Senior Procurement Specialist (Procurement Specialist, Sr) in Portland, Oregon at City of Portland

Job Appointment: Full Time, Regular
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Alternate schedules may be available.
Work Location: This position is primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings at the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave., Portland, OR 97204. Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington. For more information, click here.
Union Representation: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 189, (AFSCME-189). To view current labor agreements, click here.
Starting Pay: Applicants start at the entry rate. If you are an AFSCME/DCTU-represented employee, see labor agreement or contact your labor representative for additional information.
Position Summary:

The City of Portland is seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Specialist to lead complex public procurements that deliver best value while ensuring transparency, fairness, legal compliance, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

This position serves as an advisor to City bureaus throughout the procurement lifecycle, from project planning and solicitation development through contract negotiation and execution. The successful candidate will apply extensive knowledge of public procurement laws, contracting principles, and risk management practices to oversee procurements that are legally defensible, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the City's commitment to equity, sustainability, and business excellence.

This role regularly collaborates with bureau leadership, project managers, vendors, legal counsel, contractors, and members of the public to resolve complex procurement issues, develop innovative contracting strategies, and ensure procurement processes remain fair, transparent, and competitive.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead formal and informal procurement processes for complex, high-value, and high-profile goods and services.
• Develop solicitation strategies that promote competition, encourage diverse vendor participation, and comply with applicable procurement laws and City policies.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer solicitations, contracts, amendments, and related procurement documents.
• Provide expert guidance to City bureaus regarding procurement planning, contract development, and compliance with Federal and State laws, City Code, Uniform Commercial Code, City Standard Construction Specifications, and City procurement policies.
• Evaluate procurement strategies to ensure legal defensibility, fiscal responsibility, and effective risk mitigation.
• Facilitate procurement teams through complex solicitations involving multiple stakeholders and citywide initiatives.
• Resolve procurement issues, protests, disputes, and contract-related conflicts through effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.
• Review procurement documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations and internal procedures.
• Build strong working relationships with City staff, contractors, vendors, and community partners while delivering exceptional customer service.
• Improve procurement practices by identifying innovative approaches that enhance efficiency, transparency, and equitable contracting opportunities.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Extensive knowledge of public procurement laws, regulations, and contracting best practices.
• Experience leading complex public procurements involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
• The ability to balance legal compliance with practical business solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing solicitations that encourage competition and equitable vendor participation.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• A commitment to equity, transparency, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Virtual Meet & Greet Opportunity

Meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter to learn more about this position, how to apply, and what it's like to work with the City of Portland.

August 13, 2026

12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88027157496

(Note: Al Notetaking apps are not permitted. If you need ADA accommodations, please contact the recruiter below.)

Applicants must demonstrate how their education, training, and experience meet each of the minimum qualifications listed below:

1. Knowledge of governmental purchasing and contracting principles, public procurement laws, regulations, policies, and public decision-making processes.
2. Experience presenting, explaining, and defending procurement recommendations, solicitation strategies, and contracting decisions to internal and external stakeholders.
3. Experience procuring high-value and high-profile goods and services, including developing solicitations, evaluating proposals, negotiating contracts, and preparing contract amendments.
4. Experience reviewing procurement documents and contract files to ensure completeness, accuracy, compliance, and appropriate documentation.

How to Apply:

• Submit your resume and responses to supplemental questions by the closing date.
• (Optional) Submit Veterans’ Preference documents, if applicable.
  If this is your first time applying with the City of Portland, or if you haven’t requested veteran preference before (and would like to now), please attach your DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter to your application. Once we verify your eligibility, we’ll record your veteran preference in our system, so it automatically applies to your future applications.
• Click here for application tips for resume, supplemental question response and/or cover letter.

What to Expect:

1. Application Review - Week of August 17, 2026: We'll review your application materials to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications listed above.
2. Notice/Feedback - Week of August 24, 2026: You will receive an email when the minimum qualification review is complete. If you disagree with the evaluation results, you may request a review within 14 days of the email notice, per City Administrative Rule 3.01.
3. Selection Process - Early September: The hiring bureau will review qualified applications, conduct interviews, and check references.
4. Conditional Job Offer: Final candidates may undergo a background or driving record check, depending on the position.

Learn More About:

• How to Apply Videos and Workshops
• City of Portland Core Values
• HRAR-3.01 - Recruitment Processes
• Veteran Preference Information
• Total Compensation and Benefits
• Language Pay Differential Eligibility

We’re committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and accessible hiring process. If you need assistance with your application or would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, pregnancy, or religious belief, please contact the recruiter listed below.

Questions? We're here to help!
If you have questions about this recruitment or need assistance, contact:

TroyLynn Craft, Senior Recruiter
troylynn.craft@portlandoregon.gov
Bureau of Human Resources