A little about us… Kidango (kidango.org) is an early learning nonprofit committed to setting every child on a path to thrive in kindergarten and in life. We believe that all children can reach their full potential if they and their families have access to the right opportunities and resources. As the largest child care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, we provide thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, with safe, healthy, nurturing environments and relationships. Through our policy work, we aim to take our expertise beyond the children and families that we serve, and drive change in early childhood education at the local, state and federal levels. Our goal is to make sure all children have the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to learn, grow and realize their potential.

About The Role

The Procurement Manager is responsible for overseeing organizational purchasing and contracting activities in compliance with State of California regulations, and supports our rapidly growing businesses across various segments. This role manages procurement operations from requisition through contract execution and payment authorization, including preparation and processing of Equipment Purchase Approval Request (ePAR) and related state approval workflows. The position ensures adherence to state procurement policies, fiscal accountability standards, and internal controls for effective risk control.

What You’ll Be Doing

Manages the full life-cycle of procurement activities, ensuring goods and services procured by Kidango meet standards of fairness, transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
Plans, develops, and manages procurement strategies in compliance with CA Department of General Servicespolicies, as well as developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) following best practices with Kidango.
Provides expertise to business partners with preparing solicitations for purchases.
Assists partners with solicitations; leads and conducts competitive bidding processes including RFPs, RFQs, and IFBs.
Manages procurement per CA DGS policies and in accordance with CA Public Contract Code, State Administrative Manual (SAM), and State Contracting Manual (SCM) regulations.
Reviews and approves purchase requisitions for accuracy, budget availability, and compliance.
Prepares, submits, and tracks EPAR transactions in accordance with State of California guidelines.
Serves as liaison between departments, vendors, and state oversight agencies; coordinates approvals with state control agencies such as the State Controller's Office (SCO).
Manages supplier deliverables and systems to enhance competition, ensure supply continuity, and drive efficiency.
Implements and optimizes procurement processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Maintains audit-ready files in compliance with state record retention requirements; supports internal/external audits.
Establishes dashboard of spending, renewal dates,and contracts; reports key procurement metrics.
Develops and delivers procurement training and resources for cross-functional teams.
Reviews encumbrances, expenditure tracking, and fiscal projections.
Analyzes services spend, suppliers, operations and statement of works to identify opportunities for value creation.
Analyzes data to identify trends, inefficiencies, or risks, and present clear, compelling business cases for change.
Oversees the compliant disposal of company assets.
Maintains procurement records to ensure any implemented system of checks and balances are being continually met for service contracts and additional compliance items.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or related field.
5+ years of progressively responsible public sector procurement experience.
Direct experience with State of California procurement processes and ePAR workflow systems.
Strong knowledge and proven application of sourcing and procurement principles and best practices.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills with ability to influence across all levels.
Strong project management skills.
Skilled in data analysis, strategic decision-making, and complex problem-solving.
Extensive knowledge of Excel and G-Suite.
Ability to work during the organization’s core work hours and be flexible in work schedule including some evenings and weekends; travel as needed to agency, community and state functions.

Compensation

$140,343.84—$140,343.84 USD

Additional Requirements

Must pass a health screening and TB test
Must pass background fingerprint clearance
Must be 18 years or older
The ability to lift up to 30lbs may be needed during some job duties
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

Perks

An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world
Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues
A comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package
Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world

Drug-Free Workplace

We believe every employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Consistent with applicable laws, Kidango makes all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, the presence of any physical or mental disability of someone otherwise qualified, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, other than those positions which are deemed ministerial in nature. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy of non-discrimination applies to all aspects of application procedures, hiring, advancement, transfers, reductions in force, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

EEO

A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kidango’s culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!

If you need assistance or accommodation to complete your application, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@kidango.org. We’re happy to support you through the process.

Kidango

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Procurement Manager