Deputy Chief Procurement Officer

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Finance and Operations provide agency-wide financial, administrative, and operational services supporting the Metropolitan Council as a whole and its individual divisions. These services include accounting, financial reporting, and payroll; the Council's operating and capital budgets; contracts and procurement; computerized systems for financial and personnel information; risk management; treasury functions; and services supporting the Council's headquarters facilities.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement, requiring at least 3 days per week in-office. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Deputy Chief Procurement Officer (DCPO) is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and management to the Contracts Unit and the Non-Standard Contracts Unit. They develop programs, plans, policies, and procedures that support business strategy, and serve as backup in the absence of the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO).

The DCPO applies knowledge of Council policies and procedures, procurement best practices, and applicable state and federal laws to develop and maintain contract templates, PO terms and conditions, and negotiation guidance for nonstandard agreements. They are a subject matter expert and resource for contract management issues, including amendments, assignments, and disputes, and provide training on legal requirements, compliance, and contract management.

The DCPO collaborates with the CPO and exercises independent judgment in resolving problems and issues related to vendors, performs technical research, prepares reports, and communicates orally and in writing with vendors, Council stakeholders, and other governmental entities on procurement issues.

• Manage managers of the Construction unit, Professional Services unit, Contract Management unit, and Non-Standards unit to ensure compliance with all applicable legal requirements, Council policy and procedure, and customer service goals.
• Hire staff and assign work with coordination and cooperation with other business units.
• Develop work plans and establish benchmarks to evaluate manager performance, team performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Establish standard operating procedures and service level agreements and oversee contract terms, negotiation tactics, and contract execution.
• Oversee all solicitation templates, including amendments, professional and technical services, architectural and engineering, non-construction services contracts, powers agreements, memorandums of understanding, leases, licenses, right-of-way agreements, easement, land swaps, purchase/sale agreements, and miscellaneous land agreements.
• Establish Procurement project teams with business unit liaisons in Environmental Services and Transit project offices to understand needs, set expectations, and review status.
• Direct research and identify opportunities to leverage economies of scale and determine best procurement approach including new contract types.
• Participate in strategic planning and execution to support the mission and vision of the Department.
• Assist CPO with reviewing and analyzing proposed legislation.
• Actively engage external stakeholder community including MnAGC and ACEC, and participate in supplier delivery panels, workshops, and outreach events.
• Develop short- and long-term strategic plans to maximize buying power and minimize inefficiencies.

Any of the following combinations of education (in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Accounting, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, or related) and experience in improving procurement systems and policies, analyzing business operations and workflows, and creating efficiencies and improved operations:

• High school diploma AND thirteen (13) years of experience, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Associates degree AND eleven (11) years of experience, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Bachelor's degree AND nine (9) years of experience, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Master's degree AND seven (7) years of experience, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.

• Knowledge of governmental procurement best practices and processes.
• Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration procurement best practices.
• Knowledge of Minnesota Uniform Municipal contracting laws.
• Knowledge of MN Data Practices Act requirements.
• Knowledge of procurement systems and interfaces with inventory, asset management, and financial systems.
• Knowledge of management and leadership best practices.
• Knowledge of internal controls.
• Skills in research and analysis of efficiency and cost-effective procurements.
• Skills in negotiation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills sufficient to communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Skills in developing, writing, and delivering presentations, correspondence, and reports.
• Skills in collaboration and relationship building.
• Ability to lead, manage, and motivate staff.
• Ability to effectively plan and distribute workload.
• Ability to interpret and implement complex legal and business requirements.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including those with no knowledge of Procurement processes.
• Ability to think strategically, analyze issues, and make sound recommendations and decisions that understand legal and business risks.

• Knowledge of Metropolitan Council procurement policies and processes.
• Knowledge of the contracting portfolio and procurement contract methods sufficient to lead the team of managers while supporting continuous improvement and systematic approaches to the work and improving outcomes.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: Non-Represented/Grade M
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Requires travel between primary work site to other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.