Work Location: 9000 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202
Work Hours: 40 hours, Monday - Friday (one remote day, four in office)Manage a fast-paced procurement and buying function performing a wide variety of buying activity to ensure expedient, effective and timely acquisition of all forms of material, supplies and services for multiple departments in accordance with local, state and federal law. Manage day-to-day procurement activities and staff. Make recommendations to optimize organizational efficiency based on data driven metrics and best practice protocol. Execute plans for successful programming improvements and changes to enhance quality and maximize efficiency for price-based vendors.
Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator’s authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.
Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve strenuous physical activity under varying climatic conditions and in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Essential Functions:
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Review, edit and approve all Purchase Orders or Contracts up to $250,000 for adherence to purchasing policies, rules, procedures and quality standards. Award competitive solicitations.
May perform duties of the Purchasing Official when that person is not available, which requires a high level of accountability and responsibility.
Manage the solicitation and contracting activities for a wide range of goods and services for multiple departments.
Provides significant input into operations and procedures of the Division and ensures proper application of standardized templates and adherence to procedures.
Manage a wide variety of administrative and technical work in a high-volume environment to meet County deadlines.
Requires administrative review of bids, preparation of quotes for inclusion in Board agendas and direct interaction with County officials and department heads.
Directs, prioritizes and evaluates work of assigned staff to meet changing needs of the County.
Advises and assists clients in specification development. Through client collaboration, understands and prepares for upcoming forecasted demand.
Maintain timely and accurate communication with County departments to understand their needs and priorities; explain status of purchase requests. Advise client of cooperative or consortium buying opportunities.
Assist clients in specification development if requested.
Review all solicitation documents and provide guidance and a concise plan of action addressing the procurement matters contained within the solicitation. Evaluates appropriateness of selected purchasing methods and recommends adjustments based on best practice and an understanding of County departmental needs.
Reads and edits all related notice of intent to award to be presented to the Purchasing Official and recommendations for award to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners, evaluating completeness of the information presented and conciseness of the presentation.
Reviews all draft legal services requests, evaluating the necessity for an attorney's review.
May make public presentations to clients or to the Board of County Commissioners and at public forums such as conferences, Chamber of Commerce, outreach programs, etc.
Assumes the authority and duties of the Purchasing Official when that person is not available.
Participates in the development and implementation of short- and long-range strategic plans for the Division.
Plans, assigns, directs and evaluates work of assigned staff, including all personnel related actions such as hiring, firing, disciplinary, employee performance evaluations.
Ensures compliance with recognized procurement best practices, local, state and federal law. Participates in delivering procurement training to clients and vendors as necessary.
Develops training plans for direct reports to ensure continuous professional development.
Forecasts price and market trends to identify trends and interprets the potential impact on current and future contracts.
Educates all direct reports on market conditions on a regular basis.
Works closely with the Risk Manager to set insurance and liability requirements.
Reviews cooperative contracting opportunities and consortiums and makes recommendations as appropriate to enhance procurement strategies.
Leads advertising, sourcing and development of qualified products lists.
Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.
Bachelor's degree in procurement, business administration, finance, public administration, or related field.
Professional experience shall include a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience in a role of direct, accountable supervisory authority over a professional purchasing staff of not less than two (2) employees, or a minimum of four (4) years of construction procurement experience in a public procurement setting.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
Valid driver's license required with valid Florida driver's license required within 30 days of hire.
Prior recent experience (within the past eight (8) years) in a public purchasing function.
Must hold at least one of the following professional certifications, or have the ability to attain Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) or Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB) certification (paid for by the County) within three (3) years of hire:
Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO)
Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB)
Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP)
Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
Communicates clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and uses information and feedback to tailor or develop the purchasing process to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Knowledge of principles or organization and managing professionals of a buying and / or negotiating unit.
Knowledge of methods, principles and practices of the purchasing function, with emphasis on drafting two-party contracts.
Knowledge and ability to judge the veracity of submitted bids or proposals as they relate to technical specifications or scope of work of the request.
Knowledge of the use of computers and computing systems and software used in the procurement process.
Ability to translate technical buying and/or contracting concepts into terms understandable by staff and user departments.
Skill and ability to manage work in a non-linear method, taking work out of sequence and using opportunities to execute other work when progress of an assignment is delayed.
Skill in effectively and efficiently managing high volume of diverse work. Experience with various procurement and sourcing methods.
Knowledge of Uniform Commercial Code.
Experience writing specifications and procurement documents.
Strong business acumen with the ability to proactively recognize risk elements in business transactions and solve problems in a team environment.
Possess good judgment and the ability to make sound decisions that balance the important priorities of the County.
Has a proven ability to handle difficult situations, multiple projects, and solve problems creatively in a fast-paced work setting.
Has excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.