Deputy Agency Procurement Officer

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

SEC OFFICE - CONTRACTS GRANTS , COMPL

Job Classification Title

Procurement Manager (NS)

Position Number

60037741

Grade

NC22

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Deputy Agency Procurement Officer (DAPO) - Office of Procurement, Contracts and Grants (OPCG) is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of OPCG, and reports to the Agency Procurement Officer (APO) - Office of Procurement, Contracts and Grants (OPCG), receiving supervision and guidance as required. OPCG’s scope and focus has broadened to align with DHHS’s mission and values. This position will provide a high level of support to ensure that customer service is a priority. The DAPO will provide direction and oversight for all procurement, contract and grant managers and their staff whether working remotely or on State property or in any of the State facilities. This position provides management and oversight on the operational planning, organizing, and managing daily operations; human resources management and staff development; program policy and procedure design and implementation; and associated business functions. This position ensures best value in responsiveness, responsible government procurement through strategic sourcing and contract management, consistent application of the law, equity for contract parties, and public accountability. Work involves development of internal operating policies and procedures consistent with state and federal laws; and assisting the Agency Procurement Officer with the development. This position is responsible for the daily oversight of complex procurement operations and services within the department to ensure compliance with procurement statutes, administrative codes, and the state and OPCG purchasing manual. This position manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders by building cross-departmental relationships that drive continuous improvements and focus on providing excellent customer service. About the DHHS Office of Procurement, Contracts, and Grants

The work of the Department of Health and Human Services touches the lives of every North Carolinian. With nearly 18,000 employees across the state, and a budget of over $26 billion, there is no better place to make a meaningful difference. The Department’s work ranges from programming that meets fundamental human service needs to policies that drive systemic changes in how the healthcare market values health. Every DHHS employee also has the opportunity to enhance our strategic direction by supporting person-centered policies and programs that promote whole-person health, foster independence, and advance health equity at every stage of life. DHHS is doing this by investing in behavioral health and resilience, reinforcing North Carolina’s children and families, and building a strong and inclusive workforce. Leveraging the lessons learned from the pandemic response, DHHS is leading North Carolina toward more holistic care, and healthy opportunities for all. Now is a perfect time to join this talented and dedicated team as we lead positive change together. DHHS has approximately 17 program divisions, 14 State Operated Healthcare Facilities, and 13 Administrative Offices/Divisions with approximately $1.5B dollars in procurement of goods and services annually.

The Office of Procurement, Contracts, and Grants (OPCG) must ensure that appropriate and correct procurement and contracting practices are followed throughout the Department by ensuring compliance with all applicable General Statutes, the Administrative Code, and established departmental policies and procedures. OPCG’s Mission is to provide for the effective and economical acquisition of goods and services in support of the NCDHHS and all North Carolinians. To achieve its mission, OPCG:

Key Duties Include:

• Direct procurement operations to ensure compliance with North Carolina purchasing laws, regulations, and policies.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for high-value and complex requisitions.
• Evaluate and analyze bids, coordinate selection processes, and recommend contract awards.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with vendors to achieve cost savings and mitigate risk.
• Perform cost and price analysis, including total cost of ownership and life cycle assessments.
• Manage supplier performance and enforce contract requirements to ensure service quality.
• Provide technical guidance and consultation to agency leadership on procurement strategies.
• Supervise and mentor procurement staff, assigning work and monitoring performance outcomes.
• Investigate and resolve vendor protests, product complaints, and contract disputes.
• Utilize automated procurement systems and e-procurement tools to streamline purchasing processes.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $73,096.00-$142,538.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds.

About the DHHS Office of Procurement, Contracts, and Grants:
The Division of Property and Construction supports the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services by managing its statewide facilities portfolio, which includes 18 state-operated campuses totaling over 7.7 million square feet and 148 leased properties covering approximately 1.2 million square feet. The division provides maintenance, housekeeping, and grounds services for the Dorothea Dix Campus and basic maintenance and grounds support for the Governor Morehead School. It also oversees the Department’s Capital Improvement Program, managing repair and renovation efforts as well as new capital projects from planning through close-out.

Compensation and Benefits:

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Visit the website for State Benefits .

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ .

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303 , our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.
• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members .

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in business from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of progressive procurement experience, one year of which must be of a supervisory nature;

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements Completion of the North Carolina Contract Management Certification Program within one year of hire into the position.

EEO Statement

T he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Yvette Elaine Jones

Email:

talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov