Recognized as one of the best places to work in Southeast Minnesota for three consecutive years, at Olmsted County every role helps to foster a vibrant community where everyone thrives. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, driving public service excellence and community well-being.
We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Our benefits package ensures your wellbeing, while career advancement opportunities and professional development empower you to reach your full potential.
Join us, and you'll be part of a purpose-driven team where your work truly makes a difference. Together, we build a sustainable, healthy, and welcoming community.
Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience
Full salary range $43.96 to $73.44 per hour.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business administration, public administration, or closely related field and four (4) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
OR
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business administration, public administration, or closely related field and two (2) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.OR
A combination of education and experience equivalent to eight (8) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.
Desirable Qualifications:
Purchasing certification from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) or the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) or certified in Best Value Procurement.
Nature of Work
Under the general supervision, manages, plans and develops procurement policies and procedures to maintain a coordinated system of purchasing. Promotes cost-effective and legal procurement of equipment, supplies, services and major capital improvement and construction projects. Manages the operational and day to day activities of the Purchasing division including budget, hiring, firing, discipline, evaluations, assignments and training. Builds and directs cross-functional partnerships within County departments and develops strong customer relations to communicate policies and procedures, ensure appropriate investment of County resources while meeting the operational needs to meet organizational objectives. Leverages the strengths of team members, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and develops employees to reach optimal goals. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
Examples of Work
- Leads individuals and teams, builds and maintains engagement, and nurtures a culture of growth to promote a work environment where every employee can reach their full potential.
- Recommends hiring, promotions, and assignments for team members, and provides regular and timely feedback. Manages employee performance, documentation, and disciplinary actions.
- Manages, develops, implements and oversees County-wide procurement policies, procedures and compliance
- Manages, develops, implements and oversees County-wide procurement system and solicitation system. Develops and implements trainings as necessary.
- Manages and oversees negotiations, development and review of contracts including the review, oversight and evaluation of contracts and procurement policies and procedures, preparation of quotes, bids, proposals and contracts and the process for contract cancelations, protests and non-acceptance. Coordinates with legal department as appropriate
- Develops and implements appropriate procurement training for County staff including compilation, updates and compliance for the countywide purchasing manual
- Manages the implementation process innovation, use of best practices and continuous improvement to support delivery of services, and improve department functions and programs
- Reviews internal customer needs, makes procurement method recommendations, develops specifications, contracts, quotes, bids and proposals. Monitors and oversees vendor performance. Acts as a project coordinator. Manages and directs project teams
- Oversees the County-wide surplus program and pcard program
- Leads discussions to determine procurement need and method of procurement within legal and State Statute guidelines
- Provides contract management, solicitation management and project management support as needed
- Oversees a diverse caseload of contracts, ensuring effective management from sourcing and negotiation to implementation and long term administration.
- Performs related work as assigned
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of procurement methods, procedures, techniques and methods of negotiation
- Through knowledge of contract law and MN State Statutes affecting procurement
- Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques, budgets, contract law, bid proposals and contract development
- Knowledge of management and supervisory practices, performance and development
- Knowledge and experience in project management
- Skill in negotiating contracts
- Skill in use of computers and technology, including e-procurement systems
- Skill in managing, coaching, mentoring staff, conflict resolution and teambuilding
- Ability to exercise sound, independent judgement and adjudicate, review and analyze procurement protests, contract claims and appeals on behalf of the County
- Ability to design and implement procurement processes and procedures
- Ability to effectively plan, organize and assign work, recognize and solve problems
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, client departments, County Board, the public and the vendor community
- Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written format, including public speaking and facilitations and presentation of formal procurement training
- Skill in analyzing procurement methods, evaluate quality and price elements, contract law, State Statutes, and workflow problems
- Ability to design and implement procurement processes and procedures
Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.
