Strategic Procurement & Vendor Relations Lead

JobsQuest; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Birmingham is seeking a Purchasing Agent to oversee procurement operations, supervise staff, and ensure timely access to goods and services. You will develop specifications, bid proposals, and negotiate with vendors while ensuring compliance with regulations and organizational policies.

The role includes budget support, expenditure monitoring, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Strong leadership and data-analysis skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Purchasing/Procurement, or closely related field.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, and/or acquisition, including sourcing of materials and supplies, contract administration, negotiation, vendor management, inventory management, and implementation of cost-saving strategies.
• Experience supervising professional and clerical personnel (e.g., approving leave, counseling employees and taking disciplinary action, and conducting performance appraisals).
• Experience in creating specifications and bid proposals, awarding bids, and creating purchase orders.
• Experience in data analysis (e.g., forecasting, market trends, strategic vendor engagement).

Responsibilities

• Directing the daily operations of procurement activities to procure goods and services and maximize value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.
• Collaborating with finance, legal, operations, and inventory management to align procurement with business objectives.
• Developing and updating procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance with laws and internal standards.
• Procurement and/or inventory management to ensure products and services meet department needs.
• Developing and implementing procurement strategies by analyzing market trends and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Supervising staff by assigning work, monitoring progress, and providing training.

Skills

Procurement experience

Supervisory experience

Bid/contract experience

Vendor management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

City of Birmingham is seeking a Purchasing Agent to oversee procurement operations, supervise staff, and ensure timely access to goods and services. You will develop specifications, bid proposals, and negotiate with vendors while ensuring compliance with regulations and organizational policies.

The role includes budget support, expenditure monitoring, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Strong leadership and data-analysis skills are essential for success.