Lead IT Procurement Officer

Luna Data Solutions is seeking an experienced Lead IT Procurement Analyst to support a State of Mississippi agency in Jackson, MS. This role is responsible for leading IT procurement and contract management activities, ensuring compliance with Mississippi state purchasing regulations and Information Technology Services (ITS) procurement guidelines. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in government procurement, business analysis, project management, and the acquisition of IT software, services, and technical resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee IT procurement and contract management activities for agency technology initiatives.
• Provide project management oversight for multiple concurrent procurement and technology projects.
• Coordinate the acquisition of IT products, software, services, and technical staffing in accordance with Mississippi state laws and ITS procurement policies.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend technology solutions based on agency business needs and strategic objectives.
• Develop, draft, and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and other procurement solicitations.
• Facilitate solicitation processes from requirements gathering through contract award.
• Review, evaluate, score, and document vendor proposals, bids, and quotations.
• Analyze procurement responses and provide recommendations to ensure best value for the agency.
• Collaborate with Information Technology Services (ITS) to obtain guidance, oversight, and approval for IT acquisitions and projects.
• Gather, document, and communicate business requirements, user stories, workflows, and process improvements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify procurement needs and project objectives.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and the state technology community.
• Ensure procurement activities remain compliant with applicable regulations, policies, and contract requirements.
• Prepare procurement documentation, reports, presentations, and recommendations for agency leadership.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications on their resume to be considered:

• 10+ years of experience gathering, documenting, and communicating business requirements and/or user stories.
• 10+ years of experience defining and documenting business requirements, business processes, workflows, and functional specifications.
• 10+ years of experience organizing project teams, managing work plans, and coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
• 10+ years of experience serving as a Business Analyst and/or Project Manager.
• 10+ years of experience working within State Government environments.
• 10+ years of experience creating and managing solicitations for the acquisition of IT software, professional services, and technology solutions.
• Strong knowledge of procurement methodologies, contract management, and government purchasing processes.
• Experience evaluating vendor proposals, conducting scoring exercises, and making procurement recommendations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Mississippi Purchasing Agent (CMPA) Certification.
• Experience working directly with Mississippi Information Technology Services (ITS).
• Experience managing large-scale government IT procurements.
• Knowledge of state procurement regulations, contract administration, and vendor management best practices.
• Experience supporting enterprise technology modernization initiatives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to play a key role in statewide technology procurement initiatives.
• Long-term contract stability with a high-impact government organization.
• Collaborative environment working with agency leadership, ITS stakeholders, and technology vendors.
• Competitive compensation and benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.

Luna Data Solutions, Inc. (LDS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. A background check may be required for this position.