Maryland Department of General Services within one year of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-554-9397 or mailed to MSDE Human Resources Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the Human Resources address listed above.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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