Utility Supply Chain Division Manager (Austin Water)

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 104,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

City of Austin's Austin Water division seeks a seasoned Supply Chain leader to manage procurement, contract management, fleet, and warehouse operations. This role partners with stakeholders to ensure resources meet changing utility and market demands.

You will guide cross-functional teams to optimize performance, mitigate risks, and implement policy-driven programs. The position emphasizes strategic leadership, supplier negotiations, budgeting, and regulatory compliance to maintain reliable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field; six years in supply chain management.
• Two years in a supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement, contract management, fleet and warehouse functions.
• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to maintain resources for an effective supply chain.
• Lead supply chain teams to evaluate performance and increase efficiencies.
• Manage recruitment, training, performance, and discipline for division employees.
• Represent the utility at meetings and in working groups.
• Conduct risk assessments on product perishability, trends, and demand.
• Develop and monitor policy and program goals.

Skills

Procurement

Contract management

Leadership

Budgeting

Risk assessment

Cross-functional teams

Communication

Negotiation

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management / Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Procurement and inventory systems

Contract management software

Job description

About This Position ABOUT AUSTIN WATER: For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation. Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description: Purpose: Under minimal direction, this position is responsible for the management and operations of utility’s supply chain activities, strategies, and initiatives.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provides general oversight for the utility’s procurement, contract management, fleet management, and warehouse functions.
• Collaborates with customers and other stakeholders to identify and maintain needed resources to establish and provide an effective supply chain.
• Provides support services to customers, contractors, and community members on a variety of supply chain activities to meet changing utility and market demands.
• Leads supply chain teams in evaluation of performance and effectiveness of divisional activities, programs, operations, and factors affecting the supply chain to increase efficiencies, avoid operational interruptions, and mitigate supply shortages.
• Manages personnel actions including recruitment, hiring, training, recognition, staff development, performance management, coaching, and discipline for division employees.
• Represents the utility regarding its supply chain needs and efforts at commission and Council meetings, working groups, and independent sessions.
• Conducts risk assessments on product perishability, supply trends, and demand factors to mitigate loss.
• Develops and maintains policy and procedures in assigned programs; develops program goals, objectives, and strategies; and monitors and reports program performance.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of purchasing policies of the City of Austin.
• Knowledge of best practices in public supply chain management.
• Knowledge of budgeting methods and systems.
• Knowledge of contract law, terms, and conditions.
• Knowledge of inventory control.
• Knowledge of procurement, contracting, and inventory management automated systems.
• Knowledge of utility and market demands.
• Knowledge of utility operations.
• Skill in teamwork and collaboration.
• Skill in organization and prioritization.
• Skill in conflict management and problem solving.
• Skill in verbal and written communication
• Skill in judgement, diplomacy, and tact.
• Skill in leadership and training.
• Skill in decision making.
• Skill in multitasking.
• Skill in negotiation.
• Ability to meet changing utility and market demands.
• Ability to identify and mitigate procurement risks.
• Ability to develop and lead cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, plus six (6) years of experience in supply chain management, purchasing, or contract management, including two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory capacity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a utility, municipality or other similarly regulated organization.
• Demonstrated success in a key senior leadership role in Supply Chain Management.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations, and industry practices related to supply chain management.
• Experience overseeing contract compliance according to terms and conditions that meet all applicable City of Austin, state and federal requirements.
• Experience managing inventory investment using best practice techniques and processes.
• Experience overseeing inventory controls and directing reviews of inventory levels.
• Experience managing a warehouse/inventory function.
• Experience directing process improvement efforts and establishing standards to develop efficiency, cost reduction and excellent service delivery.
• Experience acting in a consultative role to executive team members and others interested in activities related to this position.

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview: The Utility Supply Chain Division Manager leads Austin Water’s supply chain operations, including warehouse management, inventory control, purchasing activities, and asset management. This role provides strong, positive leadership to a cross‑functional team, fostering collaboration among managers and ensuring alignment on operational goals. The Division Manager is responsible for optimizing processes, improving customer service for both internal and external stakeholders, supporting cost‑effective purchasing practices, and promoting a high‑morale work environment. The position requires a seasoned supply chain leader with experience in warehouse operations, process improvement, and regulatory compliance, who can drive efficiency, streamline material flows, and design solutions that enhance equipment usage, warehouse functionality, and overall service delivery.

Pay Range: $104,300 - $134,000 annually

Position(s) will be filled at the following location: Glen Bell Service Center; 3907 S Industrial Dr, Austin, TX 78744

Days and Hours: Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM and other hours as required

Benefits: Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more.

A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.

A cover letter is also required.

Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

A criminal background investigation is required.

A 70% or above on all the assessments is required to be considered for the next step.

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty‑six (36) months.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Critical Employee:

This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

Secondary Employment:

All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department. Austin Water will review all secondary employment. Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department. All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco‑free. Use of tobacco products and/or e‑cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation’s most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward‑thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest‑growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work‑life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike‑friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.