Director of Division of Purchasing

Job Location: This position will be located at the Harry S Truman State Office Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Why you’ll love this position:

The Missouri Office of Administration (OA) is seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as the Director of the Division of Purchasing. At OA, we believe effective government starts with strong administration. This is a critical executive position, based in Jefferson City, responsible for directing statewide procurement operations for goods and services across all Executive Branch state agencies.

As Missouri’s chief procurement officer, you will directly impact how state resources are invested, ensuring fairness, efficiency, and innovation in every contract. You will lead a dedicated team of over 40 professionals, set statewide procurement policies, and provide expert guidance to agencies to ensure purchasing decisions are strategic, transparent, and legally compliant. This role offers the chance to work alongside senior state leaders, shape statewide policy, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Missouri’s citizens.

We are seeking a strategic thinker who can champion innovation, modernize procurement practices, and strengthen vendor engagement. The ideal candidate is a problem-solver who will drive initiatives to enhance efficiency while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

As Director, you will:

• Strategic Sourcing and Contract Management: Direct the state’s daily procurement operations for commodities, services, and information technology. Oversee critical administrative functions, including contract management, compliance, and procurement automation, to maximize purchasing power and secure the best value for the state.
• Policy and Legal Compliance: Serve as the state’s chief procurement authority, providing expert guidance and training to professionals across all executive branch agencies. Lead the development of statewide procurement policies, ensuring compliance with state law, and propose necessary legislative and rule revisions. Represent the division in legal and legislative proceedings and oversee responses to Sunshine Law requests.
• Process Innovation and Improvement: Champion innovation by streamlining procurement processes and leveraging technology to ensure competition, fairness, and transparency. Use data dashboards and metrics to monitor performance, resolve bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement. Develop and implement a long-term strategic vision for the division.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of over 40 procurement professionals, fostering a culture of integrity, excellence, and continuous improvement. Ensure operational alignment with OA leadership priorities and oversee sound division operation.

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in procurement, supply chain, or contract management – preferably with public sector procurement management, with at least 3 years of management or supervisory experience, with demonstrated ability to lead teams, management budgets, and oversee complex operations.
• A strong command of state/public procurement laws and regulations, procurement methods, strategic planning, vendor management and sound public procurement practices is essential. Proven ability to evaluate and improve complex procurement processes.
• Proven ability to manage vendors and ensure transparency and accountability in procurement processes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with executives, legislators, vendors, and agency stakeholders.
• A strong command of state/public procurement laws and regulations, procurement methods, strategic planning, vendor management and sound public procurement practices is essential. Proven ability to evaluate and improve complex procurement processes. Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration or closely related field is preferred. A master’s degree is a plus.
• Nationally recognized public procurement certifications such as those from UPPCC or NIGP are preferred.
• A proven track record of developing, sharing, and implementing a long-term vision for a division.
• Experience handling high-stakes procurement issues such as reviewing bid protests and giving testimony in litigation, testifying at legislative hearings and preparing for budget hearings.
• Experience participating in reviews of data analytics and work logs using tools like Tableau to identify needed follow-up actions.

Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Successful background check results are required for employment in this position. This may include background checks involving a candidate's name and/or fingerprints and other screenings as needed for the specific position.

Authorization to work in the United States is a prerequisite of employment. The Office of Administration will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

OARecruiters@oa.mo.gov