Additional Information

• Agency Logo:
• Requisition ID: FIN054K
• Number of Openings: 1
• Advertised Salary: $58,000 - $65,000/year
• Shift: Day Job
• Posting End Date: Sep 12, 2025

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The State Purchasing Division (SPD), located near the State Capitol in Atlanta, GA is one of five divisions within the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS). The agency provides enterprise business solutions for Executive Branch Agencies. DOAS is a hybrid work environment and telework is encouraged with some days in the office required.
We are seeking innovative thinkers and enthusiastic problem solvers who enjoy challenges and a fast-paced environment to join us as an Associate Category Manager. This position encompasses a variety of procurement activities focused on the strategic sourcing of goods and general commodities. The position works under the supervision/mentorship of a Senior Category Manager to manage a specialized category within Goods, in the Strategic Sourcing Division. The successful candidate will develop and execute procurement strategies to maximize customer satisfaction and cost for assigned complex category(s). Develops and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

General procurement knowledge with demonstrated ability to think strategically
Advanced Microsoft Office Skills
Strong project management skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Excellent analytical skills
Strong Negotiations skills
Ability to reduce cost within categories
Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills

MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Note: An equivalent combination of education and job-specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience, and competencies required to perform the job successfully at the job level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following items below.
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
Certification as a CPPB, CPPO, CPCM, CPM, CPSM, GCPA, or GCPM
Government procurement experience
E-sourcing experience
Experience with catalog management
Specific experience in purchasing Goods and general commodities
Procurement/sourcing experience in Goods, Human Services, or Information Technology
Experience with Contract Administration and Management
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Develops, communicates, and implements procurement strategy for assigned sourcing projects within category(s).
Collaborate with Data Team on cost strategy with consideration of highest spend products/services to maximize savings.
Develops Request for Quotes (RFQs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), and other solicitation documents based on specified sourcing strategies. Researches, analyses, and presents market research and sourcing data to executive level committees/councils to support recommended strategies.
Formalizes and leads cross functional support teams during the solicitation process in the development of financial and technical evaluation criteria for solicitations.
Develops negotiation strategies based on supplier response and market analysis to identify possible outcomes. Leads negotiations with selected suppliers.
Establishes and maintains effective channels of communication and working relationships with customers and suppliers and serves as central point of contact for purchasing customers and suppliers during the solicitation process.
Provides internal support staff with clear project expectations and objectives, and coordinates with them in performing procurement responsibilities.
Utilizes computer skills to create, manage, analyze, and document sizable datasets and /or research information.
Participates in the identification, adoption, and implementation of best practices in the field of procurement.
Ensure that procurement activities are conducted in a professional and ethical manner.
Serves as a DOAS Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) resource during State emergencies.