York County is seeking an experienced professional to serve as its next Chief of Procurement. The successful candidate will be responsible for the administration and supervision of the Procurement Division, overseeing purchasing for both York County government and York County School Division. Working on behalf of the County Administrator, the Chief of Procurement operates under the general supervision of the Finance Director.

York County is located along the York River in southeastern Virginia and is one of the state’s oldest and historically significant counties. York County is in the heart of the Historic Triangle, which includes Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, making it a key area in the story of America's colonial past. Established in 1634, the county seat of Yorktown was a bustling and prosperous 18th century seaport, but it is most remembered as the site where, in 1781, Lord Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington to effectively end the American Revolutionary War.

This rich history is celebrated in permanent and special exhibits at numerous historical parks and sites across the county, including the Colonial Historical National Park and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to work in a scenic community that offers a high quality of life and a reasonable cost of living. York County’s diverse economy, affordability, and award-winning schools makes it one of the most desirable places to live in the mid-Atlantic, and in Virginia, York County currently ranks #1 in Best Counties to Live (Niche).

CHIEF OF PROCUREMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Serving on behalf of the County Administrator, the Chief of Procurement is an integral member of the management team. The position reports directly to the Finance Director and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing centralized procurement activities for York County and York County School Division. Essential functions include:

• Prepares complex commodity specifications and performance conditions to elicit competitive pricing for a variety of commodities and services; reviews and evaluates vendors' proposals to determine compliance with stated specifications and conditions; negotiates, as appropriate, and awards purchase contracts to vendors meeting rates and conditions most favorable to interests of the County and School Division.
• Plans, implements, and maintains purchasing and distribution policies and procedures for County and school departments; prepares and distributes proper forms and instructional memorandums to department heads; provides department heads with information on alternate and new products and methods, as appropriate.
• Prepares memos and resolutions for procurements requiring Board of Supervisor approval.
• Serves as the administrator of the Purchase card program for both the County and the Schools.
• Plans, assigns, and supervises activities of purchasing division personnel, ensuring that staff receives orientation and training required for assigned positions; advises and assists assigned staff, as necessary.
• Assigns requisitions to Buyers; reviews IFBs and RFPs developed by Buyers for requisitioned goods and services; resolves problems or discrepancies, as necessary.
• Develops and administers purchasing division budget; assists other departments in developing budget proposals.
• Administers the Surplus property program.
• Performs other related work as required.

PRIORITIES
The County has identified the following priorities for the next Chief of Procurement for the first six (6) months:
• Understand County Policies and Procedures: Learn procurement policies, county code and compliance requirements; Review budgets, purchase authorization levels and reporting protocols.
• Build Internal Relationships: Meet with key stakeholders; departments, schools, county attorney and other stakeholders; Establish rapport with team members.
• Evaluate Current Procurement Processes: Evaluate procurement staffing; Identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks in current practices and identify process improvements.
• Set Improvement Goals: Examples include cost savings, supplier lead times, and improved quality standards; Develop strategies for sustainable procurement or cost optimization.
• Implement Quick Wins: Renegotiate contracts where feasible; Address any immediate supply chain issues or gaps.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, & EXPERIENCE
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or school purchasing, with three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Procurement certification from a nationally recognized professional organization, with emphasis in public sector purchasing preferred.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning and/or automated procurement software is preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation for the Chief of Procurement is dependent on qualifications and experience with a preferred hiring range of $95,000 - $110,000 annually. Additionally, York County is offering a generous benefits package, to include:
• Up to 80 hours of advanced leave
• Relocation costs up to $7,500
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Health insurance coverage
• Paid time off
• Professional development support, including an degr

APPLICATION PROCESS
This position is open until filled. A timely submittal will ensure the most advantageous review. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references by February 3, 2025, to Jennifer Whistleman, via email at jennifer.whistleman@bgllc.net; however, highly qualified candidates may be invited for interview at any time. Questions may be directed to:
Jennifer Whistleman
Berkley Group
P.O. Box 181
Bridgewater, VA 22812
Email: jennifer.whistleman@bgllc.net
Mobile: 540-435-2505

For the full recruitment profile, visit www.bgllc.net.