Business & Procurement Solutions Manager (Procurement Manager II)

Job Responsibilities

This posting has been revised.

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Job Purpose:

The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking a forward-thinking Procurement Manager to lead, support, and conduct complex purchasing activities across the agency. This role will ensure compliance with the SC Consolidated Procurement Code while also advancing streamlined, customer-centered procurement practices. The ideal candidate will help modernize workflows, strengthen vendor relationships, and partner with internal teams to deliver efficient, transparent, and high-quality procurement solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the full procurement lifecycle—from market research and specification development to evaluation, negotiation, award, and contract execution—ensuring transparency, compliance, and best-value outcomes.
• Streamline and modernize procurement processes to reduce administrative burden, improve clarity and speed, and create a more user-friendly experience for agency offices and district partners.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by serving as a strategic advisor to internal teams, helping define needs, plan solicitations, and navigate options with clarity and confidence.
• Promote transparency and value in every purchasing decision by documenting evaluation processes, communicating clearly with stakeholders, and ensuring fair and defensible award recommendations.
• Strengthen vendor partnerships to encourage innovation, responsiveness, and collaborative problem-solving throughout contract performance.
• Administer contracts proactively, ensuring vendors meet expectations, resolving issues collaboratively, escalating as needed, and maintaining accurate contract documentation and performance records.
• Maintain strong knowledge of market trends, pricing, and supplier landscapes to inform sourcing strategies and support forward-looking procurement planning.
• Serve as a resource and trainer for agency staff on procurement methods, documentation standards, negotiations, policy requirements, and system usage—helping build procurement capability across the organization.
• Utilize procurement and financial systems to create purchase orders, link contracts, maintain procurement records, and coordinate with Finance to ensure timely and accurate payment processing.
• Continuously evaluate and refine procurement tools and workflows to increase efficiency, support data-driven decision-making, and uphold high standards of quality, compliance, and service.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree and experience in procurement and contract management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or experience in procurement, contracting, or related fields (such as finance, operations, supply chain, project management, or vendor management);
• Knowledge of procurement or related business practices, with the ability to evaluate information, compare options, and make sound, well-documented recommendations.
• Systems-thinker with a continuous improvement mindset, able to streamline processes, simplify workflows, and build more intuitive, user-centered procurement practices.
• Clear and collaborative communicator who can translate complex rules into practical guidance for colleagues, leadership, school district partners, and vendors.
• Collaborative relationship-builder who approaches procurement as a service function, fostering trust, transparency, and strategic partnerships across teams and with vendors.
• Curious, adaptive learner committed to ongoing skill development, including training in SC procurement regulations, technology tools (e.g., SCEIS/SAP), and new approaches that enhance efficiency and support the agency’s mission.
• Familiarity with public-sector procurement or the SC Consolidated Procurement Code preferred (training and professional development provided).

Additional Comments

As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, a 401(k), and a hybrid work schedule with opportunity for remote work.

The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs