Position Overview

Under general direction, the Assistant Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of procurement and contracting processes. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and local procurement regulations, policies, and associated procedures. The Assistant Director leads procurement planning, solicitation, contract negotiation, and compliance activities while supervising a team of procurement professionals. This role is integral to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility in the acquisition of goods, services, and construction.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the procurement and contract lifecycle, including planning, solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, award, administration, and compliance.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to procurement staff to ensure adherence to policies and high-quality service delivery.
• Oversee the procurement of goods, professional services, and construction contracts, ensuring timely and compliant execution.
• Conduct and oversee vendor negotiations, including renegotiations and contract terminations when necessary.
• Review and improve procurement policies, procedures, and systems to increase efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Supervise procurement operations and personnel, including hiring, evaluating, coaching, and disciplining staff as needed.
• Coordinate outreach programs and ensure inclusive procurement practices that provide equitable opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
• Monitor and support departmental procurement liaisons; deliver training and guidance as needed.
• Prepare, review, and approve solicitation documents, evaluations, and contract award recommendations.
• Research, write, evaluate, and approve complex bid proposals, contracts, and specifications for the purchase of high-tech and capital equipment, materials, and services.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with departments, vendors, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the department in high-level meetings and support executive leadership in strategic planning and decision-making.
• Interface with vendors to resolve conflicts; investigate claims where vendors fail to provide services or materials as specified and recommend appropriate actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the smooth operation of the department.

Education:

Experience:

• Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in procurement, contract management, and compliance.
• At least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity in procurement of Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) contracts

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Comprehensive knowledge of procurement and contract management principles, including solicitation, vendor negotiations, and compliance practices.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing procurement.
• Strong knowledge of small, minority-, and women-owned business enterprise policies and practices.
• Proficient in using procurement and contract management systems and software.
• Ability to interpret financial, cost, and legal data related to contracts and procurement.
• Ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with staff, vendors, elected officials, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF).

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Education:

Experience

• Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in procurement, contract management, and compliance.
• At least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity.

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: 

• Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic and four-wheel drive controls.
• Frequent standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods of time. 
• Frequent stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items up to 10 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor).
• Occasional sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents, books, files, materials, and equipment.
• Frequent standing and walking on rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces and ground during field visits.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time:

• Approximately 90% of duties will be performed indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions, and noise levels. 
• Approximately 10% of duties will be performed outdoors, where there will be exposure to heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, wind, and dust. 
• Must be willing to work in various weather and working conditions when visiting a field location. 

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunity.

Flexible spending account.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).