Job Information
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Deputy Chief Procurement Officer in Laurel, Maryland
Position Information
Functional TitleDeputy Chief Procurement Officer
Recruitment Category TypeStandard
Functional CategoryProcurement & Supplier Diversity
GradeGS.20
FLSA StatusExempt
Requisition Number26-0162
Number of Vacancies1
Job LevelDeputy Director
Job Code
Job Description Summary
Organization NameProcurement
Reports toChief Procurement Officer
Full or Part TimeFull Time
If Part Time how many hours per week
Regular or TemporaryRegular
Position End Date (if temporary)
Work Schedule
Mon – Fri. 8am-5pm. 1- 2 day telework option
Position LocationLaurel
Position Summary Information
General Summary
TheDeputy Chief Procurement Officer( DCPO ) serves as the principal strategic and operational partner to the Chief Procurement Officer ( CPO ). This executive-level role is responsible forleading procurement operations, implementing policy, and ensuring compliance and efficiency in all procurement activitiesacross the Commission. The Deputy Chief Procurement Officer drives innovation, leads enterprise procurement strategy, and plays a key role in cross-departmental collaboration and high-level communications with other Deputy Chiefs and senior executives. The Deputy Chief Procurement Officer holds signature and approval authority consistent with role.
Essential Functions
Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination
Assists Chief Procurement Officer in all aspects of management and administration including development of strategic plans, short and long-term objectives, budgeting, and performance measurement for operational efficiency and accountability
Leads and oversees daily operations of the procurement office, including contract administration, sourcing, purchasing, compliance, supplier diversity, and procurement systems
Manages and coordinates cross-functional procurement strategies aligned with Commission-wide goals
Serves as the primary liaison for peer-to-peer communications with Deputy Chiefs and senior leaders across the organization
Ensures alignment, appropriate delegation, and consistent messaging
Develops, implements, and monitors procurement policies, procedures, and performance metrics
Leads procurement modernization and process improvement initiatives, including technology adoption, automation, and strategic sourcing
Guides and mentors division and section managers, fostering professional growth and organizational accountability
Represents the Procurement Office in executive-level meetings, Commission workgroups, and external stakeholder engagements
Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal procurement laws and ethical standards
Assists in developing risk assessment frameworks and conducts compliance reviews to support regulatory adherence across procurement activities
Maintains strategic vendor relationships and coordinates with suppliers to support contract performance and resolve operational issues
Analyzes procurement metrics and prepares performance reports for senior leadership to support decision-making and process improvements
Supports emergency operations and assists in implementing business continuity protocols during crisis situations
Other Functions
Acts as the Chief Procurement Officer in their absence or at their request
Performs other related duties as required
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of public sector procurement principles, practices, and regulation.
Thorough understanding of contract administration, competitive solicitation methods, and sourcing strategies
Strong leadership and team management skills, including experience supervising senior-level staff
Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational abilities
Skilled in interpreting and applying procurement laws, regulations, and internal policies
Proven ability to lead change, drive innovation, and manage enterprise-level initiatives
High proficiency in written and verbal communication, including executive presentations and reporting
Ability to foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials, executive staff, and vendors
Knowledge of ERP procurement systems and modern procurement technologies
Ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in and leading procurement organization(s) exceeding or comparable to the size and complexity of WSSC Water and obligated to follow similar contracting laws, principles, regulations, and contracting strategies
Demonstrated experience in managing complex procurements, public sector compliance, and organizational change initiatives
Additional Requirements
Completion of the WSSC Water Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.
Preferences
Master’s degree in business, Public Administration, or a related field.
Professional certifications such as CPPO , CPPB , CPSM , or equivalent.
Experience leading procurement transformation or ERP system implementation.
Demonstrated success in promoting supplier diversity or sustainability in procurement practices.
Salary$180,802 - $244,327
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.
Close Date
Open Until FilledYes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Additional Information
All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.
Eligible applicants will be reviewed for consideration after 3/20/26.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Do you have a Bachelor’s degree?
Yes
No
- Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?
Yes
No
Are you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?
Yes
No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Optional Documents