Purchasing Manager

General Description

The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position:

The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving continuous improvements in departmental plans, processes, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with the District’s strategic goals and operational objectives. This role will involve managing, directing, and actively engaging in the planning, organization, supervision, and execution of comprehensive District-wide programs related to the procurement and warehousing of materials, equipment, and supplies. The candidate will review contracts and agreements while establishing purchasing policies and procedures for centralized purchasing operations. Additionally, they will provide technical support, guidance, and information to various departments on procurement-related matters, including the use of the District’s specialized financial system. The candidate will ensure compliance with District policies and regulatory requirements across all service areas and undertake other related duties as assigned.

For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here .

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon Headquarters or Operations Center office full-time, without the option for remote work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Manages the planning, organization, supervision, training, and evaluation of assigned staff. Establishes performance expectations and professional development goals, regularly monitors progress, and provides coaching to support improvement and growth. Recommends compensation and other rewards to recognize achievements. With management approval, takes disciplinary action, including termination, if necessary, to address performance issues in accordance with District policies, rules, and labor agreements. Identifies best practices among staff and ensures their consistent implementation.

Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned services and programs; identifies resource needs; recommends and implements policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with the District's strategic and operational plans.

Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high performance, customer service-oriented work environment which supports achieving the department’s and the District’s mission, strategic plan, objectives and values.

Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, consultants, contractors, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary to meet changing conditions.

Assumes full management responsibility for the District’s centralized purchasing operations including contracts management, compliance and administration, procurement, warehouse operations, and procurement card programs.

Manages and performs a wide variety of complex duties involved in the procurement of materials, supplies, services, and equipment for District departments and operations; ensures all purchasing activities comply with policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services, projects, and activities; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations

Manages and participates in the preparation and administration of the Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), Request for Quote (RFQ) and Request for Bid (RFB) processes as needed, ensuring that all applicable legal and contractual provisions are included; works with departments to ensure requirements are clear and understood; gathers and directs the development of scope of work and the finalization of solicitation packages and supporting documents; reviews proposals; directs job walk or pre-bid meetings; directs the issuance of addenda and question and answers; directs the evaluation and analysis of bids received; performs or assists others in performing price/cost analyses; selects or recommends suppliers or service providers; and determines appropriate contractual instruments are used; awards contracts and agreements; resolves problems and complaints; creates purchase orders.

Maintains good working relationships with staff, vendors, contractors, and professional service providers; resolves complex discrepancies and disputes.

Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of purchasing and procurement; research emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to District needs.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education :

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, finance, operations management or a related field.

Experience :

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in purchasing and/or contracting for a variety of supplies, materials, services and equipment, and in developing and administering public agency contracts and professional service agreements, of which three (3) years is in a supervisory or management capacity.

License/Certifications:

Valid Class C California driver's license.

Certified Purchasing Manager/Certified Professional in Supply Management (C.P.M./CPSM) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) certificate is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.

• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

• Administrative principles and methods including research for strategic goal setting, program development and implementation.

• Modern principles, practices, and methods of public agency purchasing and contract negotiations, including competitive bidding procedures.

• Principles and practices of inventory management and control.

• Materials, supplies, and equipment commonly used in the construction, operation, and maintenance of a water and wastewater utility.

Ability to:

• Lead, select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, proposals, studies and other written materials.

• Prepare, administer, and monitor a division/department budget. Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present procurement information and data in an effective manner.

• Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex technical data and legal requirements associated with contract development and administration.

• Negotiate contracts, agreements, and/or pricing schedules for services, professional services, supplies, and equipment. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive contracts reports, and written materials.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.

• Operate computer systems proficiently and utilize enterprise software, spreadsheet applications, and other standard business tools to support daily operations, enhance productivity, and streamline workflows.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment.

These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. Occasional visits to construction sites where noise level may be higher than typical office environment. The ability to work in an environment which may expose employee to hazardous materials and environment.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Writing Skills Assessment: This assessment is designed to evaluate candidates’ ability to communicate effectively and clearly through written content. Candidates will be tasked with crafting responses that demonstrate their proficiency in organizing thoughts, articulating ideas logically, and conveying information in a professional tone. This exercise will test grammar, clarity, and overall writing effectiveness in real-world contexts. In addition, the assessment will evaluate the candidates' technical abilities.

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for May 28, 2025): will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 4/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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