Purchasing Director (Unclassified)

JOB CODE: 3072

PAY GRADE: 2330

SALARY RANGE: $73,836 - $123,392

LOCATION OF WORK
Purchasing Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of the Mayor-President, performs highly responsible administrative work in directing and coordinating the central purchasing services for all agencies of the City-Parish government. The employee of this classification is responsible for directing all activities of the Purchasing Department. Work involves responsibility for planning, implementing and directing a centralized purchasing program designed to supply large quantities of a wide variety of supplies, materials and equipment to city and parish agencies and departments. Work involves developing and implementing purchasing procedures, standards and policies within the scope of existing laws and authority and meeting recommendations for changes in or additions to these laws and authorities. This position is also responsible for the sale of surplus property and materials for all City-Parish agencies. Supervision is provided to subordinate personnel. The employee of this class has considerable latitude for independent judgment and initiative in executing the functions of his office. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Advertises and conducts all bid openings for public works projects and purchases materials and supplies; prepares and approves all contracts for public works projects. Provides interpretations regarding provisions of Public Bid Law; appears before various Boards and Courts to testify in legal actions. Manages surplus property and materials; keeps aware of departmental needs for possible use of surplus items; conducts auctions for sale of materials and equipment. Manages and reviews vendor/contractor insurance requirements for performing work for City-Parish. Coordinates and consolidates the needs of various departments for standard supplies, materials and equipment; prepares specifications, obtains bids and issues annual contracts for these purchases. Prepares reports, purchasing records and manuals; responds to inquiries and complaints; handles larger more complex purchasing projects. Plans and supervises the installation of new techniques and procedures; provides technical assistance in preparing and updating contract specifications and contract forms. Consults with Metropolitan Council members and council committees, department heads and staff committees relative to purchasing activities. Supervises the preparation of reports of purchasing activities; supervises the preparation of the departments budget requests; supervises the maintenance of various purchasing records and manuals. Provides overall planning, supervision and training of subordinate staff; completes performance evaluations and participates in and approves all staff hiring.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of large-scale purchasing methods and procedures, and of the federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing the purchasing of materials by City-Parish government. Knowledge of the types, characteristics, supply sources and market factors of supply and equipment categories frequently required by City-Parish government. Knowledge of Public Bid and contract law. Knowledge of office management methods, principles and practices. Knowledge of computers and financial accounting functions. Knowledge of risk management practices, as regards vendor/contractor insurance requirements. Ability to plan, organize and direct effectively a centralized purchasing program. Ability to plan and coordinate the activities of buyers and other technical staff members engaged in large-scale purchasing functions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, supervisors, vendors, contractors and other interested parties.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS