Deputy Chief Procurement Officer

Functional Title:
Deputy Chief Procurement Officer

Recruitment Category Type:
Standard

Functional Category:
Procurement & Supplier Diversity

Grade:
GS.20

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Requisition Number:
26-0162

Number of Vacancies :
1

Job Level :
Deputy Director

Job Code:

Job Description Summary:

Organization Name:
Procurement

Reports to:
Chief Procurement Officer

Full or Part Time:
Full Time

If Part Time how many hours per week:

Regular or Temporary:
Regular

Position End Date (if temporary):

Work Schedule:
Mon Fri. 8am-5pm. 1- 2 day telework option

Position Location:
Laurel

Position Summary Information General Summary:
The Deputy Chief Procurement Officer ( DCPO ) serves as the principal strategic and operational partner to the Chief Procurement Officer ( CPO ). This executive-level role is responsible for leading procurement operations, implementing policy, and ensuring compliance and efficiency in all procurement activities across the Commission. The Deputy Chief Procurement Officer drives innovation, leads enterprise procurement strategy, and plays a key role in cross-departmental collaboration and high-level communications with other Deputy Chiefs and senior executives. The Deputy Chief Procurement Officer holds signature and approval authority consistent with role.

Essential Functions :

• Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination
• Assists Chief Procurement Officer in all aspects of management and administration including development of strategic plans, short and long-term objectives, budgeting, and performance measurement for operational efficiency and accountability
• Leads and oversees daily operations of the procurement office, including contract administration, sourcing, purchasing, compliance, supplier diversity, and procurement systems
• Manages and coordinates cross-functional procurement strategies aligned with Commission-wide goals
• Serves as the primary liaison for peer-to-peer communications with Deputy Chiefs and senior leaders across the organization
• Ensures alignment, appropriate delegation, and consistent messaging
• Develops, implements, and monitors procurement policies, procedures, and performance metrics
• Leads procurement modernization and process improvement initiatives, including technology adoption, automation, and strategic sourcing
• Guides and mentors division and section managers, fostering professional growth and organizational accountability
• Represents the Procurement Office in executive-level meetings, Commission workgroups, and external stakeholder engagements
• Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal procurement laws and ethical standards
• Assists in developing risk assessment frameworks and conducts compliance reviews to support regulatory adherence across procurement activities
• Maintains strategic vendor relationships and coordinates with suppliers to support contract performance and resolve operational issues
• Analyzes procurement metrics and prepares performance reports for senior leadership to support decision-making and process improvements
• Supports emergency operations and assists in implementing business continuity protocols during crisis situations

Other Functions :

• Acts as the Chief Procurement Officer in their absence or at their request
• Performs other related duties as required

Work Environment And Physical Demands :

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities :

• Comprehensive knowledge of public sector procurement principles, practices, and regulation.
• Thorough understanding of contract administration, competitive solicitation methods, and sourcing strategies
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including experience supervising senior-level staff
• Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational abilities
• Skilled in interpreting and applying procurement laws, regulations, and internal policies
• Proven ability to lead change, drive innovation, and manage enterprise-level initiatives
• High proficiency in written and verbal communication, including executive presentations and reporting
• Ability to foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials, executive staff, and vendors
• Knowledge of ERP procurement systems and modern procurement technologies
• Ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements :

• Bachelors degree in Procurement, Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in and leading procurement organization(s) exceeding or comparable to the size and complexity of WSSC Water and obligated to follow similar contracting laws, principles, regulations, and contracting strategies
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex procurements, public sector compliance, and organizational change initiatives

Additional Requirements :
Completion of the WSSC Water Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.

Preferences:

• Masters degree in business, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CPPO , CPPB , CPSM , or equivalent.
• Experience leading procurement transformation or ERP system implementation.
• Demonstrated success in promoting supplier diversity or sustainability in procurement practices.

Salary:
$180,802 - $244,327

Posting Detail Information EEO Statement:
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.

Close Date:

Open Until Filled :
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Additional Information:
All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.

Eligible applicants will be reviewed for consideration after 3/20/26.