Los Angeles Seeks Chief Procurement Officer

The city of Los Angeles is searching for the perfect candidate for a new position: chief procurement officer.

The new position was created as part of an organizational revamp of municipal government under the auspices of the Mayor’s Office of Budget, Innovation and Excellence, which is led by Shmel Graham, director of the Operation Innovation team. The team was created in 2015 by Mayor Eric Garcetti as part of a citywide effort to reform the way procurement was done — specifically, to remedy “the lack of structural leadership and central authority” and “to advise the mayor and City Council on cost-reduction strategies, innovative procurement methods, policy and operational practices,” according to a statement from the city.

The new chief procurement officer “will be responsible for the development of a plan to strategically leverage the city’s spend, identify cost savings, employ long-range operational policies and procedures that align with industry best practices, increase transparency, and reduce time to contract with the city,” the statement said.

This involves using evolving technologies and emerging business models to integrate business, technology, operations and budgeting goals. 

The city wants “an innovative, analytical and creative problem-solver who consistently improves operations and internal controls and a has proven track record of delivering large savings and other value to the organization.”

While the salary is listed as “commensurate with experience,” the skills and qualifications in the city's ideal candidate are many, including:

• Record of leading advanced data analytics, cost modeling, and TCO analysis in support of sourcing and conducting negotiations on high-value or strategic categories.
• Knowledge of supply chain management best practices, inventory management, purchasing systems and fraud-prevention practices in procurement.
• Advanced and proven knowledge of procurement industry cost structures and drivers.
• Cost analysis techniques and understanding of procurement-related economic and financial analyses.
• At least 10 years' experience in procurement.

The city advises that anyone interested should apply immediately, as evaluation of candidates is already underway, and the position will remain open only until it is filled. The search is nationwide, but the city especially encourages candidates in Southern California to apply.

Questions, nominations and confidential inquiries should be addressed to myr-operationsinnovation@lacity.org. Applicants should also send a cover letter and resume to the same address. More details can be found in the job description.