Principal Purchasing and Contracting Specialist

Salary : $80,353.13 - $120,529.70 Annually
Location : (Ramsey County Government Center) Saint Paul, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Strategic Team
Division: Finance/Admin
Opening Date: 11/06/2026
Closing Date: 11/20/2026 11:59 PM Central
Union: Unrepresented
FLSA Status: exempt

Position Summary
The Purchasing and Contracting Division is made up of two teams. The Purchasing and Contracting Expert (PaCE) team works with the departments to complete the intake for new purchases, finalize and publish solicitations, facilitate pre-solicitation conferences, manage the solicitation evaluation process and create contracts. Once contracts are executed, PaCE is responsible for issuing amendments for contract renewals and other changes. The Purchasing and Contracting Administration (PCAT) team oversees contracts after they have been executed and work with the department and contractors to ensure contractor performance, monitoring of contract, compliance with contractual terms and conditions, maintain contractor files, assist in problem solving, and provide technical assistance to contractors and business owners. This vacancy is on the PaCE Team.
To analyze, develop, negotiate, implement and manage the solicitation, administration and compliance of contracts for, technological professional, and client services; prepare solicitations and contracts within budget limits established by the board, and federal and state regulations in accordance with established county procurement policies; review contract performance and direct corrective action when appropriate; and to develop evaluation criteria and scoring systems to assess and rank solicitations, and to perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Flexible Workplace: This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy
Examples of Work Performed

1. Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
2. Coordinate all phases of contract preparation for the department to which assigned.
3. Responsible for the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Requests for Board Action (RBA) related to contracts for technological and professional services and building related contracts.
4. Analyze contract proposals for conformance with established intent, reasonableness and allow ability of fiscal costs, and service delivery methodologies.
5. Analyze and collect data to monitor trends and developments related to client needs, contract development and performance based on the needs of the department related to professional client services.
6. Analyze and interpret changes in laws, rules and regulations; implement these changes into professional client service contracts to ensure compliance as related to contract development and implementation.
7. Responsible for contract administration, monitoring performance measures and outcomes and ensuring contracts include compliance with prevailing wages, state and federal statutes and laws, and county procurement rules; and conduct site visits to monitor contract performance.
8. Negotiate with vendors on contract terms, service expectations, performance measures, termination of contract provider cost factors, and budgetary factors.
9. Responsible for contract monitoring and performance outcomes, insurance issues and other contractual issues such as any certifications, or licensure requirements.
10. Represent the department/unit on interdepartmental planning teams by providing technical assistance, and review of contract specifications.
11. Consult with providers regarding contracting procedures and methods; may assist and guide provider through complex administrative procedures.
12. Prepare written reports, both internal and external, regarding individual contracts; groups of similar contracts; contract policy and procedures; problem areas or changes in rules and regulations.
13. Prepare written recommendations to the county board.
14. Conduct meetings with provider agencies for negotiating resolutions to contract problems, changes or amendments.
15. Review contract compliance and if necessary may initiate corrective action or recommendations for correction or termination.
16. Develop evaluation criteria and scoring system(s) for solicitations to assess and rank solicitations to the degree to which requirements and priorities are met.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, supply chain management business management, accounting or a closely related field.
Experience: Four years of experience in purchasing and contracting.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Principal Purchasing and Contracting Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions -do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Principal Purchasing and Contracting Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact:
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 10 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit:
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*Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledg