Director of Procurement

The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) provides quality water supply, water pollution control, mapping, and household hazardous waste collection to eight member municipalities: Bloomfield, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor. Additionally, the MDC provides drinking water to portions of Farmington, Glastonbury, East Granby and South Windsor, known as the MDC's non-member towns.

JOB SUMMARY

This is a highly responsible senior management level position and a member of the senior management leadership team. The purpose of this classification is to provide strategic vision and leadership for the direction and management of procurement operations of the District which includes: competitive bidding, contract negotiation, procurement compliance and control, and the acquisition of materials and services to support the District's operating and capital requirements. Pursuant to the By-Laws of The Metropolitan District, Sections B2e and B4a, the person appointed to this position will be an officer of The Metropolitan District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Plans and directs all procurement programs, objectives and operations. Analyzes information on the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement programs and procedures, ensures compliance with all applicable District policies and procedures, as well as all applicable state and federal regulations.

• Participates in strategic and management governance processes of the organization as a member of the senior management team to foster leadership and vision for the procurement, and contract compliance and control functions of the District.
• Provides over site of purchases to ensure the obtaining of maximum value from expenditures of funds administered through District accounts, insuring that all procedural and regulatory requirements are met.

• Oversees the negotiation and management of contracts for all District functions. Provides over site and direction on complex contracts ensuring policies are consistent, processes fair and quality assurance control standards are rigorously enforced. Directs and manages the preparation, solicitation and evaluation of RFQs/RFPs/RFSs/RFIs, including preparing cost/price analyses.

• Exercises authority to execute contracts (up to the maximum amount of their delegated authority), negotiates and issues contract amendments (change orders), purchase orders and agreements in accordance with the delegation of signature authority established by District management. May act as or appoint Contract Officer for contract negotiation and approvals.

• Reviews and analyzes complex solicitations, budgetary estimates and price proposals from subcontractors/vendors in accordance with the District's Charter, labor, taxation, commercial and other applicable laws to determine reasonableness of prices and proposal terms and conditions. Assures implementation of Small Local Business Enterprise, minority and women owned business programs and set-asides meet District goals and funding requirements in contract and purchase.

• Ensures procurement staff's compliance with procurement and subcontracting policies as adopted by the District. Develops and recommends procurement structures that best utilize staff to achieve long and short-range goals. Assures compliance with use of purchasing systems, use of state qualified contractors and all other purchasing controls.

• Acts as District liaison with contractors, regulatory agencies and the general public on matters of procurement. Coordinates District actions with government agencies, contractors, and interested groups.

• Analyzes information on department's effectiveness and efficiency. Identifies best business practices and modifies operating policies and procedures. Recommends District administrative and governing policies. Advises Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer on procurement operational issues.

• Prepares written reports and correspondence as required. Maintains compliance files in accordance with the District policies/procedures. Maintains contacts with all pertinent markets in which the District will operate.

• Develops budgets and controls department expenditures within fund allocations. Recommends fund transfers.

• Supervises assigned staff; interviews and recommends applicants for selection; assigns work; establishes performance expectations; provides training and employee development; provides guidance and advice regarding difficult issues; enforces safe work practices; evaluates employee performance; counsels employees; administers union contract language, oral and written warning and suspension; and recommends higher level discipline and other personnel actions.

• Performs other related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, finance or related field with master's level course work in either field; supplemented by a minimum of ten (10) years' previous experience that includes public sector procurement functions and operations, including three (3) years' managerial experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, substituting on a year-for-year basis, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this classification.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred experience

• MBA or MPA preferred.
• Professional certification such as Certified Public Purchasing Officer, Certified Professional Purchasing Manager, or equivalent certifications preferred.
• Experience in cradle to grave public procurement
• Federal, State, Public or Private Utility, and/or local Municipal experience desired
• Well-rounded procurement experience with all types of industries including Goods/Materials, Construction, Service, and Information Technology
• Experience managing multiple bidding processes/procedures, and evaluation methods
• Procurement, Management, or Supply Chain Logistics desired

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to synthesize, hypothesize, and/or theorize concerning data and/or information involving modification of existing policies, strategies and/or methods to meet unique or unusual conditions. Requires the ability to do so within the context of existing organizational theories and management principles.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to function in a director capacity for a major organizational unit requiring significant internal and external interaction.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions, including necessary computer related skills.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize synthesis data and information, as well as reference, descriptive, design, advisory, and consulting data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; and may include ability to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas, and basic geometric principles and calculations.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to implement both intellectual and practical relationships. Involves responsibility for consideration and analysis of complex organization problems of major functions.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in critical and/or unexpected situations involving risk to the organization.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual and/or auditory cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The MDC seeks to enhance the diversity of its workforce. People of color, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.