Manager, Purchasing

Job Summary The Purchasing Manager leads and oversees the procurement operations supporting the Utilities Department, ensuring effective, compliant, and strategic sourcing of goods, services, and capital projects in alignment with City policies, codes, and federal regulations. This role directs and develops procurement staff, manages complex and high-impact procurements, and actively engages with stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, and internal teams. The manager evaluates and implements innovative contracting methods such as CMGC and Design/Build, supports the creation and assessment of RFPs and ITBs, and drives continuous improvement through LEAN and process reengineering.

Acting as a strategic partner to the Purchasing Director, this role plays a key part in shaping procurement direction, resolving disputes, and ensuring ethical, transparent, and high-performing procurement practices. The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. We are looking for someone with a passion for public service to bring their skills in problem solving and collaboration to the City!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive. Establishes assignments and defines responsibilities for direct reports and provides regular reviews, direction, guidance and development support. Oversees staff execution and administration of the procurement process including complex, high dollar/impact/profile, services, professional services, construction, software, materials and capital project work in accordance with City Code, Purchasing Policies and Procedures and Federal procurement requirements.

Executes and administers certain competitive purchasing processes to balance workload and/or support a unique or complex procurement. Analyzes and approves utilization of innovative contracting approaches such as Alternative Project Delivery System, Construction Manager/General Contractor, Construction Manager At-Risk or Design/Build approaches. Provides assistance to staff and direct reports in the creation of specifications, Statements of Work, Invitations for Bids and Requests for Proposal.

Reviews and approves bids and RFP assessment outcomes prior to notice of award. Interacts with vendors, contractors consultants and City staff to foster effective partnerships. Manages contract renewals and prioritization of new competitive processes.

Supports the Purchasing Director as required to develop procurement strategic direction, training, code updates, budget offers, policies, processes and practices. Fosters compliance to ethical standards for personal conduct and procurement practices to drive equal opportunity, open competition, trust and integrity. Drives strategic and business process improvements and reengineering for improved efficiency and performance.

Supports the Purchasing Director to resolve bid/RFP protests and contractual disputes. Ensures consistency of staff responsible for enforcing rules and regulations, and compliance with federal, state, county and City laws, rules and regulations. May serve in stead for the Purchasing Director in the management and day-to-day functions of the Purchasing Department.

Trains, advises and coaches City staff on Purchasing processes and policies. Management Responsibilities Yes