About the role
Posting Details
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS), Administrative Services Division (ASD) is seeking a committed and driven individual to serve in the Finance Bureau as a Chief Procurement Officer. ASD is dedicated to supporting the agencies vision of providing the highest quality of public safety services for the state of New Mexico and its mission to protect human life and property through the detection and prevention of criminal activity and enforcement of state laws.
DPS ASD is looking for employees who want to utilize their existing skills, where they can expand professionally, be a reliable teammate, and thrive in a challenging environment. ASD works in tandem with various divisions to provide administrative, financial, accounting, procurement, and other functions to assist with their operations. If you become a part of DPS ASD, you will quickly feel a part of this excellent administrative support team and see how your work impacts the safety of New Mexicans.
Why does the job exist?
This position oversees the DPS Purchasing and Contract units. The incumbent must have or obtain a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) certificate within the first six months of employment and must be in good standing with the State Purchasing Department. The CPO oversees many procurement functions for DPS that are pursuant to the State Procurement Code, to include, but not limited to: approve procurements, issue purchase orders, make determinations regarding exemptions, create and maintain building and equipment leases, and review and approve general and professional service contracts. The CPO is responsible for over $50 million dollars in contractual and other cost expenditures in multiple funding sources for three (3) programs.
How does it get done?
The purpose of this position is to lead, manage, and ensure full compliance with all state purchasing requirements for the Department. This includes oversight of procurement and contracting functions in accordance with the New Mexico Procurement Code, the Department of Finance and Administration's (DFA) Manual of Model Accounting Practices (MAPs), General Services Department rules and procedures, Department of Information Technology policies, and other applicable state regulations. An active Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) certification must be maintained, as issued by the State Purchasing Division Director of the New Mexico General Services Department. This position is responsible for directing the activities of the Procurement and Contracts sections to support the agency's operational and strategic goals. It ensures that all purchasing and contract actions serve a valid public purpose, are legally compliant, and are properly documented and recorded in SHARE. The role also serves as a SHARE Level 2 financial approver and provides secondary policy review to support sound procurement practices. Key responsibilities include overseeing procurement transactions for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance; supporting Accounts Payable functions by ensuring all necessary justification documentation are provided; and ensuring adherence to payment certification requirements under Section 13-1-158 NMSA. The position also manages the preparation and submission of procurement-related documentation, such as CPO determination memos and After-the-Fact memos. This role is central to year-end procurement activities, agency procurement training, and policy development through collaboration with the CFO, ASD Director, ASD Deputy Director, and Executive Management. As a supervisor, the position is responsible for delegating assignments, providing training and performance feedback, and ensuring the Purchasing Unit meets deadlines and operates with accuracy and accountability. Through strong leadership and a commitment to compliance, this position plays a critical role in supporting the Department's mission and overall operational integrity.
Who are the customers?
The customers are DPS employees, DFA, State Purchasing Division, vendors and the general public.
Ideal Candidate
The customers are DPS employees, DFA, State Purchasing Division, vendors and the general public.
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
Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy.
In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Certificate within six (6) months of date of hire.
The selected candidate will work with highly confidential and high-volume data flow must have the ability to complete assignments with a high level of accuracy within strict time constraints as well as, handle multiple tasks and request from several people at once.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a fast-paced law enforcement office setting with exposure to armed law enforcement personnel and confidential information. Extensive use of desktop/laptop computer with multiple visual/video display terminals (VDT). Extensive use of agency-issued cell phone. Ability to operate multipurpose copier/scanner/fax machines. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: PJ Griego (505) 618-0333 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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