Procurement Manager
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is seeking a Procurement Manager to support MCEC’s clean energy financing, technical assistance, and operational initiatives through the strategic planning, administration, and management of competitive and non-competitive procurements, ensuring adherence to both internal and external policy requirements as appropriate. Serving as a trusted procurement advisor to internal stakeholders, this role leads the procurement process, from initial planning and selection of procurement pathway through final completion, including management of the solicitation and contract award and management.
At the project level, the Procurement Manager develops a diverse array of public-sector procurement-related documents, including solicitations, professional service contracts, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), intergovernmental agreements, and more. This position is also responsible for contract negotiation, quantitative and qualitative vendor evaluation, contract administration, and performance monitoring for a diverse portfolio of professional services, technical consulting, construction, equipment, and operational procurements. The position works collaboratively with program staff, finance, legal counsel, and external partners to deliver transparent, efficient, and value-driven procurement solutions.
At the organizational level, this role supports procurement planning, vendor management, reporting, process improvement initiatives, compliance activities, and strategic sourcing efforts that strengthen MCEC’s or our client’s operational effectiveness and support the successful implementation of statewide clean energy programs.
MCEC is a not-for-profit corporate instrumentality of the State of Maryland, created by the Maryland General Assembly and governed by a Governor-appointed Board of Directors. Serving as Maryland’s statewide green bank, MCEC’s mission is to transform the State’s energy economy by increasing clean energy jobs, accelerating the commercialization of innovative technologies, and expanding access to clean energy products and services.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Procurement Planning and Lifecycle Administration
- End to End Management: Manage the full lifecycle of competitive and non-competitive procurements from planning through contract administration and close-out.
- Strategy Development: Develop procurement strategies that align with project objectives, budgets, schedules, and compliance requirements.
- Document Origination and Preparation: Develop contractual documents including: service contracts, amendments, renewals, extensions, and change orders as necessary. Author and prepare solicitation documents, including: Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), sole source justifications, emergency procurements, and related solicitation documents.
- Scope Specification: Collaborate with project teams to develop clear statements of work, evaluation criteria, contract terms, performance standards, and procurement schedules.
Solicitation and Contract Award
- Process Coordination: Manage public advertisements, vendor notifications, solicitation distribution, bidder communications, and procurement documentation.
- Meeting Facilitation: Facilitate pre-bid conferences, pre-proposal meetings, site visits, and vendor question-and-answer processes.
- Vendor Evaluation and Selection: Coordinate proposal evaluations and ensure procurement activities are fair, objective, and well documented.
- Negotiation and Execution: Participate in contract negotiations and prepare award recommendations.
Contract Administration and Vendor Management
- Performance Monitoring: Monitor contractor performance throughout the life of each agreement.
- Issue Resolution: Work collaboratively with project managers to ensure contractual deliverables, schedules, budgets, and performance expectations are achieved.
- Issue Resolution: Resolve procurement and contract disputes efficiently in partnership with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
- Relationship Management: Maintain collaborative, positive working relationships with suppliers while ensuring accountability and contract compliance.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all procurements comply with applicable Maryland procurement laws, MCEC policies, grant requirements, and applicable funding requirements.
- Audit Readiness: Maintain complete, audit-ready procurement files and documentation supporting procurement decisions.
- Risk Mitigation: Identify potential procurement risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Continuous Improvement: Update and improve procurement processes, templates and internal controls; track procurement metrics to report on vendor performance and contract utilization. Assist with procurement audits and respond to internal and external information requests.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide procurement guidance and technical assistance to program managers throughout the organization, partnering with Finance, Legal, Technical Assistance, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to support multi-disciplinary strategic procurement objectives.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Procurement, or a related field.
- Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible procurement or contract administration experience, including competitive solicitations and contract management.
- Experience preparing procurement documents, evaluating proposals, negotiating contracts, and administering vendor agreements.
- Experience interpreting procurement policies, regulations, and contractual requirements.
Equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience administering procurements for a Maryland State Agency, State Instrumentality, or public sector entity.
- Experience with procurement for grant funded projects, federally funded programs, and/or infrastructure projects.
- Professional procurement certification such as Maryland Procurement Professional (MPP), CPPB, CPPO, CPCM, NIGP-CPP, or equivalent.
- Experience using eMMA and Maryland FMIS.
- Experience administering or supporting procurement for large scale, technically complex infrastructure projects, with combined engineering, procurement and construction
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of public procurement principles, competitive solicitation methods, and contract administration.
- Knowledge of Maryland procurement laws and regulations preferred.
- Strong understanding of contract negotiation and vendor management practices.
- Ability to interpret procurement regulations and apply sound professional judgment.
- Excellent written communication and document preparation skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple complex procurements simultaneously.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships across departments and with external vendors.
- High attention to detail and commitment to ethical procurement practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Maryland’s eMMA procurement platform and Financial Management Information System (FMIS), or similar procurement and financial management systems.
LICNESES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Professional procurement certification such as Maryland Procurement Professional (MPP), CPPB, CPPO, CPCM, NIGP-CPP, or equivalent.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license meeting the requirements of Maryland law and all MCEC policies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and occasional travel to meetings, vendor locations, or project sites as needed.
OTHER DUTIES
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities to support the mission and operational needs of MCEC
WORK LOCATION AND SCHEDULE
MCEC supports a hybrid work environment. This position is primarily based at our College Park, MD office, with a combination of on-site and remote work to support collaboration, efficiency, and program needs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The candidate will be expected to be results oriented and perform responsibilities with an appropriate sense of urgency cognizant at all times of strict timeframes. Success in this position will depend on ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
SALARY RANGE
The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, and internal equity.
TO APPLY
Qualified candidates should send resumes with cover letters, noting salary requirements, to [email protected].
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation or opinion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
MCEC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us to request assistance.