Director of Procurement

Purpose and Scope

OVERVIEW

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is seeking dynamic educational champions ready to position our district as a national exemplar of education transformation. We need leaders with a fierce commitment to actualizing a bold vision that yields ambitious outcomes for more than 110,000 students and families across the Memphis-Shelby County area. The reality is that we can do better for kids, and we will with the right leaders in place. The most successful candidates believe that more is possible for Memphis and are:

• Courageous Thinkers & Doers: Prepared to navigate and thrive in a complex and ambiguous environment on day one, present innovative ideas to address systemwide issues, and execute sustainable plans toward transformation.
• Solutions-Oriented: See the possibilities, demonstrate the capacity to synthesize information and adjust short and long-term goals, and consistently find a window when doors close to deliver measurable results for kids and families.
• High-Performing Gamechangers: Leader of leaders with the capacity to mobilize and empower an outstanding team, make people-centered data-informed decisions, and operate with a relentless hyperfocus on removing stubborn barriers that destroy the hopes and dreams of too many of our students.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

Directs the efficient and effective operations of the procurement function and is the recognized expert in the field of purchasing services, providing system-wide direction and expertise.

Essential Job Functions

Directs and coordinates activities involving bidding and purchasing materials, equipment, supplies, educational resources and contracted services.

Ensures district receives value for spend through strategic sourcing and economies of scale; devotes main focus to plans to improve quality and lower cost of purchases.

Coordinates submission of bid requests (including advertisements).

Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.

Interfaces with the General Counsel office to ensure necessary contracts are drafted for each vendor arrangement.

Prepares contract/bid information in collaboration with General Counsel office for Board meetings and approval. Must be available to address questions from the Board of Education.

Monitors service levels and satisfaction with external vendors.

Analyzes market and delivery conditions to determine present and future materials and services availability and prepares reports.

Responsible for the procurement of capital assets and close collaboration with accounts payable.

Responsible for the procurement of goods and services from the general fund, capital fund, special revenue fund and nutrition services fund.

Responsible for the implementation of the school district's Fair Business Program (FBP).

Works collaboratively with the Chiefs, Executive Directors, and other Directors to formulate targets and goals for productivity, cost management, quality, and providing input on system-wide policy development as it relates to Procurement.

Executes the responsibilities according to lawful and ethical standards. Uses personal judgment and initiative to develop effective and constructive solutions to challenges and obstacles.

Develops a departmental budget, present, and defend program budget requirements; oversees and approves program expenditures and prepares financial forms and reports.

Supervises staff establishing standards and effectively select, train, motivate, delegate, monitor and evaluate performance to ensure targets and goals are met. Facilitates professional development and serves as coach and mentor.

Directs the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, correspondence, and files related to assigned service, activities, and operations; provides for appropriate research and compiles reports, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field of study plus an additional 7 years related experience, or equivalent for a total education and experience of 11 years. Certification as Public Purchasing Officer is preferred.

(PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED)

Degree Equivalency Formula:

Bachelor's Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.

Master's Degree= 2 years plus required years of experience.