Director of Purchase

Distinguishing Features

The Division of Purchase is part of the Department of Administration and Finance. The Director of Purchase is the head of the division and also serves as a Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance, acting on behalf of the Commissioner as needed. The Director oversees all procurement and purchasing activities for the city, including establishing rules, standards, and specifications for materials, supplies, and equipment, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance from an accredited college or university.

• At least five years of responsible experience in procurement or purchasing procedures, including three years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Appointment and Removal

• Appointed by the Commissioner of Administration and Finance.

• Removable at the will of the Commissioner.

Duties and Powers

Rules and Standards

• Establishes rules for purchasing materials, supplies, and equipment, consistent with city procurement policy.

• Develops and approves standards and specifications in consultation with city agencies.

Purchases and Contracts

• Directly contracts for and purchases all materials, supplies, and equipment required by city agencies.

• Establishes terms and conditions of purchase, including bid requirements, performance bonds, and maintenance bonds.

• Purchases must comply with available budget appropriations and pre-audit certifications.

• May contract for city-wide services and sale of surplus materials.

Requisitions and Appropriations

• All requisitions must be approved by the Director and certified for available funding by the Budget Director and Comptroller.

• Purchases are charged to the agency’s budget or, when made in advance, to the revolving fund of the Office of Inventories and Stores.

Testing and Compliance

• Develops procedures for testing purchased materials and equipment.

• Ensures competitive bidding for all purchases, awarding to the lowest responsible bidder.

• Small purchases ($500–$10,000) follow simplified competitive procedures.

Review and Appeals

• Mayor, Comptroller, and Council President serve as a Board of Review for procurement disputes.

• Appeals must be filed in writing within ten days of contract award.

• Director enters into contracts after any appeals are resolved or affirmed.

Delivery and Inspection

• Ensures all purchased items are delivered as specified, and inspects for compliance with specifications, quality, and quantity.

• Agency heads or designated employees certify receipt of goods.

Non-Compliance

• Any purchase made outside these procedures is not enforceable against the city.

Salary

$120,969