Deputy Procurement Commissioner

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Procurement Department assists in getting the City all the materials and services it needs to serve its residents. We inspect supplies and property purchased under City contracts and certify local businesses. Our office also manages public advertising for things like election and health notices, open bids for contractors, and other City needs.

Business owners can bid on opportunities to provide:

• Supplies and equipment for City departments.
• Maintenance or repair services.
• Construction or improvement of a public property, street, bridge, highway, or sewer.
• Concession opportunities on City property.
• Environmentally responsible disposal of waste or City property.

Job Description

Position Summary

Consistent with the strategic priorities of the City of Philadelphia, the Deputy Procurement Commissioner is an executive management position that helps to lead the planning, organization, development and coordination of all procurement activities under the purview of the Procurement Department. This function includes managing a sector of the Procurement Spend in an environment of change as the City consolidates its procurement functions. This position will supervise a team that is responsible for the procurement of related goods, services, and equipment in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and policies and procedures.

The Deputy Procurement Commissioner works with the Procurement Commissioner and members of the executive leadership team to define, implement, and communicate the strategic direction and initiatives of the Procurement Department.  Responsibilities include leading and providing guidance to teams and individuals while offering sound contractual advice to all stakeholders.  Supervision of procurement professionals and administrative staff engaged in purchasing activities, processes and life cycle management is required.

Essential Functions

• Manage a growing team that is responsible for the timely procurement of all goods, supplies and services needed for the assigned categories, in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and procurement policies and procedures by reviewing and monitoring procurements conducted by any department, agency or official.
• Help to build a more agile procurement culture through customized training and development.
• Maintain the integrity of the public procurement process.
• Manage, monitor and report on key procurement measures related to vendor performance and procurement processing times.
• Identify and communicate opportunities and areas for process improvement and value creation throughout the procurement process
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and department lead for procurement system implementation projects and initiatives while facilitating communication with project stakeholders to ensure alignment with department goals and expectations.
• Develop and facilitate purchasing training for internal and external stakeholders.
• Achieve operational objectives by contributing information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews, preparing and completing action plans.
• Ability to resolve strategic procurement problems by identifying trends, determining system improvements, communicating and implementing change.
• Work with the Procurement Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners to recommend policies to the legislative body regarding the procurement of IT goods, supplies and services.
• Ensure purchasing practices are consistent, open, and designed to encourage maximum competition through sealed bid and best value procurements.
• Supervise the preparation of contractual documents with suppliers. Review other documents within authority.
• Formulate, in conjunction with using departments, short-term and long-term strategic procurement plans.
• Participate in the review of policies and procedures governing procurement to improve upon and standardize processes.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure clear communication and clarify expectations across departments and with new vendors.
• Ability to anticipate and prepare control strategies due to unfavorable events in the marketplace.
• Collaborate with the Law Department on any potential debarments or suspensions.
• Work to advance and optimize the ERP systems.
• And other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Aptitude in decision-making and working with people
• Interpersonal and political savvy.
• Customer focus.
• Motivational and strong leadership capabilities.
• Demonstrated strategic agility and ability to plan both short and long term.
• Strong negotiation and networking skills.
• Experience in process and innovation management.
• Knowledge of sourcing and procurement techniques as well as a dexterity in “reading” the market.
• Demonstrated experience in vendor engagement, stakeholder relationship building and management.
• Knowledge of the Public Procurement Process.
• Good knowledge of supplier or third-party management software.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and systems simultaneously and prioritizing projects to meet deadlines.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and summarize data gathered through various data sets and systems/applications.
• Proactive and collaborative leadership style that works well in teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, project management, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related area of study. An advanced degree such as an MBA, MPA, or JD is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain management, procurement, or a similar functional area. Experience working in a government setting and/or managing professional staff is preferred.
• Preferred certification in Supply Chain Management: Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO); Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB); Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $130,000–$150,000,

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: 78628dec-8710-423e-b7c5-c0c7efbb6f85

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-01-30T17:54:48