AMENDED

Position Summary: The Lead Procurement Specialist-Universal Pre-Kindergarten Procurement, in the Division of Contracts and Purchasing (DCP), will join a team that plays a critical role in supporting the City's Early Childhood Education programs. The Lead Procurement Specialist will manage the procurement of services related to Early Childhood Education, including professional development and direct student services. This position will oversee and manage pre-solicitation review activities, evaluate solicitation documents, and collaborate closely with the Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE), New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Attorneys, Division of Financial Operations, Mayor's Office of Contract Services, NYC Comptroller's Office, and other internal and external stakeholders on the development, execution, and registration of UPK contracts.

The Lead Procurement Specialist will approve recommendations for contract awards, as well as review the work of Procurement Analysts for effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with established rules and guidelines. Other key responsibilities will include consultation with the Director, UPK Procurement, and other organizational senior leaders on purchasing procedures. This position will develop procedures for contract administration and procurement activities, as well as review and escalate decisions concerning vendor responsibility and vendor performance, where appropriate. In addition to coordinating training activities, the Procurement Specialist may also perform the duties of the Director, UPK Procurement in their absence. Performs related work.

Reports to: Director, Central Office Procurements

Direct Reports: Early Childhood Education Services Contract Analyst, Early Childhood Education Services Coordinator, Procurement Analysts.

Key Relationships: UPK Division, Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE), NYC Comptroller's Office, Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS), HHS Accelerator, UPK service providers, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assists with pre-proposal conferences with prospective vendors, including review of the recommendation presentation documents.
• Reviews Executive Summaries and Requests for Authorization documents, including coordinating with other DCP units to confirm vendor responsibility checks and cost/price analysis.
• Submits Requests for Authorization for approval by the Panel for Educational Policy, including answering inquiries from Senior Leadership.
• Oversees the Bridge Loan process on behalf of DCP, collaborating closely with MOCS and DECE. Prepares Bridge Loan recommendation documents for the Executive Director's approval.
• Collaborates with the Director on the release of Request for Proposals (RFP), Multi-Task Award Contracts (MTAC), and negotiated services. Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems concerning contracts terms, data in FMS, etc.
• Leads the collaborative daily review of procurement activities in the unit that involve major procurements and contracting functions
• Reviews the preparation of contracts for registration with the NYC Comptroller's Office.
• Works closely with procurement analysts to correct documents for any discrepancies and responds to questions from the Comptroller's Office and DECE.
• Reviews work of procurement analysts for effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with established rules and guidelines.
• Reviews and prepares contract packages, including vendor outreach for missing documents.
• Performs Vendor Responsibility determination of bidders/proposers.
• Works closely with internal and external stakeholders on the development, execution, and registration of UPK contracts.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and six (6) months of satisfactory full-time professional experience in procurement of goods, services, construction or construction-related services, or professional, technical or administrative experience in contract negotiation/management; or

An associate degree or completion of 60 semester credits from an accredited college, and 18 months of satisfactory, full-time professional experience as described in "1" above; or

A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and two and one-half (2.5) years of satisfactory full-time professional experience as described in "1" above; or

A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2" or "3" above. College education may be substituted for professional experience under "2" or "3" above at the rate of 30 semester credits from an accredited college for 6 months of experience. However, all candidates must have at least a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and six months of experience as described in "1" above.

Note: To be eligible for Assignment Level III, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, either one year served at Assignment Level II or two additional years of the experience described in "1" above, at least one year of which must have been supervisory, or spent performing professional procurement duties equivalent to those performed at Assignment Level III.

Plus

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements, individuals must have two additional years of relevant work experience.

Preferred

• Significant procurement experience.
• Strong data analysis background, with a high proficiency in the use of data analytic software, e.g., Excel and Access.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and presentation skills.
• Experience working in a team environment; the ability to multitask and adhere to deadlines.
• Familiarity with NYCPS-specific systems such as FAMIS, COGNOS, CTS, and CPS.

Salary : $80,196 - $117,226

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

* New York City Residency is NOT Required *

We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.