Title: Chief Procurement Officer (CPO)
Agency: NM Public School Facilities Authority
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular-Perm Exempt State
Shift: Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Salary: $85,000.00-$110,000.00
Website: https://nmpsfa.org
NM Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) The New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) is an independent, non-partisan state agency that serves as staff to the Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC). The PSCOC provides state funding to school districts and state-chartered schools for planning, design, construction and maintenance of new schools, replacement schools, and building systems upgrades across New Mexico. PSFA also administers the Community Benefit Fund for electric buses and related infrastructure, charter school lease assistance, teacher housing programs and Measurement and Verification programs.
Job Purpose
The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the agency's procurement and contract administration functions, ensuring compliance with the New Mexico Procurement Code, applicable regulations, and agency policies. The CPO manages the full procurement lifecycle, from pre-solicitation planning and review of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) through contract award, administration, and closeout.
This position oversees contract development, supports proposal evaluation and negotiations, maintains procurement and compliance records, and ensures the effective administration of agency contracts. Serving as a primary liaison between the agency and contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders, the CPO monitors contract performance, resolves contractual issues and disputes, negotiates claims and amendments, and promotes accountability, transparency, and best value in all procurement activities. Reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and works collaboratively with the Deputy Director and Executive Director on agency-wide procurement matters. This position contributes directly to the agency's mission of supporting safe, equitable, and high-quality public school facilities throughout New Mexico.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supervises and manages procurement staff, including one Contract Administrator and two Contract Analysts.
- Oversees the Construction Information Management System (CIMS/Trimble), ensuring workflows function efficiently and issues are resolved promptly.
- Ensures compliance with the New Mexico Procurement Code, agency policies, contract requirements, general conditions, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Monitors contractor performance and contract compliance, taking corrective action when necessary, including contract amendments or termination.
- Serves as a procurement resource for New Mexico school districts and charter schools on Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) funded projects, providing guidance throughout solicitation, award, contract administration, and closeout.
- Develops, negotiates, and administers contracts, amendments, and procurement documents for agency operations and capital projects.
- Reviews procurement requests and price proposals to ensure fairness, reasonableness, and best value for the agency and school districts. Reviews and approves Additional Design Service Requests (ADSRs), Modification Change Requests (MCRs), Change Orders (COs), and other contract modifications in Trimble. Utilizes and administers cooperative purchasing agreements, including statewide and cooperative price agreements, contracts, and other approved procurement vehicles.
- Prepares and approves purchase orders within the SHARE financial system for operational and capital needs. Assists in the development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Maintains complete and accurate procurement and contract records in accordance with agency and state requirements.
- Provides procurement guidance and training to agency staff, school districts, charter schools, consultants, and contractors.
- Prepares reports and provides procurement updates, recommendations, and contract status information to agency leadership and the PSCOC.
- Serves as the agency's procurement subject matter expert and advises leadership on procurement strategy, risk management, and compliance matters. Identifies procurement and contractual risks and develops mitigation strategies to protect agency interests and maintain compliance.
- Conducts all procurement activities with the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability. Maintains Chief Procurement Officer certification and registration requirements with the State of New Mexico.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
- Knowledge of the legal requirements and principles of government purchasing, budgeting, accounting, finance and contract administration.
- Knowledge of project management principles, practices, techniques, and tools.
- Knowledge of the operating practices of construction, architectural, and building firms.
- Thorough knowledge of the New Mexico Procurement Code, procurement regulations, and public-sector contracting requirements.
- Knowledge of construction contract documents, specifications, and related professional services.
- Knowledge of qualifications-based selection processes and procurement methods for architectural, engineering, and construction-related professional services.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to make complex operating, administrative, and procedural decisions.
- Ability to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements.
- Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
- Skills in workflow analysis and management.
- Ability to assess contract compliance.
- Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse state.
- Excellent organizational skills, and an ability to work well with both internal and external customers and PSFA employees at all levels.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or related field, and a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience, plus five (5) years of experience in governmental procurement, contract administration, and design and construction contract management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience should include the procurement of professional services, construction, and related contracts; compliance with applicable procurement laws and regulations; contract administration; and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Certification or obtain certification within six (6) months of employment. Maintenance of certification is a condition of continued employment.
Knowledge of the State of New Mexico SHARE Financials System and other government-sector procurement and financial management systems is preferred.
Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of this classification may substitute for the required education and experience.
Working Conditions:
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending, lifting and reaching may be required. Must be able to lift 25 pounds. Occasional in State may be required.
Employment Requirements
Employment requires successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check; employment is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment. Business reference checks verification is also required, and employment is conditional pending results. Maintain Procurement Officer Certification and registration with the State of New Mexico.
Bargaining Unit Status
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Agency Contact Information: Veronica Batres [email protected]
Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
