Purchasing Manager

$110,000 - $117,000/Yr

Cedar Rapids Community School District - Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time - Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA

Educational Services

About the position

The Purchasing Manager plays a crucial role in providing leadership and supervision for the Cedar Rapids Community School District in various areas including purchasing, warehouse management, graphics and printing, and district mailroom services. This position is responsible for ensuring that all departments are customer-focused and responsive to the needs of students, parents, and school staff. The Purchasing Manager will support and participate in the District's continuous quality improvement initiatives, ensuring that efficient and effective processes are implemented across all responsible departments. This includes a continuous review of best practices and keeping equipment updated with the latest technology. In addition to overseeing purchasing policies and procedures in compliance with District and State laws, the Purchasing Manager will work collaboratively with other departments to prepare, review, and award bids, quotes, and RFPs in accordance with district policies. The role also involves acting as the District representative in negotiations with vendors, resolving grievances, and preparing Board agenda items while providing necessary clarifications. The Purchasing Manager will coordinate the removal or disposal of surplus materials and equipment, administer various department budgets, and stay informed about developments in all areas of responsibility, including laws and regulations related to services. The position requires the Purchasing Manager to monitor and approve a comprehensive cross-training program for staff, provide necessary instructions for developing best practices, and oversee the District's camera management system, including new installations and preventive maintenance. Additionally, the Purchasing Manager will analyze data and trends within the departments to set strategic goals that align with the District's strategic plan. Other related duties may be assigned as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision in purchasing, warehouse, graphics and printing, and district mailroom services.
• Support and participate in the District's continuous quality improvements.
• Ensure all departments are customer-focused and responsive to the needs of students, parents, and school staff.
• Implement efficient and effective processes in all responsible departments, including a review of best practices and technology updates.
• Recommend, supervise, and evaluate purchasing policies and procedures in compliance with District and State laws.
• Assist in preparing, reviewing, and awarding bids, quotes, and RFPs in accordance with district policies.
• Resolve grievances with vendors and act as the District representative in negotiations.
• Prepare Board agenda items and provide necessary clarifications.
• Coordinate the removal or disposal of surplus materials and equipment according to District policies.
• Administer various department budgets and stay informed about relevant developments.
• Monitor and approve a comprehensive cross-training program for staff.
• Oversee the District camera management system, including installations and maintenance.
• Analyze data and trends to set strategic goals that align with the District's strategic plan.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in business, accounting, or logistics preferred.
• Five years' experience in a related field at organizational management levels, preferably in an educational or governmental setting.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to provide effective training and professional development.
• General knowledge of public purchasing requirements.
• Detail-oriented with excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Effective communication skills with vendors, employees, and staff at all levels, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to build positive relationships with administrators, customers, staff, and community members.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively in crisis situations.
• Ability to anticipate needs and manage change effectively.
• Ability to problem-solve independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and work without supervision.
• Ability to lead multiple departments and organize, prioritize, and assume responsibility.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions and use spreadsheets and reporting documents for data computation.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and implement ideas from technical documents, reports, and regulations.
• Ability to effectively write reports and communications to various stakeholders.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficient with Excel, Google Suite, and purchase and bidding software.

Benefits

• Salary range of $110,000 to $117,000
• Administrative benefits offered by the Cedar Rapids Community School District