Commercial Contracts Manager

For more than 100 years, the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has provided safe, dependable water and electric services across Wyandotte County. As a non-profit public utility, we are fully committed to serving our customers and the community as a whole. It’s more than simply providing a service. It’s a commitment to a better quality of life. That’s why BPU has been recognized as one of the top public utilities in the country. That’s the Power of Community. The BPU offers very competitive pay and one of the best benefits packages in greater Kansas City! Come join the Power of Our Community!

About the Role

Manage the full lifecycle of contracts—from sourcing contractors and managing RFPs to proposal evaluations, contract negotiations, and issuing purchase orders through Oracle Fusion.

Responsibilities

- Ensure compliance with contract terms, legal requirements, and internal policies while monitoring deliverables, deadlines, and risk factors.

- Collaborate with technical subject matter experts to develop specifications, prepare bid documents, and evaluate and select suppliers that provide best-value services.

- Act as the primary liaison between BPU departments and external parties, facilitating communication, resolving disputes, and supporting contract-related inquiries.

- Coordinate and process contract amendments, scope changes, and related correspondence, ensuring timely updates and documentation.

- Maintain accurate and organized records of all contracts and procurement documentation using systems such as OnBase, Fusion, DocuSign, and DemandStar.

- Track and analyze contract-related costs and procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize contract strategies.

- Provide contract expertise and operational support to BPU operations groups, promoting efficiency and compliance across departments.

- Foster and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and internal teams to support successful contract execution and service delivery.

- Demonstrate leadership in procurement practices, including strategic sourcing, negotiation, and continuous improvement of contract management processes.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree required; preferred fields include Management, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or other business-related disciplines.

- Advanced degrees such as an M.A., MBA, Master of Legal Studies, or J.D. are a plus.

- Professional certifications in supply chain management (e.g., CPM, CPSM, CPSC) are advantageous.

- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or contract management.

- Proven experience managing large-scale projects and working with subcontractors or suppliers.

- Prior experience in a utility, Engineer Procure Construction (EPC) company, or government agency is preferred.

Required Skills

- Strong understanding of procurement practices, including strategic sourcing, contract law, and compliance.

- Proficient in ERP systems (Oracle Fusion preferred) and procurement technologies.

- Skilled in contract negotiation, legal and technical document interpretation, and cost analysis.

- Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and presentation—with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.

- Demonstrated leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.

- Self-motivated and capable of working independently while contributing to team success.

- Strong computer literacy and the ability to operate effectively within company systems and platforms.

Pay range and compensation package

SG07/$107,868-134,835 annually

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Board of Public Utilities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Conditions of Employment: All BPU employees, at the inception of their employment, shall have a period of 12 months after employment begins to establish and maintain a legal primary residence within the legally defined boundaries of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS.

```