PURCHASING MANAGER

Chicago Park District - Chicago, IL

- Senior

Chicago, IL

Administration of Environmental Quality Programs

About the position

Under the direction of the Director of Purchasing, the Purchasing Manager is responsible for managing the bid process for Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Qualification (RFQ) projects and supervising Advanced Buyers. Performs other duties as assigned. Responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Director of Purchasing regarding bids and proposals that are IFB, RFP and RFQ projects as well as direct contract buys. Supervises Advanced Buyers and is the project manager for all Purchasing work for all IFB, RFP, RFQ projects and direct contract buys. Responsible for assisting in developing and improving purchasing processes and procedures. Responsible for adherence to and conformance with established purchasing policies, procedures and criteria. Mediates disputes between Suppliers and User Departments. Performs data analysis and provides status and activity reports regarding contract purchases and purchases through approved Superintendent letters with the approved Suppliers and bid process awarded Suppliers. Represents the Park District at meetings, conferences, seminars and community forums regarding the Chicago Park District purchasing. May participate in annual department budget preparation.

Responsibilities

• Manage the bid process for IFB, RFP, and RFQ projects.
• Supervise Advanced Buyers.
• Review and make recommendations regarding bids and proposals.
• Assist in developing and improving purchasing processes and procedures.
• Ensure adherence to established purchasing policies and procedures.
• Mediate disputes between Suppliers and User Departments.
• Perform data analysis and provide status and activity reports.
• Represent the Park District at meetings and community forums.
• Participate in annual department budget preparation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business (Accounting, Finance, or Economics preferred) or Engineering.
• Five (5) or more years' experience in procurement of materials, supplies, and services.
• At least two (2) years' experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Proven ability to negotiate financial and non-financial contract conditions.
• Experience in the development and reporting of monthly activities.
• Experience in supporting a matrix management environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of procurement methods and procedures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legal, financial, and technical aspects of procurement.
• Ability to evaluate and determine conformance to contract specifications.
• Ability to mediate contract disputes.
• Contract administration and negotiation skills.
• Skill in interpreting and communicating purchasing policies.
• Mid-level Microsoft Excel skills (data analysis, pivot tables, macro functions).
• Project management skills for multiple projects.