Supervisor - Purchasing

Posted Friday, May 29, 2026.

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Division Manager – Purchasing, the Supervisor - Purchasing oversees daily purchasing operations, including requisitions, bid coordination, vendor processes, and procurement documentation. This role supports the Division Manager by coordinating purchasing activities and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procurement standards. It provides functional oversight of procurement workflows, quality control, documentation accuracy, vendor management processes, and the timely execution of purchasing activities across the organization. The Supervisor also serves as a subject-matter resource to departments and helps improve the efficiency, consistency, and transparency of procurement operations. Staff oversight responsibilities may be assigned by the Division Manager as needed.

Supervision exercised

Provides technical oversight of procurement processes and supervises staff as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Support the Division Manager – Purchasing in implementing and maintaining purchasing policies and procedures in compliance with City policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Provide oversight of requisitions, purchase orders, change orders, contracts, and procurement documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Support City departments with purchasing procedures, procurement planning, vendor processes, and technical guidance related to procurement activities.
• Monitor purchasing transactions and procurement activities for compliance and identify process issues requiring clarification or corrective action.
• Assist departments with developing specifications for goods and services and preparing bid and proposal documents.
• Coordinate bid openings, receive and log bids, and verify required procurement documentation.
• Supervise the maintenance of purchasing records and documentation in accordance with public records and retention requirements.
• Oversee vendor management processes, including vendor onboarding, W-9 compliance, vendor records maintenance, and vendor communications.
• Supervise the disposal of surplus property in compliance with applicable municipal requirements.
• Provide training and technical assistance on procurement systems, purchasing procedures, and best practices; supervise staff as assigned.
• Assist with city-wide and multi-departmental procurement initiatives, contract coordination, vendor relations, and cost allocation support.
• Identify procurement process inefficiencies and recommend operational improvements to the Division Manager – Purchasing.
• Operate a personal or City vehicle for City-related business.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of professional purchasing or procurement experience.
• At least two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience, or demonstrated experience providing technical guidance, training, or coordination of procurement functions.
• High school diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field is preferred.
• Valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver.
• Purchasing certifications such as CPPB, CPPO, CPM, or CPSM or the ability to work towards certifications is preferred.
• Experience in public sector procurement is preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of public sector purchasing laws and regulations, competitive bid processes, and procurement best practices.
• Understanding of purchasing procedures, cooperative purchasing agreements, and contract requirements.
• Familiarity with the full purchasing process cycle, from beginning to end.
• Basic understanding of IRS W-9 requirements for vendors and best practices for vendor management.
• Proficiency with ERP procurement modules and related systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply procurement laws, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to review purchasing transactions for accuracy, compliance, and completeness.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to provide training, technical support, and procedural guidance.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with departments, vendors, and external partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Ability to follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Ability to lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Physical demands

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

• Medium work – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Frequency of physical demands during a typical workday:
  • Standing: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
  • Sitting: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
  • Walking: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
  • Lifting: Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
  • Carrying: Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
  • Pushing/Pulling: Almost Never (<10% of the time)
  • Overhead Work: Almost Never (<10% of the time)
  • Fine Dexterity: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
  • Kneeling: Almost Never (<10% of the time)
  • Crouching: Almost Never (<10% of the time)
  • Crawling: No
  • Bending: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
  • Twisting: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
  • Climbing: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
  • Balancing: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
  • Vision: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
  • Hearing: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
  • Talking: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)