Senior Purchasing and Contracting Specialist
Apply NowCompany: Ramsey County, MN
Location: Saint Paul, MN 55106
Description:
Salary : $66,363.47 - $99,545.21 Annually
Location : (Metro Square) Saint Paul, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00152
Department: 21B01-Finance/Admin
Opening Date: 02/19/2025
Closing Date: 3/4/2025 11:59 PM Central
Union: Unrepresented
FLSA Status: nonexempt
Basic Function
Responsible for county-wide purchasing and contracting functions, including the intake, competitive solicitation, and contract creation related to a wide variety of supplies, equipment, materials, labor services, and professional and expenditure grant services in accordance with federal regulations, state statutes, county administrative code, policies, procedures, and budget; analyze metrics, reports, and contractor performance for compliance and direct corrective action.
This position differs from the Purchasing and Contracting Specialist in that employees at this level in the Purchasing and Contracting Specialist job series have a higher degree of independence. Employees perform work that involves recommendation, analysis and interpretation of federal regulations, state statutes and policy. This position could reside on one of three teams: Purchasing and Contracting Coordination, Purchasing and Contracting Management, or Contract Administration.
The current vacancy is in the Finance department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: . Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Flexible Workplace: This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to:
Examples of Work Performed
Analyze, interpret, and communicate procurement federal regulations, state statutes, county policies and procedures, and State of Minnesota Auditor's reports; implement changes to ensure compliance. Conduct competitive solicitations, assist with the intake process, analyze the marketplace, develop comprehensive solicitations including writing the scope or specifications, develop appropriate evaluation and pricing matrices, advertise and release solicitations, conduct pre-solicitation response conferences and solicitation openings, analyze solicitation responses for conformance with requirements, compliance, established intent and reasonableness, and allow ability of fiscal costs, and service delivery methodologies; develop quote/bid tabs; direct department representatives regarding response evaluation; determine awarded contractor; manage the solicitation award process; attest that the direct purchase or competitive solicitation is in compliance with all county policies and procedures, federal regulations and state statutes. Conduct contract preparation for supplies, equipment, materials, labor services and professional and expenditure grant services: contract creation that is in compliance with the direct purchase or competitive solicitation and awarded contractor's response; obtain necessary contract documents, such as bonds and insurance requirements; validate the accuracy and compliance of documents; and attest that the contract is in compliance with all county policies and procedures, federal regulations and state statutes. Maintain official purchasing and contracting files which are subject to state audit and public data practices requests; assist in answering questions from auditors related to procurements for which they are responsible; draft correspondence, such as responses to public data practices requests from the public and other county employees. Analyze and recommend changes and/or improvements to purchasing and contracting policies and procedures, templates and forms, solicitation and contract language. Conduct contract administration. Analyze and direct problem resolution between departments and contractors related to performance issues, warranty, pricing, quality, non-compliance with contract requirements, or any other solicitation or contract related issue; administer contract price changes, alterations, terminations, extensions and renewals, negotiations, and amendments in accordance with contract provisions. Proactively analyze department contract usage, purchasing and contracting needs, and marketplace availability to develop direct purchase or competitive solicitations and resulting contracts or contract renewals that support continuation of business needs; conduct cost benefit analysis, life cycle costing, and commodity standardization studies; evaluate and recommend ways to leverage purchasing and contracting county-wide. Audit departments and contractors for compliance with procurement federal regulations, state statutes, county policies and procedures, and report findings. Coordinate intergovernmental agency cooperative purchasing solicitations and contracts; analyze existing and new procurement master contracts in order to purchase off other federal, state, and cooperative contracts. Engages with community as needed throughout the purchasing and contracting process. Analyze procurement metrics and reports. Assist with development and implementation of training programs for county employees.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this description. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting or closely related field.
Experience: Two years of purchasing and contracting experience.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and experience
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
The examination for Senior Purchasing and Contracting Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Senior Purchasing and Contracting Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for one month or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at
For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit:
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.
02
Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.
03
Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting or closely related field.Degree must be earned prior to the closing date of this posting.
04
If you indicated in the previous question, that you have a degree, please list your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion.If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.
05
Describe your experience related to solicitation development, vendor selection, and maintaining stakeholders' relationship.
06
Describe your contracting/negotiating experience as it relates to goods, services (including IT/technology), and construction in the private or public sector.
07
This position requires advising service areas on purchasing and contractual issues and decisions. What skills/experience do you have related to this role? What guides your approach?
08
Describe your experience using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, a financial records system or some other kind of record-keeping or business software.
09
Describe your experience working, training, volunteering and/or life experiences that demonstrate your cultural awareness within a diverse workforce.
Required Question
Location : (Metro Square) Saint Paul, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00152
Department: 21B01-Finance/Admin
Opening Date: 02/19/2025
Closing Date: 3/4/2025 11:59 PM Central
Union: Unrepresented
FLSA Status: nonexempt
Basic Function
Responsible for county-wide purchasing and contracting functions, including the intake, competitive solicitation, and contract creation related to a wide variety of supplies, equipment, materials, labor services, and professional and expenditure grant services in accordance with federal regulations, state statutes, county administrative code, policies, procedures, and budget; analyze metrics, reports, and contractor performance for compliance and direct corrective action.
This position differs from the Purchasing and Contracting Specialist in that employees at this level in the Purchasing and Contracting Specialist job series have a higher degree of independence. Employees perform work that involves recommendation, analysis and interpretation of federal regulations, state statutes and policy. This position could reside on one of three teams: Purchasing and Contracting Coordination, Purchasing and Contracting Management, or Contract Administration.
The current vacancy is in the Finance department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: . Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Flexible Workplace: This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to:
Examples of Work Performed
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this description. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting or closely related field.
Experience: Two years of purchasing and contracting experience.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and experience
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
- Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Senior Purchasing and Contracting Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Senior Purchasing and Contracting Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for one month or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
- Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
- MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered
- VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered
- Pre-tax Benefit Program
- Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
- Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
- Paid time off
- Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
- Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
- Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
- Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
- Retirement benefits
- Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
- New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
- Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
- Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
- Transit and parking
- Fully funded Metropass.
- Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
- Employee well-being
- Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
- Wellness programming
- Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
- Life Insurance and Disability leave
- County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
- Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
- Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
- Career development
- Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
- Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
- County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit:
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.
- Yes
- No
02
Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.
- Yes
- No
03
Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting or closely related field.Degree must be earned prior to the closing date of this posting.
- High school diploma or GED
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or higher
- None of the above
04
If you indicated in the previous question, that you have a degree, please list your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion.If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.
05
Describe your experience related to solicitation development, vendor selection, and maintaining stakeholders' relationship.
06
Describe your contracting/negotiating experience as it relates to goods, services (including IT/technology), and construction in the private or public sector.
07
This position requires advising service areas on purchasing and contractual issues and decisions. What skills/experience do you have related to this role? What guides your approach?
08
Describe your experience using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, a financial records system or some other kind of record-keeping or business software.
09
Describe your experience working, training, volunteering and/or life experiences that demonstrate your cultural awareness within a diverse workforce.
Required Question