Under the general direction of the Director of Finance, the Manager of Procurement leads, plans, coordinates and administers the operations of the Office of Purchasing Services, which is a division of the Finance Department responsible for acquiring goods, services and construction contracts for the organization. This position will be responsible for managing an annual budget of approximately $1,154,182 and a staff composed of 9 FTEs.
These services are typically managed through a structured procurement process to ensure and secure the greatest value for the city, considering cost, quality, delivery, service and other considerations that reflect overall value comparisons. All purchasing and contracting shall be accomplished in the best interest of the city.

Key Responsibilities:
✦ Develops and drives a strategic procurement vision that aligns with the city’s financial, operational, and
policy objectives as well as the city’s strategic plan
✦ Optimizes procurement performance and influences broader city priorities, such as cost savings, risk
mitigation, and sustainability.
✦ Implements and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess procurement effectiveness, cost savings, and supplier performance.
✦ Pursues award programs that demonstrate best practices are incorporated into the Purchasing Division
operations.
✦ Develops procurement talent through mentorship, professional certifications, and continuous learning,
ensuring a proactive and high-performing team.
✦ Administers the purchasing and contracts functions for the city.
✦ Establishes short and long-range divisional priorities, goals and objectives.
✦ Coordinates and ensures the completion of complex projects related to purchasing services issues.
✦ Manages the legal and procedural complexities of services contracted by the city.
✦ Prepares and administers division budgets.
✦ Oversees technology implementations and utilization for the division as well as city departments.
✦ Establishes and updates city policy and city code related to purchasing services matters.
✦ Leads community outreach venues to businesses regarding how to do business with the city.
✦ Ensures regular training of internal customers regarding use of ERP and other technology and procurement policy and procedures.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a seasoned procurement professional who has the experience to manage the significant number of vendor contracts and complex project needs for the growing Aurora community. This new leader will need to focus on best practices to enhance organizational and process improvement, as well as integrate procurement strategies that support operational efficiency, innovation, and fiscal responsibility. This strategic minded individual must value the delivery of customer service excellence when collaborating with city departments to make financially sound decisions to ensure the City’s financial transparency, cost savings, risk mitigation, and sustainability. The new manager should have extensive experience in municipal purchasing, government procurement, and contract administration as well as budgeting management, and general accounting and finance knowledge.
The new Manager of Procurement shall have these additional core competencies:

Leadership – Possesses humility and a high level of integrity; has a fair, friendly and diplomatic demeanor; maintains confidence and calmness under pressure; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of management including executive staff, residents, and elected officials; adapts to ongoing
challenges and capable of shifting in various directions necessary to manage changes.

Financial Acumen – Manages multiple contracts, purchasing agreements and bid documents; possesses the ability to evaluate and improve processes and procedures to enhance services; has demonstrated leadership in contract management, purchasing, accounting and budgeting general knowledge; has experience with implementation and evaluation of purchasing and accounting software systems.

Process Improvement – Seeks “best practices” in relevant industries and other public sector agencies for continued growth; identifies opportunities to achieve effective and efficient project/service delivery; assesses work performance and outcomes for ongoing process improvement, focuses on customer satisfaction and technological advancement; demonstrates the ability to propose and implement creative solutions for unique and complex scenarios.

Communication - Listens attentively to understand the needs, intentions, and views of others; possesses strong interpersonal, analytical, written, and verbal communication and presentation skills; provides information and feedback to staff and customers.

Talent Management – Effectively leads, supervises, and coaches a large and diverse workforce; develops a positive and inclusive team culture; provides opportunities for continued growth and develops a succession plan; instills an empowering and engaged workforce where ideas are fostered and nurtured.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
✦ Bachelor’s Degree in business administration,
finance, or a related field
✦ At least 5 years progressively responsible
experience in government purchasing
administration including construction and
technology procurements
✦ At least 3 years government supervisory/leadwork
experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
✦ Experience managing and leading a purchasing
function in a municipality
✦ Professional certifications such as CPPD, CACM,
CPCM, CCPO or CPPB
✦ Workday ERP and Service Now experience
✦ Municipal purchasing experience is ideal!