Assistant Manager of Purchasing

Georgia Ports Authority; Savannah (GA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Ports Authority seeks an Assistant Manager of Purchasing to lead the Purchasing team and oversee contracts, vendor management, and procurement of materials and services. The role involves ensuring efficient procurement processes, coordinating with multiple departments and managing complex projects.

The candidate should have significant governmental purchasing experience, familiarity with ERP systems like SAP/Workday/Maximo, and strong negotiation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Five years or more of progressively responsible governmental purchasing, contracting, or supply-chain experience preferred.
• Experience with SAP, Workday, and Maximo preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and data entry required.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing functions, analyze bids and decide on bids and contracts with review by Manager.
• Provide guidance and support to Purchasing team and handling problem-solving.
• Prepare purchasing requirements and general specifications for bids, RFQs, and contracts.
• Coordinate soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts and special projects via competitive bid processes.
• Conduct pre-bid conferences and facilitate contract resolutions.
• Monitor Purchasing Department workload, scheduling, and staff absences.
• Guide internal departments on purchasing procedures, vendor selection, and documentation.
• Manage ERP Vendor Management portal and vendor registration.

Skills

Govt purchasing

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

Bid analysis

Procurement processes

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field

TWIC

Driver's License

Certified Professional Public Buyer

Certified Public Procurement Officer

Tools

SAP

Workday

Maximo

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Manager of Purchasing

Department(s): 5064 - Purchasing

Location(s): Hutchinson Island

FLSA Status: Exempt

JOB OVERVIEW

Under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager, the Assistant Manager –Purchasing supervises the Purchasing team with direct reports being the Purchasing Specialist personnel. The Assistant Manager plans, organizes, and coordinates departmental functions. Manages the administrative processes in the procurement of contracts, materials, services, vendor management, and facilitates special projects. Provides support for other departments, often with a high degree of complexity, in obtaining and monitoring contracts for the organization.

Upholds the values of the GPA to promote Safety, Integrity, Respect, Community, Creativity and Opportunity. Promotes a safe work environment by participating in safety initiatives and reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors.

JOB DUTIES

• Manage certain purchasing functions, including analyzing bids and making decisions, subject to review by the Manager, as to bids to accept and contracts to be awarded. The Assistant Manager will exercise discretion and independent judgment in making these determinations.
• Make decisions related to processes and problem-solving issues within the Purchasing Department, while supporting and assisting team members as needed.
• Ensure that prompt, efficient service is provided in procurement of materials, contracts, and special projects. Prepare purchasing requirements and general specifications for bids, RFQ’s, and contracts.
• Facilitate soliciting, coordinating, evaluating, and awarding contracts and special projects, via the competitive bid process.
• Manages and conducts pre-bid conferences and facilitates contract resolution.
• Manage and monitor the Purchasing Department functions, workload and daily assignments while planning, scheduling, and monitoring employees’ vacation, sick leave, and other absences.
• Provides guidance to internal department regarding purchasing procedures, contract requirements, vendor selection, competitive procurement, and documentation requirements.
• Manages the ERP Vendor Management portal and assists in vendor registration and vendor problem resolution.
• Participates in negotiating conflicting vendor and contract terms and conditions as needed.
• Coordinates with Legal, Risk Management, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering and other departments on procurement related matters.
• Prepare reports, summaries, presentations, procurement data, and correspondence information as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills with vendors and employees essential.
• Good oral and written communications skills required.
• Must have good organizational skills, be able to process a high volume of paperwork, be detail oriented, and have legible penmanship.
• The ability to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with the GPA staff on all levels of administration including immediate supervisor, management and co-workers.

Experience

• Five years or more of progressively responsible for governmental purchasing, contracting, or supply-chain experience Preferred
• SAP or Workday, and Maximo experience Preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office and data entry Required

Education

• Preferred Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Required
• Driver's License - Valid state driver's license Required
• Certified Professional Public Buyer Preferred
• Certified Public Procurement Officer Preferred

Note: This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, job requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require the performance of different or additional tasks. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an without direct threat to the health or safety of others.

Revised: 9/23/2026

Mission: To empower entrepreneurs, strengthen industries, sustain communities, and fortify families by relentlessly striving to accelerate global commerce.