Contracts and Purchasing Manager

$93,642 - $131,456/Yr

Santa Cruz Metro - Santa Cruz, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Santa Cruz, CA

Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation

About the position

At Santa Cruz METRO, we care about moving people and strive to attract, develop, and retain a talented and diverse workforce. The Contracts and Purchasing Manager plays a crucial role in this mission by planning, organizing, directing, developing, and coordinating the activities of the Purchasing and Inventory Parts departments. This position operates under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. The Manager will develop a strategic approach to corporate procurement and materials management for the purchase of both direct and indirect goods and services. This role involves performing complex procurement activities and managing all aspects of contracting, purchasing, inventory, and materials management at Santa Cruz METRO. The Contracts and Purchasing Manager will lead and run the full contracting process for capital and operating assets and services, which constitutes approximately 90% of the role's responsibilities. This includes developing and implementing company policy, providing expert advice on purchasing and contracting decisions, negotiating large purchases, and addressing any claims regarding contract law violations. The Manager will also direct, manage, coordinate, and administer the formal bid and procurement process, including the development of invitations for bids (IFBs), requests for proposals (RFPs), and requests for quotations (RFQs). They will ensure contract compliance with Federal, State, and local requirements while evaluating all procurement activities for adherence to Santa Cruz METRO's policies and procedures. In addition to these responsibilities, the Manager will prepare technical and administrative reports, correspondence, and written recommendations, and will make oral presentations to the Santa Cruz METRO Board of Directors, management, governmental officials, and other organizations as needed. They will also review and approve contracts and purchase orders, maintain vendor relationships, and keep informed of market conditions and new products. The role requires the development and execution of short and long-term strategies to facilitate process improvements and innovations within procurement and inventory management. The Manager will oversee records retention and management, OSHA-required documentation, and ensure compliance with various rules and regulations, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, develop, and coordinate the activities of the Purchasing and Inventory Parts departments.
• Develop a strategic approach to corporate procurement and materials management for the purchase of direct and indirect goods and services.
• Lead and run the full contracting process for capital and operating assets and services.
• Develop and implement company policy regarding purchasing and contracting decisions.
• Negotiate large purchases and respond to claims regarding contract law violations.
• Ensure contract compliance with Federal, State, and local requirements, as well as Santa Cruz METRO's policies.
• Direct, manage, coordinate, and administer the formal bid and procurement process, including development of IFBs, RFPs, and RFQs.
• Prepare technical and administrative reports, correspondence, and written recommendations.
• Make oral presentations to the Santa Cruz METRO Board of Directors and other organizations as needed.
• Review and approve contracts and purchase orders; maintain contact and negotiate with vendors.
• Evaluate vendor performance and keep informed of market conditions and new products.
• Develop and execute short and long-term strategies for process improvements in procurement and inventory management.
• Oversee records retention and management, including OSHA-required documentation.
• Create and track Key Performance Indicators for the department.
• Assist in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program to ensure compliance with regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in business, finance, public administration, mathematics, or a closely related field.
• Completion of the NTI/FTA Procurement Training series or ability to complete it within 12 months of hire.
• Four (4) years of professional experience in public or private sector procurement, including two (2) years of supervisory experience, preferably in a public agency.
• Familiarity with transit agency or transportation system activities and functions is highly desirable.
• Experience in a large public organization is preferred.
• A valid Class C driver license and safe driving record is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in Business (MBA).
• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM).
• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO).

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 457(b)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Medical Insurance for employee and qualified dependents with multiple plan options
• CalPERS retirement pension
• Long Term Disability Insurance after one year of service
• Employee Assistance Program premium paid by Santa Cruz Metro
• Tickets at Work Program.