Senior Purchasing Agent

Applications will be received until July 28, 2025. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org.

About this job:

Acquires goods and services for various assigned groups and interprets District purchasing policies for staff and vendors. Develops good working relationships with vendors, District staff, outside agencies, and various community groups and individuals. Cultivates and promotes good community relations among community and school clientele. Monitors District purchasing policies and department procedures to ensure receipt of maximum benefit from expenditures for supplies, equipment, and services.

What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range: $68,448 - $82,139.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. For more information visit our New Employee Resources page.

What You'll Do:

• Develops and maintains effective vendor relationships between District personnel and suppliers to enhance current and future acquisitions.
• Researches and develops new sources of supplies and services based on District criteria of price, quality, quantity, and availability; researches and analyzes new products, market conditions, and trends that may affect pricing and availability of products and services.
• Organizes, attends, and may conduct tests and demonstrations of items to be purchased to determine quality; confers with suppliers and District officials regarding complaints about the quality of materials or equipment received; and collaborates with vendors and client groups in problem resolution.
• Receives, compiles, and awards bids/contracts, including complex acquisition and facilitation of evaluation committees as necessary; provides assistance in scope and technical specification writing.
• Prepares annual bids for continuing-price contracts with other offices and/or joint contracts.
• Publishes product testing results, bid prices, specifications, and delivery considerations to District staff.
• Participates in the training, delegating of work, and supervision of less-experienced purchasing agents.
• Handles or is privy to matters related to purchasing that are confidential in nature and used in negotiations with internal and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, private relationships, contracts, internal lawsuits/litigations, and internal audit requests.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's Degree or relevant work experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience in purchasing, including bid solicitation, technical specification writing and contract negotiation.
• Experience working with vendors, administrators, and school staff.
• Experience using relevant software and purchasing tools; working with commodities, budgets, and account codes; and implementing organizational purchasing and p-card policies and procedures.
• If using a personal vehicle to conduct business duties, must have a valid Colorado driver's license or be able to obtain a Colorado driver's license within the state's required time frame for new residents and meet the District's insurability requirements.
• Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP) or equivalent preferred.
• Working knowledge of commercial math as well as computer and internet technology, including Enterprise Resource Planning software, Google Apps, and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to influence, convince, and persuade others.
• Ability to lead others, delegate work efficiently, and mentor less skilled staff.
• Effectively handles multiple demands to meet strict deadlines.
• Aptitude for variety and changing expectations in a fast-paced environment.
• Works effectively with staff at all levels in all departments.
• Ability to communicate and interact with discourteous people on occasion.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun