This position is posted until is a sufficient number of qualified applications are received and may close any time after July 3rd, 2025. For immediate consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Join Our IT and Professional Services Procurement Team!
We are currently welcoming applications for the Procurement Specialist (Entry) and/or Procurement Specialist (Journey) position in SMUD’s Procurement Department supporting our IT and Professional Services Team. This is your opportunity to join a dynamic and collaborative team dedicated not only to securing best-value contracts for a diverse array of technology goods and services but also to fostering strong relationships with our customers and supporting the broader goals of the organization.
This position demands a keen analytical mindset to effectively assess category trends and market conditions while developing competitive solicitations for a wide variety of software solutions, advanced hardware systems, and specialized technology services. You will negotiate, develop, and execute contracts including software licenses and subscriptions, hardware acquisitions, and technology services such as system integrator, application managed services, staff augmentation and more. The ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels is essential for this role; as is ensuring compliance with SMUD policies and supporting the overarching vision set by the SMUD Board of Directors. You do not need to have grant experience for this position.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, relish the challenge of navigating the complexities of technology procurement, and enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to achieve shared goals we would love to hear from you!
Application Preparation
You will be required to respond to the following questions when submitting your application. “Refer to resume" responses will not be accepted.
Note: The department will be filling one position at either the Entry or Journey level and establishing an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies for up to two (2) years. If you are interested in the Procurement Specialist Entry position, you will need to apply to that job posting separately (see Req 2284, Procurement Specialist Entry).
Provide professional expertise, analysis, organization, and coordination on specifications and requirements for the development of solicitations; develop and execute contracts and purchase orders for goods and services with the exception of Legal Services, Power Contracts, and Non-Fleet Fuel; provide procurement and grant administration expertise; interpret SMUD policy and directives to create and implement procurement solutions that balance the business need, while supporting the policies and strategic vision established by SMUD's Board of Directors.
There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements:
Flex classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series:
Non-Flex classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series:
Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.
Seniors and Supervisors must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.
Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration or other related disciplines from an accredited college or university. Relevant procurement experience can be substituted on a year for year basis. If no degree, seven (7+) years of relevant procurement experience will be required.
Three or more (3+) years of progressively responsible procurement experience including grant writing and management or administration of Federal/State grant programs, or management of contracts with Federal/State agencies.
Write and assemble logical and effective bid or grant documents; develop a procurement or grant plan to our internal customers; create and route clear and concise Staffing Summary Sheets that accurately documents; gain the cooperation and support of internal clients; plan, organize and prioritize the activities to meet schedule; effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with SMUD management, and Suppliers/Vendors; effectively evaluate and resolve problems and overcome obstacles providing solutions and direction to our internal customers, vendors/sub-recipients, and governmental agents; collaborate across business units; research industry trends and identify procurement and grant needs within business units and provide customized consultative solutions; develop reports; conduct oneself in an open, honest and straightforward manner; persuasively present ideas to gain commitment from others; educate and guide internal customers and external venders on SMUD’s procurement process; gain SEED vender participation by assessing contracts and compartmentalizing into smaller portions that may be completed by SEED venders; and establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are
As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.
An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.
SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.
Why Sacramento, California?
The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.
Hybrid Work
This position may be eligible for SMUD's remote work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.
We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for over 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. See a map of our service area.
Read more about SMUD's history
We're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Happy, satisfied and engaged employees create a workplace that best serves our customers. That's one reason we're also first among all California utilities in customer satisfaction.
Our commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion
We respect, value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives of each individual. Diversity, equity and inclusion are guiding principles to deliver a culture that reflects the broader values of the community and our customers.