SENIOR SPECIALIST, STRATEGIC SOURCING

• Lead the end-to-end development and execution of complex, high dollar Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and other competitive solicitations from planning through contract award.
• Partners with district stakeholders to define business requirements, develop solicitation documents, facilitate proposal evaluations, build consensus among evaluation committees, and ensure timely, transparent procurement outcomes.
• Lead strategic negotiations for complex contracts, including pricing structures, commercial terms, service level agreements (SLAs), performance metrics, and risk allocation to maximize value, mitigate risk, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local procurement laws, Denver Public Schools Board policies, and district procedures while advancing equity in procurement practices. Maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, confidentiality, and ethical conduct throughout the procurement process.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships by establishing performance expectations and key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting regular business reviews, monitoring contract compliance, and resolving complex supplier performance issues and contract disputes.
• Analyze district spending patterns, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and industry trends to identify strategic sourcing opportunities, reduce total cost of ownership, optimize supplier portfolios, and develop long term category and sourcing strategies that align with district priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, Statistics, Mathematics, or Related Field is required.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, finance, and/or business administration required.
• Advanced knowledge of public sector procurement principles and the ability to execute complex, end-to-end Request for Proposal (RFP) processes.
• Proven skill in managing multi-phase, high-stakes procurement projects with tight deadlines, including ability to utilize complex enterprise procurement software (e-Sourcing/ERP tools).
• Superior communication and facilitation abilities to record and deliver technical procurement data, explain complex compliance procedures, and lead cross functional evaluation committees with a high level of service and responsiveness.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effectively handle multiple demands and competing deadlines.
• The ability to take responsibility for one’s own performance.
• Work collaboratively with others on a team.
• Aptitude for variety and changing expectations and a fast-paced environment.
• Preferred: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Official (CPPO), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Procurement Specialist (CPS), or other certification (ISM, APICS, etc.). Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or higher
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education. 
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.  
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

  About UsDenver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation.  DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.  
DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth.  Learn more at dpsk12.org.