Purchasing & Utility Billing Manager

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. This recruitment is open until filled and interviews may be conducted throughout the recruitment process. This recruitment may close at any time. Candidates should submit their materials online as soon as possible to ensure consideration. 

Hybrid remote/office may be available after introductory period.

SALARY: $143,936 – $192,887 Annually

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages various functions of the District, including purchasing, customer service, and meter reading; supervises staff; develops and monitors budget for assigned departments; formulates and implements initiatives, policies, and procedures with general administrative guidelines; performs related work as assigned. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for the development and management of functions related to the District’s purchasing, customer service, and meter reading.   

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

This position reports to the CFO/Director of Finance. It is considered mid-management and oversees the operations and staff of the Meter, Customer Service, and Purchasing departments. It directly supervises the Meter Services Supervisor, Customer Service Supervisor, and all purchasing employees.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages and oversees operation of assigned divisions; develops and implements goals, objectives, and works standards for the department; monitors workload, output, and efficiency of assigned divisions; plans, schedules, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; provides training and development to assigned staff; provides assistance to staff in resolving problems;
• Manages the Purchasing functions of the District in accordance with state and agency guidelines or requirements, including, but not limited to, identification and evaluation of vendors and negotiating terms and conditions; purchases materials and supplies; evaluates cost, quality, and suitability of vendors, supplies, and materials; performs contract administration for select District departments; assists departments with bid specification, analysis, and award; reviews and executes purchase orders to ensure compliance with purchasing procedures; performs other administrative tasks as needed;
• Manages the Meter and Customer Service departments; responds to elevated customer service issues or complaints; analyzes information related to capital improvement projects in assigned departments, such as migration to AMI meters; stays knowledgeable of new trends and innovations in utility customer service, including meters and billing; represents the District to customers, clients, business groups, vendors, and professional organizations;
• Evaluates and monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of methods and procedures in all assigned departments; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems; identifies opportunities for improvement; makes recommendations regarding policies or procedures; directs the implementation of changes;
• Administers the disposal of surplus District property, including real estate. 
• Coordinates and participates in the negotiation and acquisition or lease of real property
• Participates in the selection of departmental staff; trains and evaluates employees; plans and organizes work, develops and establishes work methods and standards, conducts or directs staff training and development, reviews and evaluates employee performance, recommends disciplinary actions;
• Holds regular meetings with staff to communicate expectations, receive feedback, resolve problems, develop trusting relationships, provide motivation and employee recognition, stay abreast of staff’s work activities, and provide required resources for work assignments;
• Operates copiers and a variety of office equipment;
• Performs duties in a professional manner and works well with others or in a team setting;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public;
• Regular attendance and adherence to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities;
• Observes safe work practices and safety methods; performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Ideal Candidate

• Experience with California regulations related to government contracts and purchasing; 
• Strong and effective leadership skills; communication, problem solving, setting expectations;
• Knowledge and experience in change management, including principles of implementation;
• Experience with water meters and water utility billing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Current management best practices, methods, and regulations, including selection and performance management;
• Relevant Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to the purchasing in a public agency, such as bidding procedures contract administration, and public purchasing operations; principles and practices of contract administration;
• Materials, supplies and equipment typically used in governmental services and sources for such products;
• Principles and practices of utility customer service functions including billing, collections, and customer record keeping; 
• Principles and practices of water utility metering, including current technology;
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs; 
• Principles, practices, and methods of budget management; negotiation principles and techniques;
• Computers and computer software, including Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS); 
• Principles and practices of sound business communications; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation; general business mathematics and accounting principles related to the work;
• Appropriate safety precautions, procedures, practices and regulations related to the work.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, manage, and administer the functions of assigned departments, including staff supervision;
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient Purchasing, Customer Service, and Meter Reading services and activities;
• Allocate resources in a cost-effective manner to control budget; prepare cost estimates;
• Evaluate quality and price of products to judge suitability of goods and alternatives offered; develop new sources of supply;
• Analyze, evaluate and modify methods and procedures in assigned departments; develop comprehensive plans to meet future District needs/services; 
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; 
• Prepare and present clear and accurate reports and statements;
• Analyze complex internal and external customer service problems, evaluate alternatives, and reach sound conclusions within general policy guidelines; understand, explain, and apply policies and procedures; 
• Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions. 

Education & Experience

Any combination of education or experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be: high school graduation or equivalent, and five years of professional purchasing experience at a governmental entity which included two years in a management or supervisory capacity. A bachelor’s degree with major course work in purchasing, business administration, business management or a closely related field is highly desired.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements

• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) desired. 
• Certified Professional in Public Buyer (CPPB) desired.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) desired. 
• Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) desired.