NIGP (National Institute of Government Purchasing) Member
TAPP (Tennessee Association of Public Procurement) Member
GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) Member
Lenita N. Winfrey
Memphis,USA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Procurement and Contract Management Professional with over 20 years of experience in city government operations, specializing in purchasing, vendor relations, and contract compliance. Demonstrated expertise in developing, managing, and improving procurement processes, including RFPs, RFQs, and bid solicitations, ensuring full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Adept at training teams, leading process automation initiatives, and enhancing operational efficiency through strategic use of Oracle, DocuSign, and Microsoft platforms. Recognized for exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a proven record of driving innovation and continuous improvement within the City of Memphis Finance Division.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Purchasing Supervisor
City of Memphis – Finance Division (Purchasing Department)
04.2024 - Current
- Review and manage multiple aspects of the procurement process including requisitions negotiated contracts, bid tracking and contract documentation management. Conducts vendor training, aiding in strengthening vendor relationships. Assists with coordinating and developing procurement strategies to promote efficiencies in the procurement process. Ensures compliance with applicable regulations, laws, policies and procedures. Performs duties of the Purchasing Agent in their absence. Develops and manages solicitations throughout its lifecycle for divisions including, Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Quotations (RFQs), Request for Qualifications (RFQs), and Invitations to Bid (IBS). Conducts bid session and analyze award recommendations and justifications from divisions for compliance with Purchasing policy and procedures, local, state and federal laws. Creates and monitors procurement timelines to ensure efficiency in the procurement process. Hold monthly meetings to collaborate with department heads and stakeholders to forecast procurement needs. Creates reporting analysis and performance metrics to assist in decision making regarding procurement activities. Conducts research and provides upper management information upon request regarding contract documentation and contract spending. Assisted in creating the SOP for the Purchasing Department and created the construction training guide to ensure knowledge and accuracy in processing throughout the department. Developed training curriculums and provide routine training to Purchasing staff, divisions, and vendors. Supports the internal process of maintaining clear records by leading the SharePoint project for Purchasing. Works with Information Systems regularly on process improvements and automating processes for the Purchasing department. Identifies bottlenecks and solutions to provide a more efficient procurement process. Works with divisions to resolve issues, disputes and non-compliance performance issues with vendors. Acts as a liaison between divisions and suppliers for the procurement of goods, services, and construction projects.
Contract Analyst
City of Memphis – Finance Division (Purchasing Department)
09.2019 - 04.2024
- Prepares bids and contracts to include the processing of contract change orders, amendments, extensions, encumbrances, final payments in accordance with budget, accounting procedures, and risk management insurance requirements. Monitors online bids, provides online answers to suppliers, and enters surrogate quotes and disqualifies quotes as needed. Reviews and prepares negotiated contracts. Prepares and submits Legal Notice to Bidders competitive bid advertisements for Construction RFQ’s. Informs and assists suppliers with procedures to utilize the Oracle system as related to the Request for Qualification (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Reviews and approves formal bid specification and contract drafts prepared by designated professional staff. Drafts and reviews contractual documents consistent with policies and applicable laws. Prepares new contracts, amendments, or renewals, which are consistent with procurement standards. Analyzes award recommendations and justifications from divisions for compliance with purchasing policy and procedures and local, state, and federal laws. Acts as a liaison between divisions and suppliers for the procurement of goods, services, and construction projects. Assist with the review of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Proposals (RFP) and training fellow contract analyst. Assist with special projects: helped create Purchasing SharePoint Site, worked on the encumbrance/un-encumbrance automation, assisted in preparing the SOP for Purchasing, conducting training for vendors and divisions.
Office Supervisor
City of Memphis – Engineering Division (Building, Design & Construction)
04.2014 - 09.2019
- Prepare all procurement design and construction contract documents necessary for funding approval, advertising, award and payment. Review contracts and determines accounts involved; examines budget report and computer files to verify availability of funds; prepares resolutions with proper language and funding forms necessary to transfer funds to appropriate accounts; maintains data base of all executed contracts recording contract number, amount, fees, reimbursable, and payments. Provide technical assistance to project managers on proper completion and workflow of documents. Prepares check request for progress and final payments to consultants and contractors; works as a liaison between vendors and accounts payable to correct payment issues; reviews computer files to determine discrepancies; drafts contract awards and amendments and assembles all relevant documents and route contracts and documents to appropriate destinations for signatures. Prepare payroll, reports, forms, memos and other correspondence. Maintains office budget and tracks expenditures. Maintain employees’ files and time sheets.
Clerk
City of Memphis – Engineering Division (Building, Design & Construction)
09.2003 - 04.2014
- Handles office supply budget, invoices and prepares check request. Utilize analytical skills to review and tract all contracts before sending them to purchasing for further processing. The contracts include the processing of contract change orders, amendments, extensions, encumbrances and final payments. Assists project managers in researching project funding information using Oracle for Building Design and Construction contracts. Works in Oracle to print monthly project reports, check payments, and contract status for project managers. Maintains Excel database to track all legal documents such as; legal notices, contracts, check requests and resolutions. Works with project manager to ensure that paperwork is completed within a timely manner. Work closely with manager and administrator in determining weekly assignments and projects. Helps ensure daily workflow procedures, priorities, and deadlines are met. Operates Multi-line phone system and deliver messages. Organize files and office drawings for staff engineers. Makes copies, scans, and faxes daily.
Education
Master of Arts - Procurement and Acquisitions Management
Webster University
St. Louis, MO05-2017
Masters Business Administration - Master Business Administration
Webster University
St. Louis, MO05-2013
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN05-2007
High School Diploma -
Central High School
Memphis, TN05-2001
Skills
- Procurement management
- Contract negotiation
- Bid analysis
- Vendor relationship management
- Contract documentation
- Procurement strategy development
- Financial analysis
- Proficient in Oracle and Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong work ethics and decision-making skills
- A short learning curve in accomplishing new concepts, works well under pressure, and communicates ideas clearly and effectively
- Training development
- Procurement process improvement
Accomplishments
- Engineering Employee of the Month 1/1/2009
- Engineering Employee of the Month 4/1/2014
- Engineering Employee of the Month 9/1/2014
- Nominated for 2023 Ovation Award in Innovation 10/24/23
Affiliations
- NIGP (National Institute of Government Purchasing) Member
- TAPP (Tennessee Association of Public Procurement) Member
- GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) Member
Certification
- CMFO Certification Tennessee Certified Municipal Finance Officer Program– expected 2025
Interests
Timeline
Purchasing Supervisor
City of Memphis – Finance Division (Purchasing Department)
04.2024 - Current
Contract Analyst
City of Memphis – Finance Division (Purchasing Department)
09.2019 - 04.2024
Office Supervisor
City of Memphis – Engineering Division (Building, Design & Construction)
04.2014 - 09.2019
Clerk
City of Memphis – Engineering Division (Building, Design & Construction)
09.2003 - 04.2014
Master of Arts - Procurement and Acquisitions Management
Webster University
Masters Business Administration - Master Business Administration
Webster University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Christian Brothers University
High School Diploma -
Central High School
Awards & Accomplishments
Engineering Employee of the Month 1/1/2009
Engineering Employee of the Month 4/1/2014
Engineering Employee of the Month 9/1/2014
Nominated for 2023 Ovation Award in Innovation 10/24/23