Strategic Purchasing & Vendor Contracts Lead

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County Alabama; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Birmingham is seeking a well-qualified Purchasing Agent to oversee procurement operations and ensure departments have timely access to products and services. This role supervises procurement staff, develops specifications and bid proposals, and negotiates vendor bids and contracts to secure best value for the city.

Responsibilities include issuing purchase orders, maintaining vendor relationships, assisting with budget development, and monitoring expenditures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Purchasing/Procurement.
• 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

• Direct daily operations of the organization’s procurement activities and maximize value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and vendors to align procurement with business objectives.
• Establish and maintain policies and guidelines for procurement, ensuring compliance with laws and internal procedures.
• Procure and manage inventory to meet departmental needs.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies by analyzing market trends and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Supervise staff and provide training and guidance.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor management

Negotiation

Budget monitoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Purchasing/Procurement

Job description

The City of Birmingham is seeking a well-qualified Purchasing Agent to oversee procurement operations and ensure departments have timely access to products and services. This role supervises procurement staff, develops specifications and bid proposals, and negotiates vendor bids and contracts to secure best value for the city.

Responsibilities include issuing purchase orders, maintaining vendor relationships, assisting with budget development, and monitoring expenditures.