Sr. Manager, Procurement Operations & Administration

The Sr. Manager, Procurement Operations & Administration supports the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) in achieving strategic and tactical objectives, assisting with high-profile acquisitions, preparing contracts, and developing customer-oriented plans that are consistent with WSSC Water policy and strategic goals. The Sr. Manager leads the strategic development of system application modules and its implementation, and coordinates the development and enhancement of Procurement Dept. business processes, definitions, practices and tools. The manager will be responsible for overseeing the P-card program, bonds & insurance, data analytics, technology, training, and outreach activities.

Essential Functions

- Develops instructions, and guidelines which establish internal procedures concerning the execution and administration of WSSC Water contracts, and provides guidance to Procurement Dept. professionals and contract managers concerning such policies and guidelines

- Ensures all acquisition actions are per applicable WSSC Water procurement policy

- Drafts WSSC Water procurement policies for the approval of the CPO

- Monitors complex administrative or operational problems or procedures and provides status reports including conclusions and recommendations on such complexities

- Takes a lead role in working as an integrated partner with leaders within the Office of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion (OSDI) to effect and execute OSDI goals and objectives

- Helps resolve issues between suppliers and WSSC Water and works to build supplier relationships

- Ensures all contract management activities are in compliance with Federal and state laws and WSSC Water policies, procedures, rules and regulations

- Develops innovative acquisition vehicles to promote efficient and effective use of resources to meet WSSC Water needs

- Conducts/leads periodic reviews and meetings with execution teams to establish procedures for consistent execution of contract actions (cradle-to-grave), uncover contractual problems experienced by execution teams with the operation of acquisition processes, brainstorm solutions, and develop process and procedures to institute those solutions

- Develops metrics to measure the performance of acquisition procedures, processes, and cycle times for approval by the CPO

- Identifies opportunities for collaboration with other public entities

- Assumes responsibility for the overall management of the WSSC Water procurement card (P-card) program and serves as the program administrator in accordance with the established policy; develops procedures to comply with said policy, to include card maintenance functions (new issue, cancel, etc.)

- Monitors compliance of policy and procedures with periodic reassessment of cost and benefits; and provides monthly/quarterly reports to management

- Coordinates and assesses, on an ongoing basis, competency needs and gaps and provides, or arranges, training as needed

- Responsible for understanding the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and ensures that this information is coordinated with all strategic initiatives, communicated to the Procurement Dept. senior leadership as well as communicating the information to the Contracting Officer Representatives

- Leads development and implementation of robust e-sourcing/e-procurement capabilities for WSSC Water

- Participates/leads the development and implementation of new and upgraded ERP (enterprise resource planning) solution in support of the operational and reporting requirements of the procurement function

- Acts as the subject matter expert (SME) for the Procurement Dept. for ERP solutions for procurement and is proficient in procurement best practices

- Recommends and prepares administrative and operating directives, policies and procedures associated with established technologies and technologies in development

- Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination

Other Functions

- When delegated, represents the CPO on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and other meetings

- Stays abreast of functional best practices outside of WSSC Water and introduces those best practices into WSSC Water suggested policies, practices and training

- Performs other duties, as assigned

Work Environment And Physical Demands

Business casual office environment

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

- Expert knowledge of public sector procurement and familiarity with supply chain management principles

- Knowledge of business and industry practices for operations and administration of a procurement function

- Excellent change management and leadership skills

- Expert decision making, analytical, communicative and negotiation skills with senior leaders

- Excellent public speaking skills

- Strong organizational and project management skills

- Ability to write clear and concise reports, directives, letters and other written materials

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Commission officials including the General Manager, Deputy General Managers, and department heads

- Ability to manage and provide leadership and direction to employees

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree - 8+ years’ experience in contract administration - 3+ years management experience that includes employee supervision

- Experience implementing technology and developing policies and procedures