Director, Purchasing

PRIMARY FUNCTION: This position is responsible for the supervision of the central purchasing functions of the school system.

REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Finance

SALARY SCHEDULE: 303

WORK DAYS: 250

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in a business office including at least five (5) years of significant purchasing experience as determined by the District.
• Directly related previous purchasing experience in a school district or other governmental agency which would provide knowledge of principles and practices of purchasing and the laws and regulations governing public procurement.
• Additional training in contract administration, specification development, and construction.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Previous purchasing experience in a school district or other governmental agency
• Previous supervisory or management experience

Preferred:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Licenses, Certifications, and other Requirements

Required:

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), and/or NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP).

Preferred:

• None 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages the Purchasing Department staff and supervises their duties.
2. Coordinates the purchasing processes for all supplies and equipment necessary for the operation of the district including lunchroom supplies, construction supplies, textbooks and all other material.
3. Write specifications for purchase of supplies and equipment and carry a complete record of all purchases.
4. Purchase all movable furniture for new school buildings which are not in general contract and ensure that it is properly stored until building is ready for acceptance; coordinates moving this furniture to the building and sets up for use.
5. Receives and verifies requisitions and requests for purchase (P-1 's) and determines propriety of purchases.
6. Consults appropriate vendors.
7. Receives and analyzes quotations and bids, awards contracts, issues purchase orders to successful bidder.
8. Conducts correspondence on purchasing matters.
9. Prepares reports on purchasing activities and prepares budget requests for the department's operation.
10. Assists in development of complex, non-restrictive specifications from information received from District staff to solicit formal bids, proposals, and requests for quotations.
11. Demonstrates clear understanding and rationale for why processes must follow certain steps.
12. Initiates, issues, monitors, and evaluates bids, proposals, and requests for quotations.
13. Develops sources of supply and obtains information from vendors concerning specifications, price, delivery dates, warranty periods, etc.
14. Resolves problems related to purchases and purchasing procedures, determines source of trouble, and takes corrective action.
15. Performs other duties as necessary for the effectiveness of the organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of and progressively responsible work experience with purchasing methods and procedures, including buying, inspecting, storing, and shipping methods.
• Thorough knowledge of sources of supply, markets, and price trends.
• Considerable knowledge of office management principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of office and storage management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of accounting practices as applied to procurement procedures.
• Communication skills, including clarity, tact, courtesy, and calm during stressful situations.
• Demonstrable ability to make decisions impartially and objectively.
• Ability to handle busy and time sensitive situations, including multi-tasking.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with outside vendors, District personnel, and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with schools, departments, management, and the public.
• Ability to provide guidance to other procurement staff as needed.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written communications.
• Ability to work with principals, administrators, and other school personnel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; management skills

Terms of Employment

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has the right to revise this job description at any time and it does not in any way represent a contract of employment. Incumbents will be considered “at will” and appropriate pay will be determined based on the assigned pay grade and allowable experience.

Work Environment

Employees in this classification are normally exposed to a typical office environment. The employee has some control over the length of time sitting, standing, or ambulating. There are occasions that require the lifting or pulling of equipment or supplies, as well as bending, stooping, or stretching. There is frequent use of computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment, which includes reading, listening, writing, or speaking. There are few exceptional physical or sensory demands.

Exceptional Physical or Sensory Demands

Heavy lifting of up to fifteen (15) pounds.

Sitting or standing for extended periods with limited control over rest periods.

Salary : $94,748 - $150,384