Logo of Huzzle

Sr. Program Manager, Vendor Diversity

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid & Senior Level
  • Government & Politics
    Business, Operations & Strategy
  • Houston
    Remote

AI generated summary

  • You need a relevant degree, 3-5 years' experience in compliance or procurement, 1 year in supplier diversity, strong communication skills, and proficiency in office software. Texas driver’s license required.
  • You will manage M/W/DBE projects, develop strategies for vendor participation, build partnerships, conduct outreach, provide training, and lead a team to enhance diversity in procurement.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Law, or related field
  • Three (3) years of progressive experience in contract compliance, auditing, accounting, paralegal, or procurement experience or related field required
  • OR
  • Associates degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Law or related field
  • Five (5) years of progressive experience in contract compliance, auditing, accounting, paralegal, or procurement experience or related field required
  • WITH:
  • One (1) year of experience in supplier diversity programs.
  • Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License (upon hire)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and research skills.
  • Ability to interpret, enforce and develop tools on the rules, regulations, and legal interpretations related to MWBE & DBE programs.
  • Ability to understand the objectives of a strategic plan and manage self and team members to accomplish those objectives.
  • Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.
  • Self-starter with the ability to work independently with limited, relative autonomy, and general review.
  • Demonstrated time and project management skills, including the ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization and detail-orientation and adjusting to changing circumstances.
  • Ability to identify problem areas and develop solutions/corrective measures, for ad-hoc situations and continual program improvement.
  • Requires strong knowledge and proficiency using various types of office-related software to include Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Share Point, project management software, and other standard office equipment and software.
  • Ability to utilize effective leadership, collaboration, facilitation, and negotiation techniques.
  • Able to interact effectively with a diverse group of employees as part of planning, motivating, and coordinating the work of staff.
  • Read/comprehend legal contracts and regulatory materials, write/summarize complex compliance matters and create/adapt forms and other program materials, including reports.

Responsibilities

  • Assists in developing, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating new or revised strategies, policies, and procedures to increase participation of minorities, women, and other disadvantaged businesses in the County procurement and compliance process.
  • Portfolio Management: Manages a portfolio of M/W/DBE projects for the division. Including: Reviewing upcoming projects to define and manage vendor (prime and subcontractor) participation requirements and procedures, tracking, reporting, and benchmarking best practices in advance strategies such as breaking down large contracts, Good Faith Effort program/reporting, outreach, compliance, and others identified as the Vendor Diversity programs develop.
  • Maintain collaborative partnerships with procurement teams and county-wide operational staff to build relationships with the advocates for current and prospective diverse vendors. Including being a key participant in internal M/W/DBE working groups and providing training/technical assistance to peers inside the County.
  • Build relationships with and maintain collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders, procurement teams and county-wide operational staff to advocate for current and prospective diverse vendors. Will be a key participant in internal M/W/DBE working groups and provide training/technical assistance to peers inside the County.
  • Develop and manage networks, interact, and liaise with the business community and with other governmental M/WBE and DBE programs to continuously promote business opportunities with the County and educate them on the purchasing process. Includes extensive community outreach to businesses, especially in hard-to-reach communities with additional barriers.
  • Directly manage assigned team members, including training, assigning, and directing work, and providing ongoing coaching/performance feedback.

FAQs

What is the primary mission of the Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity?

The primary mission is to connect, value, and empower people, businesses, and communities.

What does the Vendor Diversity Program aim to achieve?

The Vendor Diversity Program aims to ensure that County contracts fairly benefit and include women, minorities, and other disadvantaged businesses.

What are the key duties of the Sr. Program Manager?

Key duties include developing strategies to increase participation of diverse businesses in procurement, managing a portfolio of projects, maintaining partnerships with stakeholders, providing training, and directly managing team members.

What educational qualifications are required for this position?

A Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Law, or a related field is required, or an Associate's degree with additional experience.

Is experience in supplier diversity programs required?

Yes, one year of experience in supplier diversity programs is required.

What is the typical work schedule for this position?

The typical work schedule is full-time; Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, but may also require early morning, evening, weekend, emergency, and holiday work.

Are there physical demands associated with this role?

Yes, the role involves sitting for extended periods, frequent standing and walking, and the ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

What are some preferred qualifications for this position?

Preferred qualifications include three years of management/supervisory experience, experience in writing complex reports, program/project management experience, and familiarity with project management software.

What kind of benefits does Harris County offer for full-time employees?

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness plans, life insurance, vacation days, holidays, professional development opportunities, and retirement plans.

What should applicants include in their application?

Applicants must document their qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills on the job application; attaching a resume is encouraged, but only the information stated on the application will be considered.

Government
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

Harris County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. As of 2000 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 3,400,578 (though a 2007 estimate placed the population at 4,011,475), making it the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous county in the United States. Its county seat is Houston.