Procurement and Contracts Manager

Procurement and Contracts Manager

Valley Water

Annual Salary $169,250 – $216,195 DOE/DOQ
PLUS an Excellent Benefits Package!

“Providing Silicon Valley with safe, clean water
 for a healthy life, environment, and economy.”

The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) is seeking an organization-wide Procurement and Contracts Unit Manager (Manager). This position/unit is in the General Services Division, a centralized service division that also provides warehouse services, vehicle and equipment management, facilities management, and business and customer support services across the organization. Being centralized, this position will interface with multiple departments and oversee, guide, and develop a team of 13 procurement staff. Valley Water is a special district, and one of the largest water utilities in the heart of Silicon Valley. The ideal candidate could be a procurement and contracts expert from either the public or private sector, with experience in complex organizational systems, such as serving in a centralized procurement and contracts role that supports diverse product or service offerings across various divisions and departments. They will be a hands-on working manager with prior experience managing, developing, and mentoring others, an interest and passion for the job, and will function as the top procurement subject matter expert in the organization. They should be an expert in the field with a strong understanding of principles and practices of effective procurement and contracts management, preferably in California. They will balance a customer-service approach with adherence to procurement best practices. They are solution-oriented, strategic, and will effectively navigate the complexities of a union-represented workforce. The ideal candidate is also a relationship builder who drives process improvement and operates with a strong ethical framework that upholds public trust. If you are a seasoned professional in purchasing and contracts management looking to leverage your expertise in a dynamic and complex environment, apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/bd25bfa5-c5ab-4ca9-bfd3-1c61cdc72155

THE POSITION
The Procurement and Contracts Manager is entrusted with leading Valley Water’s centralized procurement work, including setting policies and procedures, following rules and laws, and best practices to ensure compliance. Technically, this position serves as the highest knowledge technical expert within the organization, and is a hands-on working manager, exceptional leader, and mentor with an interest in developing others. While overseeing other staff members’ work, managing an approximate $5 million budget, and 13 team members, they will also focus on process improvement, problem solving, and ensuring a positive unit culture that promotes excellence in customer service. They will also balance adherence to procurement best practices with a customer-service focus and collaborate across the entire organization with executives and other staff.

They will also oversee contract negotiations, vendor management and communications, and ensure that they provide vendors a fair and equitable opportunity to pursue procurement contracting opportunities with Valley Water. They will also be responsible for maintaining a purchasing tracking system and administering a vendor performance evaluation system. This Manager will have a proven track record of navigating related rules and regulations and hold relevant certifications. They are passionate about the field, and will actively network with industry professionals and participate in professional associations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will leverage their expert knowledge and experience, whether gained in public or private sector procurement and contracts. Most importantly, they should have a background in large, complex organizational systems and experience in a centralized procurement and contracts role, serving either diverse product or service offerings across various divisions and departments. They will also need to have a proven track record of managing and developing contracts and procurement staff; ideally with some union background (though not required). They will effectively manage competing customer needs and complex projects, while demonstrating effective communication and political acumen. The ideal candidate should also be personable, approachable, self-directed, motivated, and resilient. This Manager will be a flexible, encouraging, collaborative, and adept relationship builder. They will be enthusiastic about developing their team and fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that creates positive recruitment and retention outcomes. They have a “can do” attitude and will operate with a strong ethical framework and strive to uphold public trust.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following combination represents the minimum training and experience requirements for this classification:

• Education: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience: Five (5) years of procurement, purchasing, and/or contracting program management experience, including two (2) years of direct supervisory experience.
• License/Certificate Requirements: A valid California Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record upon hire.

Desired Certifications:

• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Institute of Supply Management.
• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).
• Certified Purchasing Supply Manager (CPSM), Institute of Supply Management.
• Extensive experience in public sector procurement and contracts management in the State of California.
• Other Purchasing and/or Supply Chain Management Certificates.

Salary and Benefits: Annual salary of $169,250 – $216,195 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an attractive benefits package.

Additional Information:

Employment with Valley Water requires employees to work within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

HOW TO APPLY

For first consideration, apply by October 2nd at: wbcpinc.com/job-board/

SAVE THE DATES:

Round one interviews will take place virtually on October 21st. Finalists will move forward to in-person interviews on November 5th. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact either of your recruiters, Wendi Brown and Lauren Gerson, with any inquiries:

• wendi@wbcpinc.com or lauren@wbcpinc.com
• 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll free
• 541-664-0376 (direct)