Procurement Director

Procurement Director – Fahrenheit Advisors

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained by the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), an independent state agency, to identify a strategic and experienced Procurement Director to lead its Procurement Division.

Ranked among the largest public pension funds in the U.S., VRS serves over 803,000 members, retirees, and beneficiaries, providing trusted financial stewardship and retirement security for Virginians.

The Procurement Director leads and manages VRS’ procurement operations, ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. The role prepares instructions regarding purchasing systems and procedures, designs, implements, and manages related reporting systems, and oversees all activities related to the procurement of commodities or services, including preparing and reviewing contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements.

Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

• Serves as principal advisor regarding compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act and generally accepted procurement practices.
• Oversees, plans, and organizes all procurement activities in compliance with agency, state, and federal regulations and policies, ensuring agency procurement activities conform to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Initiates and directs the execution of routine and complex procurements, preparing solicitation contracts and documentation for bid requests, conducting pre‑bid conferences, and coordinating and evaluating contractual agreements.
• Serves as the Agency’s Purchasing Card Administrator and oversees the purchasing card program, ensuring that cards are used properly and in compliance with the Procurement Code and Agency policies and guidelines.
• Oversees the disposal of all Agency‑owned assets and reconciles internal reports and systems to ensure accurate inventory status and reporting.
• Maintains records on all procurement activity and generates related management reports.
• Standardizes and modernizes business processes and internal controls to enhance efficiency and transparency.
• Fosters collaboration with business units to strengthen internal partnerships and service delivery.
• Stays abreast of current developments in the State legislature and procurement field to recommend procurement process improvements.
• Conducts periodic training and other education efforts to ensure the dissemination of relevant procurement information within the agency.
• Reviews and implements procurement performance objectives as appropriate.
• Participates in cross‑hierarchical teams and contributes to improving services across the agency.
• Completes special projects and tasks as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field is required.
• Desired minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement within a public‑sector or quasi‑public environment, including at least three (3) years in management.
• Professional certification such as CPM, CPPO, CPPB, VCO, or other relevant certification is preferred.
• Experience in writing specifications, negotiating, using various methods of solicitation, and developing and documenting policies and procedures is required. Other education and experience may be considered.
• Skills in using desktop systems and software, including proficiency in MS Office products, and the ability to use automated requisitions and purchase orders and associated workflows.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Virginia Public Procurement Act, and the ability to interpret and explain the Act and related policies to various audiences.
• Knowledge of generally accepted procurement practices.
• High level of integrity, strategic thinking, efficiency and accountability in the procurement of goods and services.
• Ability to build cross‑departmental relationships and partnerships. Strong communicator who can convey complex operational concepts with clarity and diplomacy.
• Proven ability to negotiate and establish large, complex, and high‑dollar amount contracts; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and work independently and under pressure with strict guidelines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to consult and monitor with all levels of management, including executive management.

Director

Full‑time

Government Administration and Government Relations Services