Procurement Specialist Strategic Sourcing

STEVEN L. PAULSON

623-***-****

*****.*******.**@*****.***

PROFILE

Seasoned procurement leader with extensive experience in contract negotiation, drafting, compliance, and vendor management within state government agencies. Adept at interpreting complex contract laws and public procurement regulations, particularly within Arizona. Proven ability to lead teams, streamline processes, and deliver strategic sourcing solutions while ensuring compliance and maximizing value.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Contract Law & Interpretation

• State & Federal Procurement Compliance

• Strategic Sourcing & Contract Negotiation

• Public Entity Procurement (Arizona Procurement Code)

• Vendor & Contract Management

• RFP, RFQ, and Solicitation Processes

• E-Procurement Systems (Multiple Platforms)

• Cross-functional Team Collaboration

• Policy Development & SOP Implementation

• Supervisory & Leadership Experience

• Scopes of Work Development

• Dispute Resolution & Mediation

RECENT EXPERIENCE

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, Phoenix, AZ 2015 - 2025 Chief Procurement Officer (2015 – 2025)

• Lead and manage a high-performing procurement team, overseeing all agency-wide purchasing activities.

• Develop strategic procurement plans in alignment with agency goals and regulatory requirements.

• Serve as primary advisor to executive leadership on procurement strategy, legal compliance, and risk mitigation.

• Draft and implement procurement policies and standard operating procedures.

• Negotiate contracts and pricing with vendors; ensure terms align with agency needs and budget constraints.

• Collaborate with accounting and budgeting departments to align procurement with financial planning.

• Author scopes of work and oversee complex solicitations and contract development.

• Ensure compliance with Arizona Procurement Code and federal procurement laws.

• Enforce contract terms, resolve disputes, and support contract claims resolution. Senior Procurement Specialist 2015

• Drafted and negotiated solicitations and contracts, including scopes of work and specifications.

• Oversaw end-to-end solicitation processes and supported contract administration. ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY, Phoenix, AZ (2012 – 2015)

Procurement Manager, Solicitation Unit

Senior Procurement Specialist

Lead Senior Procurement Specialist, Intellectual Technology Unit

• Managed human services procurement unit overseeing multimillion-dollar RFPs.

• Led IT procurement unit handling all technology-related contracts for the agency.

• Drafted and negotiated contracts including end-user license agreements and service agreements.

• Responded to and managed bid protests and developed formal agency responses.

• Streamlined procurement workflows and enhanced contract management processes. LEGAL EXPERIENCE

RODERICK LINTON, LLP, Akron, Ohio

Associate Attorney

• Attorney for a mid-sized civil practice law firm, representing corporations, two major public utilities and public educational institutions in the Akron, Ohio area. GREEN, HAINES, SGAMBATI, MURPHY & MACALA CO. LPA, Youngstown, Ohio

Associate Attorney

• Attorney for a mid-sized law firm specializing in employment law and representing employees and Unions in labor related matters.

EDUCATION

• J.D., cum laude, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio

• B.A., Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

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