Procurement Lead

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is the largest public transit agency in Iowa. DART provides transportation anyone can access through services that include 11 Bus Routes, Paratransit, and On Demand. Resources support those who vanpool, walk or bike to move through the region in an efficient and affordable way. Services connect thousands of people every day to jobs, school, medical appointments, entertainment and more. POSITION SUMMARY: The Procurement Lead, under general direction from the Senior Director of Finance & Compliance (SDFC), serves as DART’s lead subject matter expert for complex procurement, contract administration, and federal/public procurement compliance. This position leads high-risk, agency-wide, and federally funded procurements; develops and maintains procurement standards, solicitation documents, and contract terms; provides strategic guidance to departments and leadership; and ensures procurement activities meet DART quality, schedule, cost, delivery, and compliance requirements. PAY: $90k - $100k PRIMARY OFFICE LOCATION: This is an in-office position based at DART's administrative offices in Des Moines, Iowa. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Procurement & Contract Administration · Lead and manage complex, high-risk, and federally funded procurements and contract administration activities. Lead the development, evaluation, negotiation, and award of RFPs, RFQs, IFBs, and other competitive solicitations. · Coordinate the full procurement lifecycle, including solicitation development, vendor outreach, evaluations, negotiations, contract execution, amendments, renewals, and closeouts. · Ensure procurements and contracts comply with applicable laws, FTA requirements, grant conditions, DART policies, and ethical procurement standards. · Develop sourcing strategies, procurement standards, and agency-wide contracts that support operational efficiency, compliance, and best value. Compliance & Operational Support · Review procurement and contract documents for regulatory, legal, insurance, DBE, and business compliance requirements. · Monitor contract performance, deliverables, vendor compliance, and renewal timelines; address vendor issues and corrective actions as needed. · Maintain procurement policies, procedures, templates, and related documentation to align with changing regulations and operational needs. · Coordinate procurement records, vendor documentation, and system files to ensure audit readiness and accurate recordkeeping. Collaboration & Leadership Support · Provide technical guidance, workflow support, training, and procurement expertise to internal staff and departments. · Partner with IOC Hub, grants, finance, operations, legal counsel, and project teams to support federally funded purchases, compliance initiatives, and audit activities. · Support process improvements, procurement metrics, ERP workflows, and Capital Improvement Plan initiatives. Vendor Relations & Outreach · Build and maintain effective relationships with vendors, agencies, DBE firms, and internal stakeholders to promote fair competition and procurement opportunities. · Represent DART in vendor meetings, negotiations, committees, training sessions, and procurement-related discussions. · Support surplus and asset disposition activities in coordination with operational, financial, and compliance requirements. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience: · Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Procurement, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field preferred. · Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public procurement, sourcing, and contract administration, including complex solicitations and compliance oversight; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience leading competitive procurement processes, including RFPs, RFQs, IFBs, and similar formal solicitations. · Experience with federally fund…

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