Director of Procurement

The City of Fort Myers strives to be an employer of choice and most of our employees turn jobs into long term careers.  The salary shown in the job description is the full range for this position from entry to later career.  

NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

FLSA Status: Exempt               Safety Sensitive: NO              Level II Screening: NO

Under the direction of the City Manager or designee, the incumbent is responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the City’s Procurement function. Consistent with the strategic priorities of the city, performs professional work of unusual difficulty in planning, organizing, development and coordination of the procurement activities for the entire organization. This executive management position serves as the principal public procurement official for the city and is responsible for procurement of all goods, supplies and services in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Responsibilities include but not limited to providing professional support and sound contractual advice to all stakeholders involving contractual services, consultants, equipment, supplies, construction, capital improvements and other applicable activities. Supervision is exercised over professional, technical and clerical staff engaged in procurement activities.   

Duties/Responsibilities

• Procure or supervise the timely procurement of all goods, supplies and services needed, in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and procurement policies and procedures by reviewing and monitoring procurement conduct by any designee or department.
• Maintain the integrity of the public procurement process.
• Recommend policies to the City Council regarding procurement of goods, supplies and services.
• Ensure purchasing practices are consistent, open, and designed to encourage maximum competition and best value procurements.
• Research market sources and vendors to locate and ensure most effective and competitive pricing for the purchase of supplies and services.
• Prepare and issue solicitation documents.
• Receive and evaluate proposals and bids; award or recommend the award of contracts to the City Council.
• Conduct negotiations with suppliers on proposals, contracts and contract claims,
• Establish standard contract clauses for use in contracts, solicitations, and purchase orders.
• Prepare or supervise the preparation of contractual documents with suppliers.
• Review and execute contracts, purchase orders, change orders, and other documents within delegated authority.
• Formulate, in conjunction with using departments, short-term and long-term strategic procurement plans in order to maximize buying power and minimize inefficiencies.
• Continuously review policies and procedures governing procurement in order to improve upon and standardize processes.
• Select, hire, supervise and evaluate subordinate staff; review of performance reports prepared by subordinates; exercise authority for department personal actions consistent with established personnel rules, and all other applicable rules and regulations.
• Delegate authority and assign work to subordinate staff commensurate with their qualifications and existing workload. Review the work of staff to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies and procedures.
• Conduct training for employees in the procedures and techniques required in the performance of their duties. Assist staff by providing technical guidance and direction.
• Serve as public procurement advisor and technical expert to management.
• Establish and supervise a contract administration system designed to ensure that contractors are performing in accordance with the terms and conditions of their contracts.
• Develop, recommend and monitor the departmental budget.
• Effectively communicate purchasing policies and procedures to personnel and interpret said policies and procedures as necessary.
• Maintain open communications with the supplier community to provide a comprehensive understanding of the procurement practices and maintain supplier confidence.
• Coordinate bid protest and negotiate for an acceptable solution.
• Suspend or debar persons for cause from consideration of award of contracts.
• Prepare or direct the preparation of reports which accurately represent the department’s activities.
• Represent the department to other governmental departments, other public agencies, suppliers and the City Council.
• Exercises general supervision and control over all inventories of supplies.
• Designate surplus supplies and supervise their selling, trading or disposal.
• Establish and maintain programs for the inspection, testing and acceptance of supplies and services.
• Prescribe operational procedures governing the procurement function, and the disposal, transfer and reutilization of personal property and equipment, consistent with all applicable laws, policies and rules.
• Perform other related duties to ensure the accomplishment of the strategic priorities of the city.
• Develop and align the strategic priorities of the department consistent with those of the city.
• Administer the City’s Minority Business Enterprise Program.
• May require operation of a motor vehicle to perform assigned tasks.
• This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee's physical presence at the workplace.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Comprehensive knowledge of modern principles and practices of government procurement and supply-chain management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of business practices related to purchasing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws, policies and procedures governing public procurement
• Considerable knowledge of contract law.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of administration, organization, budget preparation, personnel management, supervision, training and development financial administration and public relations.
• Considerable knowledge of techniques of organizing and motivating individuals and groups.
• Considerable knowledge of administrative problem solving and the implementation of effective solutions.
• Considerable knowledge of principles of management analysis and organizational design necessary to formulate and implement administrative practices.
• Considerable knowledge of available information systems technology which enhance business practices.
• Comprehensive skill in researching and preparing highly complex specifications, solicitations and contract documents.
• Considerable skill in project and program management.
• Ability to develop effective and cooperative working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to provide strong leadership and direction, clearly defining objectives and motivating employees to accomplish departmental responsibilities.
• Ability to coordinate, manage, problem solve, strategize, schedule, analyze, and plan.
• Ability to use appropriate judgment and initiative in making recommendations and resolving problems that are highly complex and sensitive in nature.
• Ability to analyze commodity requirements, interpret market prices and trends, and apply interpretations to procurement issues.
• Ability to negotiate contracts for professional and non-professional services, construction and supplies.
• Ability to identify and implement information technology solutions related to electronic purchasing systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including the ability to convey complex and technical subjects in a clear, concise and positive manner.
• Ability to successfully deal with all persons in a fair and equitable manner.
• Ability to make difficult decisions and award contracts impartially and objectively.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Business Law, Finance, Purchasing or closely related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.  
• Minimum five (5) years progressively responsible experience in public procurement, including supervisory responsibilities.  
• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or the ability to obtain the certification within one year of employment.