Deputy Director of Purchasing- Department of Finance

Job Description

The Finance Department's mission is to manage, protect and report on the City of San José's financial resources to enhance the City's financial condition for residents, businesses and investors.

The Finance Department has five core divisions:
Accounting
Administration
Debt & Treasury Management
Purchasing & Risk Management
Revenue Management

The Finance Department works in partnership with the departments of Human Resources, Information Technology, and Public Works as the City's Strategic Support City Service Area to effectively develop, manage, and safeguard the City's fiscal, physical, technological, and human resources to enable and enhance the delivery of City services and projects. The Finance Department has a $27.4 million operating budget and 128 budgeted full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.
The Purchasing & Risk Management Division purchases and provides quality products and services in a cost effective manner and ensures insurance coverage for the City's assets. The Deputy Director position is the City's Chief Purchasing Officer and is responsible for planning, managing and directing the Purchasing & Risk Management Division's procurement of supplies, material, equipment, services, and information technology for the City. The Division also includes the City's risk and insurance management program. The Deputy Director position reports to the Director of Finance. The specific duties for the Deputy Director position are as follows:
Plans, manages, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of all procurement and risk management staff
Directs procurement, contract administration and risk management activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies
Creates and implements purchasing strategies, performance targets and performance measures
Plans, organizes and directs the citywide functions of procurement which includes the citywide processes for acquisition of equipment, supplies, materials, services, and information technology
Executes major contracts on behalf of the City within signature authority as delegated by the Director of Finance
Establishes competitive vendor selection process to ensure that all purchases are in accord with the public interest
Manages and oversees the City's Procurement Card Program with over $14 million in annual purchases
Researches and develops best practices for the organization to ensure that operations meet the highest standards of ethics, quality, efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and customer service
Prepares City Council memoranda and represents the Finance Department for risk management, vendor selection, and procurement and contract recommendations at City Council and committee meetings on a periodic basis
Acts as the City's Hearing Officer to review and respond to vendor protests
Collaborates with departments in developing specifications for procurement needs and confers with City staff regarding complex purchasing issues. Works in a highly collaborative environment at all levels
Defines problem areas and evaluates, recommends, and implements alternate solutions to complex issues Directs negotiation activities and strategies and negotiates complex contracts

How to Apply:
Please apply directly with Koff & Associates. The final filling date is May 15, 2026 Applications received by May 7, 2026, will be given priority review, meaning they will be reviewed and considered first, while the position will remain open until the final closing date. To be considered, please electronically submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of five professional references (references will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) to: https://koffassociates.com/deputy-director-of-purchasing/

Training and Experience
Any combination equivalent to successful completion of advanced course work from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, or related field; and six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in senior level administrative and/or analytic work in a public or private agency. Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a City operating department is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates
Possession of a valid license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California may be required. Certain positions may require possession of a specialized certificate, license, and/or registration related to a specific area of responsibility.

Management experience in a similarly complex public agency or private business is strongly preferred.
Designation as a Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) is desired.