Job Description
The Opportunity
Barnstable County is seeking an experienced procurement professional to serve as Chief Procurement Officer. Reporting to the Finance Director/Treasurer, the Chief Procurement Officer leads the County’s purchasing function — managing the full lifecycle of bids, proposals, and contracts for materials, supplies, services, and equipment, and ensuring every transaction meets the rigorous compliance standards required of public procurement. This is a high-visibility role for a candidate who is comfortable working independently, exercising sound judgment on complex procurement questions, and representing the county to vendors, county departments, and municipal partners with professionalism and discretion.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee the county’s procurement process from specification development through bid award, including cooperative bidding opportunities for Cape Cod towns and other political subdivisions.
- Ensure full compliance with M.G.L. Chapter 30B, Chapter 149, Chapter 30 §39M, and related federal and state procurement law.
- Review and approve department purchase orders, evaluate vendor proposals, and negotiate and prepare contracts for execution.
- Administer County-wide programs including the Procurement Card, Gasoline and Diesel Program, and the e-bidding/ERP purchasing modules.
- Maintain audit-ready procurement files and serve as a resource to County departments and municipal officials on purchasing policy and procedure.
- Represent the County as liaison to state and municipal purchasing organizations, including the Cape Cod Association of Public Procurement Officials.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field, with more than five years of progressively responsible experience in public procurement — or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official designation is required. Success in this role calls for strong contract negotiation and budgeting skills, sound independent judgment, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines in a fast-paced office environment.
Why Join Barnstable County
This is a Grade 12, exempt, non-union position with an anticipated annual salary of $96,522 to $111,896, based on knowledge and experience. Barnstable County is a member of the Barnstable County Retirement Association and provides health, dental, and life insurance with the county contributing 75% of premium costs.