Director of Contracts and Procurement (WMS 3) DOH8852

Description

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders.

Director of Contracts and Procurement

Financial Services – Contracts and Procurement

Permanent

• Full-time

The Opportunity

The Contract and Procurement Office Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for approximately $445 million annually in goods and services, including contracts, grants, interlocal agreements, and Tribal agreements. This executive role ensures contracting and procurement practices align with agency goals, comply with state and federal requirements, and promote transparency, accountability, and operational excellence. Serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, this position shapes agency-wide policy, strengthens internal partnerships, and drives best business practices across all programs.

Key Responsibilities Include

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as key advisor to Executive Leadership, the Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Secretaries, and agency leaders on all contract and procurement matters.
• Plan, develop, and implement agency-wide policies, procedures, and processes governing contract and procurement management.
• Ensure full compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, including transparency reporting of contractual activity and equity in public contracting.
• Represent the agency on interagency committees and workgroups influencing statewide procurement policy.

Operational Oversight & Compliance

• Oversee administration of contracts, grants, interlocal, and Tribal agreements totaling approximately $445 million annually.
• Develop, apply, and update procurement policies and practices to reflect statutory or regulatory changes.
• Incorporate industry best practices to strengthen efficiency, accountability, and risk management.
• Coordinate with fiscal and contract managers across major programs to ensure effective and compliant purchasing activities.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Lead and develop a team of professional contracts and procurement specialists.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance to program leadership and staff across the agency.
• Strengthen organizational capability through training, performance management, and professional development initiatives.
• Promote effective resource utilization and continuous improvement within the Contracts and Procurement Office.

Why You’ll Love This Role

This is an opportunity to influence agency-wide strategy and steward significant public resources in support of mission-driven work. You will collaborate closely with executive leaders and program partners, shape statewide procurement practices, and build a high-performing team committed to transparency and excellence. The role offers meaningful impact, executive-level visibility, and the chance to modernize and strengthen procurement systems that serve communities across the state.

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1 – Experience-Based Pathway

Eight (8) or more years of experience in public sector contracting and procurement. Relevant professional certification (e.g., CPPB, CPPO, CPCM) may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.

Experience Must Include The Following

• Three (3) years in a senior leadership or management capacity.
• Direct oversight of complex, high-dollar, and high-risk procurements.
• Demonstrated application and interpretation of state and federal statutes, regulations, and policies governing public procurement and contracting.
• Experience with diverse contract types including professional services, purchased and client services, IT and technology procurements, data sharing agreements, inter-local agreements, grants and sub-grants, capital equipment, supplies, and printed materials.
• Responsibility for developing procurement strategies, policies, contract terms and agreements, and internal controls to ensure compliance, transparency, and fiscal accountability.
• Experience leading contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and vendor performance management activities.

Option 2 – Education And Experience Pathway

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Law, or a closely related field; AND Four (4) or more years of experience in public sector contracting and procurement. Relevant professional certification (e.g., CPPB, CPPO, CPCM) may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Two (2) or more years of contracting and procurement leadership experience within a Washington State government agency.
• Professional procurement certification (e.g., Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)).
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives, modernization of procurement systems, or implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Experience supporting legislative reporting requirements or responding to external audits.

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.

About The Washington State Department Of Health

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions

• The position requires in-person attendance at least once per month to perform duties on-site at the Tumwater campus. When not working on-site, this position may work from home, a DOH office, or an alternate location. The official duty station for this position is home-based. If additional onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.

Work Setting, Including Hazards

• The assigned duty station for this position is in Homebased. Work performed may require mobile work from various locations on the Tumwater campus or personal residence.
• This position requires reliable access to an internet connection sufficient to perform all job duties remotely.
• Work performed on the Tumwater campus is indoors in an office environment in various workspace setups.

Schedule (i.e., Hours And Days)

• Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. Must be able to work in excess of 40 hours per week when necessary to perform the core functions of the position.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel either alone or with another person, to attend training, conferences or other business meetings.

Tools And Equipment

• This position may require frequent phone conversations while looking up information on the computer. Duties may require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.).

Customer Relations

• Daily contact with culturally diverse customers (clients, local health jurisdictions, community-based providers, agency staff, other state agencies, and other partners).

Other

• The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.

This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at [email protected] and reference DOH8852.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts

Supplemental Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?

• a. DOH Employment Site/Job Alerts
• b. DOH Employee
• c. Friend or Acquaintance
• d. Indeed
• e. LinkedIn
• f. Careers.wa.gov
• g. Job Fair – if selected, answer Question 2
• h. Other – if selected, answer Question 2

02

If you selected "g" or "h" to Question 1: Where you first heard about this employment opportunity?

03

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g. H-1B, F1, TN, etc.) DOH is not an E-Verify agency]

• Yes
• No

05

(Select All That Apply) I Meet The Option 1 Required Qualification - Eight (8) Or More Years Of Experience In Public Sector Contracting And Procurement. Relevant Professional Certification (e.g., CPPB, CPPO, CPCM) May Substitute For Up To Two (2) Years Of Experience. AND My Experience Includes The Following:

• a. Three (3) years in a senior leadership or management capacity.
• b. Direct oversight of complex, high-dollar, and high-risk procurements.
• c. Demonstrated application and interpretation of state and federal statutes, regulations, and policies governing public procurement and contracting.
• d. Experience with diverse contract types including professional services, purchased and client services, IT and technology procurements, data sharing agreements, inter-local agreements, grants and sub-grants, capital equipment, supplies, and printed materials.
• e. Responsibility for developing procurement strategies, policies, contract terms and agreements, and internal controls to ensure compliance, transparency, and fiscal accountability.
• f. Experience leading contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and vendor performance management activities.
• g. None of the above or I am not using this option to qualify

06

(Select All That Apply) I Meet The Option 2 Required Qualification - Bachelor’s Degree Or Higher In Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, Law, Or a Closely Related Field; AND Four (4) Or More Years Of Experience In Public Sector Contracting And Procurement. Relevant Professional Certification (e.g., CPPB, CPPO, CPCM) May Substitute For Up To Two (2) Years Of Experience. AND My Experience Includes The Following:

• a. Three (3) years in a senior leadership or management capacity.
• b. Direct oversight of complex, high-dollar, and high-risk procurements.
• c. Demonstrated application and interpretation of state and federal statutes, regulations, and policies governing public procurement and contracting.
• d. Experience with diverse contract types including professional services, purchased and client services, IT and technology procurements, data sharing agreements, inter-local agreements, grants and sub-grants, capital equipment, supplies, and printed materials.
• e. Responsibility for developing procurement strategies, policies, contract terms and agreements, and internal controls to ensure compliance, transparency, and fiscal accountability.
• f. Experience leading contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and vendor performance management activities.
• g. None of the above or I am not using this option to qualify

07

(Select All that apply) I have the following preferred qualifications.

• a. Two (2) or more years of contracting and procurement leadership experience within a Washington State government agency.
• b. Professional procurement certification (e.g., Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)).
• c. Experience leading organizational change initiatives, modernization of procurement systems, or implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives.
• d. Experience supporting legislative reporting requirements or responding to external audits.
• e. None of the above

08

Describe your experience leading a centralized contracting and procurement function within a public sector organization. In your response, address the following:

• The size and complexity of the procurement portfolio (e.g., dollar value, number of staff, scope of contracts).
• Your role in developing and/or interpreting procurement policy and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

09

I have reviewed my responses to the supplemental questions to ensure their accuracy. I understand that once my application is submitted, these responses cannot be modified.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question