Director, IT Purchasing Operations, DIIT - 25905

Position Summary: The Director of IT Purchasing Operations leads all purchasing operations for the Division of Instructional & Information Technology (DIIT), ensuring the strategic, timely, and cost-effective acquisition of IT equipment, software, professional services, and general supplies needed by IT teams across the Division. This role will manage end-to-end procurement processes, collaborate closely with internal teams and external agencies, and implement internal purchasing strategies aligned with New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) regulations and priorities. This role manages the full purchasing process, works closely with vendors and city agencies, and ensures all purchases follow NYCPS rules. The Director also looks for ways to improve how we buy, track spending, and support schools through smarter, faster IT purchasing. Performs related work.

Reports to: Sr. Director, IT Strategic Planning & Procurement

Direct Reports: N/A

Key Relationships: Primarily works internally with DIIT leadership and project teams, the Division of Contracts and Purchasing (DCP), Capital Budget Office (CBO) and externally with vendors and City Agencies, e.g., Office of Technology and Innovations (OTI) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Responsibilities

Procurement Oversight & Compliance

• Ensure all DIIT purchasing activities follow NYCPS Procurement Policy and SOP guidelines.
• Serve as liaison with the Division of Contracts and Purchasing (DCP), Capital Budget Office (CBO), and other city agencies to interpret and apply procurement policies appropriately.
  
  

Purchasing Operations

• Coordinate and process the full lifecycle of procurement for IT-related goods and services, including preparing, reviewing, and approving purchase orders (POs).
• Manage high-priority or time-sensitive purchasing requests from DIIT teams, ensuring timely resolution.
• Review purchasing requests for cost-effective solutions and appropriate purchasing vehicles.
• Conduct market research and engage vendors for product and pricing information.
  
  

Vendor and Stakeholder Coordination

• Communicate with vendors to clarify quotes, resolve issues, and ensure smooth fulfillment of orders.
• Partner with DIIT’s Finance & Budget teams to review and validate procurement requests.
• Provide guidance to DIIT Leadership on purchasing strategy and available procurement options.
  
  

Data Tracking & Reporting

• Maintain accurate procurement records including trackers for PRFs, renewals, PO status, and spending trends.
• Analyze purchasing data and provide insights or recommendations to leadership for cost savings and process improvements.
  
  

Process Improvement & Strategic Support

• Support the COO Leadership Team with procurement documentation reviews and purchasing strategy planning.
• Conduct ad-hoc research on procurement best practices, IT purchasing trends, and emerging technologies.
• Assist in identifying operational efficiencies and opportunities for automation or workflow enhancements.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Support and guide junior procurement staff as needed; may act in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Purchasing Director.
• Represent DIIT in procurement-related meetings and discussions with external agencies and internal teams.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a cross-functional team responsible for procurement, contracts, and business operations.
• Set clear team objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development goals.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Ensure workload is balanced, deadlines are met, and standards of excellence are maintained.
• Create and lead internal training and knowledge-sharing initiatives to support team growth and cross-functional learning.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

Minimum

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four (4) years of full-time satisfactory professional experience in purchasing, procurement, contract administration or a related field, at least eighteen months of which must have been in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity or supervising professional personnel performing duties in one or more of the above fields; or
• A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. However, all candidates must have the eighteen months of administrative, managerial, executive or supervisory experience described in "1" above.
  
  

Note: Possession of an acceptable professional procurement certification may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the experience described in "1" above. However, all candidates must have the eighteen months of administrative, managerial, executive or supervisory experience described in "1" above.

Preferred

• Experience with public sector procurement, ideally in a large or complex organization.
• Familiarity with NYC or NYCPS procurement systems such as FAMIS and PASSport.
• Strong understanding of IT purchasing, vendor coordination, and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of NYCPS Procurement Policy and Procedures (PPP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and procurement tracking tools.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled in problem-solving, decision-making, and driving implementation.
• Strong attention to detail with consistent follow-up and follow-through.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a team.
  
  

Salary: $125,000 - $130,000

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

• New York City Residency is NOT Required *
  
  

We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DOE Non- Discrimination Policy

The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.