Job Summary: The
Department of Social Services is seeking applications for a
Procurement Supervisor located in
Cole County.Semi-Monthly Salary: $3,505.59
I ndividual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift, or time-of-service pay).
Job Location: This position will be located at 3418 Knipp Drive, Suite A-2, Jefferson City, MO.
All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.
Why you'll love this position: The Department of Social Services (DSS) partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy and productive lives. In this position you will be responsible for management, guidance, and mentoring for other staff while ensuring contracts and solicitations meet the needs for DSS and comply with procurement statutes. This position o versees staff procurement activities while they work to establish the complex contracts necessary to fulfill DSS's mission. The procurement supervisor will be responsible to identify needs and develop processes to assist DSS contract and procurement activities.
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to support the management and development of a dynamic procurement team. This role requires exercising independent judgment, communication skills, proficient writing skills, critical thinking, and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships within DSS and with other external partners to effectively meet agency needs.
Responsibilities - What you’ll do:This is a senior-level leadership position within the DSS Procurement Unit responsible for managing and directing comprehensive procurement operations. This position provides strategic oversight of procurement specialists and their teams, ensuring all procurement activities align with applicable statutes, regulations, and agency goals. This role requires advanced knowledge of procurement authorities, mechanisms, best practices, and plays a critical role in shaping procurement strategy, policy development, and operational excellence.
The position is accountable for:
- Leading and developing a team of procurement specialists and their staff engaged in the full lifecycle of various types of procurements.
- Ensuring procurement strategies are innovative, cost-effective, and aligned with the DSS mission.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure compliance with RSMo Chapter 34, DSS policy, and applicable regulations.
- Providing strategic guidance and technical expertise to resolve complex procurement issues and ensure consistency and quality across all procurement activities.
- Collaborating with executive leadership, legal counsel, fiscal staff, and program staff to develop procurement solutions that support agency priorities and long-term planning.
- Collaborate with other state agencies and external stakeholders to establish and manage contracts on behalf of DSS.
- Monitoring procurement performance metrics and compliance.
- Collaborate with the Procurement Manager to recommend, develop, and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability across procurement operations.
- Engage in strategic planning meetings related to the annual budget as approved by the Missouri General Assembly and coordinate with program and fiscal staff throughout the agency to develop a comprehensive procurement plan that aligns with programmatic goals and project timelines.
- Assist in responding to Sunshine Law requests, audit responses, fiscal note inquiries, etc.
- Provide coaching and professional development efforts for procurement staff to build a high-performing, knowledgeable, and adaptable team.
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and customer service within the procurement functionality.
- Performing other duties as assigned in support of the agency’s strategic objectives.
Qualifications - All you need for s uccess:Minimum Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed). Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:• Demonstrated expertise in public procurement practices, including sourcing strategies, solicitation development, contract negotiation, and compliance with state and federal regulations.• Strong understanding of Missouri procurement laws, including RSMo Chapter 34, and familiarity with statewide procurement systems such as SAMII, MissouriBUYS, and SharePoint.• Proven ability to lead and support procurement teams in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.• Skilled in analyzing complex procurement issues, interpreting policy, and developing strategic solutions.• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other relevant business tools.• Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal teams, external agencies, and vendors.• Adaptable to evolving processes, technologies, and organizational needs.• Commitment to ethical procurement practices, transparency, and continuous improvement.Job Details - More reasons to love this position:The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. You can view the comprehensive benefit package here . Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .
Contact Information:If you have any questions about this position, please contact HR at HRC@dss.mo.gov .. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at courtney.a.hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416.
Recruitment Area: All qualified candidates.
Application Deadline: November 4, 2025
The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.