Chief Procurement Officer (NMED #27302)

Posting Details

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

Department Name: Financial Services Bureau
Program Area: Contracts, Procurement, and Accounts

Looking for a rewarding career and growth opportunity? The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is seeking highly engaged talent to assist us in our mission to protect and restore the environment and foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Come be a part of our great team for change! Learn more at: https://www.env.nm.gov/

As a valued new employee to the NMED, you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave balances right from your start date.
Why does the job exist?

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to serve as a senior leader within the Financial Services Bureau. This position plays a critical role in advancing NMED's mission to protect and restore the environment, ensuring New Mexico's citizens have access to clean air, clean water, and a safe, healthy environment. As a senior manager, the CPO not only leads the Department's procurement and contracting operations but also oversees the accounts payable section, ensuring that both contracts and vendor payments are managed efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with state regulations. Contracts and financial transactions together represent a significant portion of NMED's budget, making this role central to the Department's ability to deliver services statewide.

With recent enhancements to NMED's contracts, procurement, and financial staffing structure, this position offers a unique opportunity for a motivated, experienced, and strategic problem-solver with strong analytical skills to work with a team of colleagues and improve operations.
How does it get done?

• Provide senior-level leadership and oversight of NMED's procurement and contracting activities, ensuring compliance with the New Mexico Procurement Code and state regulations
• Directly oversee both procurement and accounts payable staff, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of contract processing and vendor payments
• Develop, negotiate, and administer complex contracts, interagency agreements, and cooperative procurements and guide NMED's use of cooperative purchasing agreements (e.g., GSA schedules, NASPO ValuePoint, statewide price agreements) to maximize efficiency and value
• Advise agency leadership and staff on appropriate procurement methods, terms, and risk management strategies
• Lead efforts to resolve contract performance issues and ensure vendor accountability
• Write and administer solicitations (RFPs, ITBs, sole source, and other methods), contract amendments
• Oversee internal controls, policies, procedures, and staff training to ensure consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with program leadership across the Department to ensure contracting aligns with NMED's operational priorities and mission

Who are the customers?

• New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment
• Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations
• Internal staff

Ideal Candidate

• New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment
• Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations
• Internal staff

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field and ten (10) years directly related experience in governmental or private purchasing practices and procedures. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of this classification totaling fourteen (14) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment. Valid and current State of New Mexico Chief Procurement Officer Certification.
Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Regular business hours, incidental after hours in cases of emergency.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Miranda Ntoko (505) 699-9176 or Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

For more information on how to apply, please check out the Application Guide: link
Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining unit.