Assistant director of procurement - child nutrition program (immediate opening)

Role Mission

IDEA’s Assistant Director of Procurement - CNP manages the department staff that facilitate the procurement of instructional materials, school furniture, and other commodities as determined by the Director of Procurement. The Assistant Director of Procurement will oversee the RFP/Bid process and manage contracts related to specific areas of assignment and is responsible for providing support to all financial management users related to the procurement process. The Assistant Director of Procurement supports the organization’s procurement process as outlined by TEA and is committed to continuously improving processes to advance the goals of IDEA Public Schools. The vision of the Assistant Director of Procurement is to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction by facilitating the efficient acquisition of goods and services while keeping in compliance with policy and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly manage Procurement Analyst(s) and Procurement Administrator(s) for assigned responsibilities.

Location

This is a full-time on-site/remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations

Occasional travel to IDEA training events or step-backs may be required - up to 20% of the time.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Procurement Leadership: Lead and develop the Procurement Analyst and Administrator Buyer to ensure all purchasing aligns with cost, quality, and delivery targets while maintaining full compliance with IDEA policies.
• Sourcing and Vendor Management: Oversee vendor sourcing, evaluation, and negotiation to ensure 100% compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and to foster strong, strategic supplier relationships.
• RFP and Bid Management: Direct the full lifecycle of RFPs and bids—from planning through award—ensuring accurate tracking, record retention, and adherence to competitive procurement standards.
• Process Improvement: Analyze data and identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency through continuous improvement and strategic initiatives.
• Vendor Maintenance: Maintain accurate vendor records in Tyler Munis, including required documentation (CIQ, SB9, SAM.gov, W9), correct 1099 coding, and regular vendor cleanups.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Finance, Grant Management, and campus/department leaders to resolve vendor issues, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve the overall procurement experience.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor supply continuity and communicate risks affecting operations.
• Provide regular updates and reports on procurement trends, performance, and special projects.
• Conduct onboarding and ongoing development for procurement staff within two weeks of hire.
• Support end users through conference calls and on-site training to strengthen procurement knowledge.
• Participate in weekly check-ins and financial manager user calls to align on compliance and strategy.
• Attend TASBO and other professional trainings to stay current on laws and best practices.
• Contribute to annual Beginning of Year committees and departmental meetings.
• Assist in quarterly updates of purchasing policies, procedures, and HUB website resources.
• Ensure no vendor engagement occurs with debarred entities and that all grant-related contracts meet public procurement requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Build a Culture of Trust: This team member fosters a team culture where individuals genuinely care for one another both personally and professionally.
• Communicate Deliberately: This team member leads inclusive discussions that surface obstacles and drive actionable solutions, ensuring all voices are heard.
• Grow Self and Others: This team member regularly offers affirming and adjusting feedback, maintaining a positive balance that reinforces growth and motivation.
• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member fosters an inclusive decision-making environment by encouraging diverse perspectives.
• Manage Work and Teams: This team member builds and maintains systems to track progress toward team goals, ensuring clarity through defined roles and responsibilities.

Additional Skills:

• Experience with different IT databases or systems.
• Basic understanding of Finance.
• Data analysis.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong contract review and negotiation skills.
• Exhibits and cultivate high customer service centric approach to procurement functions.
• Project management and task prioritization principles.

Required Education and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Business or Accounting preferred.
• Minimum 3 years professional-level experience in high volume, deadline critical procurement environment, preferably in school districts.
• Minimum of 1 Year in a Texas Child Nutrition Program.
• Experience overseeing transactions and outcomes that are subject to public review and disclosure.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and multiple non-exempt staff.
• Substantive track record of adding value in previous positions.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Preferred Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting.
• Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Must be able to read, hear, and communicate effectively in person and through electronic means.

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $89,694 and $105,391, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment. Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.