Lead IT Procurement Officer (SME) Near by location

We are seeking an experienced Lead IT Procurement Officer (SME) to manage and oversee IT procurement and contract management activities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IT procurement, business analysis, project management, and State Government procurement processes. This individual will work closely with internal stakeholders, Information Technology Services (ITS), and external vendors to ensure procurement activities comply with state laws and procurement guidelines while supporting strategic IT initiatives. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage IT procurement and contract management activities for enterprise technology initiatives. Provide project oversight and procurement leadership for multiple IT projects simultaneously. Coordinate the acquisition of IT software, technical services, hardware, and consulting resources in compliance with Mississippi State procurement laws and ITS guidelines. Develop, prepare, and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and other procurement solicitations. Research, evaluate, and recommend IT products, software, and services that best meet agency business needs. Review, evaluate, score, and document vendor proposals, bids, and quotations. Analyze procurement responses and recommend the most cost-effective and technically sound solutions. Gather, document, and communicate business requirements, user stories, workflows, and procurement documentation.

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. 10+ years of experience gathering, documenting, and communicating business requirements and/or user stories. 10+ years of experience defining and documenting business requirements, business processes, workflows, and functional specifications. 10+ years of experience organizing project teams and developing work plans for multiple concurrent projects. 10+ years of experience serving as a Business Analyst and/or Project Manager. 10+ years of experience working within State Government. 10+ years of experience creating procurement solicitations for IT software, hardware, and professional services. Strong knowledge of State procurement laws, contract management, and competitive solicitation processes. Experience developing and managing RFPs, RFQs, IFBs, vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations. Excellent analytical, communication, documentation, stakeholder management, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple procurement initiatives simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines., Certified Mississippi Purchasing Agent (CMPA) Certification. Experience working directly with Mississippi Information Technology Services (ITS). Experience supporting enterprise-level government technology procurements. Knowledge of IT contract management, vendor management, and procurement best practices.