Purchasing Manager

General Purpose of the Position

Manage full procurement cycle for complex, capital development projects and special public works projects and programs, as well as the overall Purchasing Division. Performs advanced specialized work which includes formal and informal contracting for a wide variety of equipment, commodities, goods and services, professional services and construction. Is responsible for the activities of the Central Warehouse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs a wide variety of buying activity to ensure expedient, effective, and timely acquisition of all services and projects in accordance with local, state, and federal law.
• Guides client departments through all phases of the procurement process.
• Handle City’s procurement to include special public works procurement and major capital development projects as assigned by City Administrator and/or executive staff.
• Participates in short-and long-range strategic planning for Capital Improvement, special public works and related projects.
• Manages solicitation and contracting activities for a wide range of goods and services for multiple departments.
• Ensures smooth and efficient flow of work from the requisition and scope of work/services development to contract award.
• Advises and assists clients in specification and scope of work/services development. Writes specifications and procurement documents.
• Evaluates submitted bids or proposals to determine if they meet technical specifications or scope of work of the request.
• Reviews all solicitation documents and provides guidance and a concise plan of action addressing the procurement matters contained within the solicitation.
• To assess, recommend, develop and implement policies, processes, training and professional development growth programs following best practices and industry standard for procurement professionals.
• Evaluates appropriateness of selected purchasing methods and recommends adjustments based on best practices, industry standards and an understanding of user department needs.
• Makes presentations to clients, City Council, or at public forums.
• Manages the City's bid protest procedures; interacts with user departments and legal office; interprets protest data and applies applicable rules and regulations pertaining to resolution of protests.
• Able to explain complex technical contracting and buying concepts to a non-technical audience.
• Provide professional, administrative, and technical direction and management for the central purchasing and stores functions, operations, and activities of the City.
• Provide annual warehouse inventory reports.
• Establish quality control checks to ensure conformance with acceptable budgetary procedures and other departmental requirements related to requisitions and/or expenditures.
• Establish and enforce proprietary verification procedures for the receipt of supplies, equipment, and services.
• Promote the reassignment, utilization, and disposition of excess or surplus supplies, materials and equipment in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to research and evaluate professional procurement practices, principles, methods and procedures, and to formulate corrective actions, adjustments, and improvements.
• Forecasts price and market trends to identify trends and interprets the potential impact on current and future contracts and shares relevant trends to internal and external staff members.
• Considerable knowledge of procurement principles and practices; procurement policies and procedures and the ability to apply this knowledge; legal requirements, rules, and regulations pertinent to a municipal purchasing;
• Knowledge of the Florida Sunshine Law and Public Records Law as it pertains to public procurement.
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable accounting policies, procedures, and operations of computer system purchasing and accounting interfaces.
• Ability to plan, review, motivate and evaluate staff of clerical and warehouse employees.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Skill in public relations and interpersonal relations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, associates, and the general public.
• Ability to think and communicate strategically and analytically.

Computer Equipment and Software requirements

Experience with personal computers and software packages such as Word, Excel, and Microsoft Office is desired.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in procurement, business administration, finance, public administration, or related field. A comparable combination of work experience and training may be substituted for education requirements.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in a procurement position providing direct procurement services related to the acquisition of goods, services, technology, supplies, or construction.
• Prior experience in a governmental purchasing function desired.
• Certified Public Procurement Official (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), or other nationally recognized procurement, contracts, or project management certification desired.