Lead IT Procurement officer

**Title: Lead IT Procurement officer

Location: Jackson, MS (Onsite)

Position type: contract** Job Description

• Lead and manage IT procurement activities to ensure timely acquisition of technology products, services, and technical resources.
• Provide oversight and project management for multiple IT procurement initiatives from planning through contract execution.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with applicable state procurement laws, regulations, and established IT procurement guidelines.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend IT products, software, services, and technology solutions based on organizational requirements.
• Develop, prepare, and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and other procurement solicitations for IT goods and services.
• Review, evaluate, score, and analyze vendor proposals, bids, and quotations to identify the best-value solutions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather business requirements and translate them into procurement specifications.
• Coordinate with IT leadership and project teams to support technology acquisition strategies and project objectives.
• Communicate effectively with business users, vendors, suppliers, and external partners throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously while maintaining schedules, documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Prepare procurement documentation, reports, contract records, and supporting materials for audits and management review.
• Support contract management activities, including vendor communications, contract execution, and procurement tracking.
• Build productive relationships with internal customers and vendor partners to ensure successful procurement outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, efficiency, and compliance across IT purchasing activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience gathering, documenting, and communicating business requirements and/or user stories.
• 10+ years of experience defining and documenting business requirements, business processes, workflows, and user stories.
• 10+ years of experience organizing project teams, developing work plans, and managing multiple projects.
• 10+ years of experience as a Business Analyst and/or Project Manager.
• 10+ years of experience working in a State Government environment.
• 10+ years of experience creating procurement solicitations for IT software and technology services.
• Strong knowledge of IT procurement processes, contract management, and vendor evaluation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working collaboratively with business and technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Mississippi Purchasing Agent (CMPA) certification.
• Experience leading complex public sector IT procurement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of state procurement regulations, vendor management, and contract administration.
• Experience supporting enterprise technology acquisition and strategic sourcing initiatives.