Purchasing and Contracting Manager

Purchasing And Contracting Manager

This vacancy is with the Finance department on the Strategic service team. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County. The ideal candidate will collaboratively lead, organize, and continuously improve a relationship-centered purchasing and contracting function for Ramsey County. Serving as a subject matter expert, they will work closely with Division leadership to foster a strategic and productive work environment that supports both team success and broader organizational goals. Key responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of procurement including solicitations, evaluations, contract development, and ensuring compliance with county policies and regulatory standards. The role demands extensive expert experience in drafting and publishing solicitations and complex contracts across a wide range of categories, including construction, information technology, client services, professional services, supplies, equipment, materials, and labor. The candidate will manage a team of seven professionals, providing mentorship and training in procurement practices and contract writing. Strong policy development skills and a deep understanding of county governance and authority structures are essential to succeed in this role.

Basic Duties : Manage one of three county purchasing and contracting functions. Collaboratively plan, organize, manage and improve a relationship focused purchasing and contracting function for Ramsey County. Serve as an expert in the area of purchasing and contracting in collaboration with Division leadership. Creates a productive and strategic work environment, ultimately contributing to the success of their assigned team and purchasing and contracting organization as a whole. Functions may include the intake process, purchasing and contracting procedures and evaluating policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and business needs.

Examples of Work Performed :

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Collaboratively develop and continually improve and adapts the standards of purchasing policies and procedures adapted for the county.
• Partner with other Dvision leaders, County Attorney's office, Risk Management and others across the county to support an efficient and relational purchasing and contracting system.
• Collaboratively design, implement, and monitor a comprehensive internal training program for all participants in the purchasing process.
• Develop long and short range plans; provide advice on cost-effective approaches for procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, space and services.
• Forecast all staffing needs for their team(s) based on workload and anticipated purchasing and contracting volumes.

Purchasing and Contracting Coordinators and Support Services

Purchasing and Contracting Management Team

Minimum Qualifications :

Education : Bachelors' Degree in Purchasing, Contracting, Business or Public Administration, Economics, Marketing or other closely related field.

Experience : Three years of professional level purchasing and / or contracting experience, two or more years of supervisory experience preferred.

Substitution : An additional five years' of professional level purchasing, contracting or management experience may substitute for Bachelors Degree requirement.

Exam / Screening Process Information :

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated :

The examination for Purchasing and Contracting Manager will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination. Eligible List : The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination / screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Purchasing and Contracting Manager. Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted. Veteran's Preference : This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application. Criminal Background Checks : All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment. E-Verify Participation : Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and / or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9. Equal Opportunity Employer : Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.