Assistant Manager of Procurement

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,987 - 143,401; Full time

Job summary

A public transportation agency in San Diego is seeking two Assistant Managers of Procurement to oversee complex public-sector procurements. Candidates will specialize in either Design & Construction projects or Non-Construction services. Responsibilities include managing procurements, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have at least six years of public-sector experience and a Bachelor's degree. The position offers a salary range of $100,987 to $143,401.

Qualifications

• Minimum six (6) years of public-sector procurement experience.
• At least two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial role strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement regulations (local, state, and FTA).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex procurements from solicitation through contract closeout.
• Oversee RFPs, IFBs, RFQs, RFSQs, and related procurement documents.
• Supervise and assign work to procurement staff.

Skills

Public-sector procurement experience

Supervisory skills

Knowledge of procurement regulations

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

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To view the full job descriptions, qualifications, and application instructions, please visit the MTS Careers page.

MTS is hiring two (2) Assistant Managers of Procurement to support high-impact procurements across the agency. While both roles share the same classification, leadership responsibilities, and salary range, each position will have a primary area of specialization:

• Design & Construction Projects
• Non-Construction / Professional Services & Commodities

Candidates may be considered for one specialty area based on experience and organizational need.

SUMMARY

The Assistant Manager of Procurement provides leadership and subject-matter expertise across complex public-sector procurements, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This role oversees procurements from planning through contract closeout and works closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, and regulatory agencies to support MTS’s operational and capital priorities.

This position also supervises procurement staff, supports departmental initiatives, and serves as a key resource on procurement strategy, policy, and best practices.

Primary Areas of Focus

Design & Construction Projects

• Architectural & Engineering (A&E) services
• Design-Build and Construction
• Construction Management Services
• Job Order Contracting (JOC), WOAs, Mini-RFPs
• Capital improvement and public works projects

Non-Construction / Professional Services & Commodities

• Information Technology
• Rolling Stock
• Finance, Marketing, Revenue, and Maintenance services
• Professional services and commodities procurement

Application Review

Priority will be given to applications received by January 7, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex procurements from solicitation through contract closeout
• Oversee RFPs, IFBs, RFQs, RFSQs, and related procurement documents
• Supervise and assign work to procurement staff
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and internal policies
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business needs
• Prepare and review contracts, reports, and procurement documentation
• Present at Board of Directors meetings and serve as a backup to the Manager of Procurement
• Support DBE, WBE, and small business participation initiatives

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• Solicits small businesses, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE) to participate in the MTS procurement process.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field
• Minimum six (6) years of public-sector procurement experience
• At least two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial role strongly preferred
• Experience aligned with either construction-related procurement or professional services/commodities procurement
• Strong knowledge of public procurement regulations (local, state, and FTA)
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• SAP or ERP system experience preferred

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in an office type environment and may require travel to external locations and agencies.

GENERAL

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable post-offer examinations, including but not limited to a pre-employment physical conducted by an independent medical provider, a comprehensive criminal background and credit check, and, when applicable, a pre-employment drug test as required by MTS Board Policy 35.

SALARY GRADE

Salary offers are based on factors such as the knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience of the successful candidate, while taking into account internal equity, budget constraints, and other market factors. This position is in salary grade #12, which has a minimum of $100,987 and a maximum of $143,401. Salary grades are typically adjusted annually to ensure they remain market competitive.

DISCLAIMER

The above-described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO Statement

EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and military status, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.