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Overview:
The Senior Management Analyst in Valley Water's Purchasing and Contracts Unit is responsible for leading the procurement of information technology (IT) goods, services, and consultants. This role ensures compliance with organizational policies and industry best practices for the complete procurement process—from solicitation to contract administration—for IT-related acquisitions. The position entails analyzing bids, conducting market analysis, negotiating vendors, negotiating contracts, and providing strategic recommendations to maximize value. Additionally, this position acts as a key analyst on IT procurement strategies and leads complex IT procurement projects, ensuring alignment with Valley Water's goals.
 
Our Commitment: 
Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
 
About Valley Water:
 Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.
 
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process for IT goods, services, and consultants, ensuring compliance with Valley Water policies, organizational requirements, and industry best practices. This includes leading, planning, and overseeing complex procurements for accuracy and compliance.
• Negotiate, prepare, and administer contracts for IT-related procurements to ensure organizational needs are met and compliance by vendors is maintained. 
• Provide training and support in procurement methods and procedures.
• Evaluate and analyze bids, making recommendations for vendor selection in accordance with Valley Water standards. Develop specifications for goods and services and ensure fair and open competition among vendors.
• Develop and implement strategic procurement plans for IT acquisitions that align with Valley Water’s technological goals and future needs. Provide technical guidance on requisitioning procedures, vendor qualifications, and the availability of goods and services.
• Analyze, identify and make recommendations to purchasing standards and procedures for requisitioning, solicitation of bids, and contract administration to ensure best pricing and value.
• Respond to questions and inquiries from Valley Water staff and other agencies, investigating complaints and recommending corrective actions as necessary. Ensure effective communication with stakeholders throughout the procurement process.
• Prepare reports and maintain required purchasing records, preparing documentation as needed for Valley Water.
• Execute related duties and responsibilities as required to support the Procurement and Consultant Contracts Unit and Valley Water’s objectives.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
 
Ideal Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience (ideally in the public sector) independently analyzing complex competitive procurement processes for goods and services.            
• Experience working with project managers to develop scopes of work and write complex Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposals for the procurement of materials, equipment, infrastructure maintenance or information technology services.
• Experience negotiating and administering contracts for IT-related procurements, with a focus on achieving favorable terms and conditions that align with organizational objectives.
• Experience using procurement software tools.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to oversee and analyze the procurement process for IT goods, services, and consultants, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and best practices.
• Analytical capabilities to evaluate bids and proposals effectively, facilitating informed recommendations for vendor selection in accordance with established compliance standards.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on IT procurement strategies, contributing to decision-making processes related to complex procurement projects.
• Effective communication skills to engage with stakeholders, ensuring their requirements are understood and addressed within procurement strategies.
• Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with Valley Water managers, staff, suppliers, vendors, and others encountered in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing complex procurement processes for IT goods and services, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, organizational policies, and industry best practices.
• In-depth knowledge of contract negotiation and administration, with the ability to secure favorable terms that align with organizational goals and maximize value.
• Analytical skills for evaluating bids and proposals, enabling effective recommendations for vendor selection based on established compliance standards and organizational needs.
• Knowledge of analyzing and guiding strategic procurement plans that align with organizational technological goals, ensuring the acquisition of IT goods and services meets current and future requirements.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, facilitating their needs and requirements within procurement strategies, and ensuring transparency throughout the procurement process.
• Familiarity with procurement software tools to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of procurement activities.

Ideal Training and Education:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, political science, business administration or a related field. 
• Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

Required License or Certificate  Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).
• Extensive experience in public sector procurement and contracts management in the State of California. 
• Other Purchasing and/or Supply Chain Management Certifications. Examples include Certified Purchasing Manager, (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

To review the Classification Specification, please click  here (Download PDF reader)

Purchasing & Consultant Contracts Services Unit (Position Code 476)

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period (one year). Internal candidates will follow existing teleworking schedule.

Your talent is the key to our success.  Join us today as a Senior Business Systems Analyst - ERP.

This position supports the SAP Payroll module, BSI application and all interfaces (inbound/outbound) for employees' payroll-related information at VTA.

 

Typical Tasks
 

• Leads and participates in the work of staff in managing projects, developing and enhancing system applications for an assigned division;
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships, and works extensively with VTA Management, VTA Business Process Owners, and system Super Users in developing and  enhancing information systems solutions;
• Trains customers, staff, and others as needed in a formal setting, in a group, or one-on-one;
• Administers a variety of actions to one or more modules of the Enterprise Resource Planning system (SAP), or Electronic Documents Management System (EDMS), or construction applications (such as Contract Manager, P6, Projectwise, Citicube, etc.) or other VTA applications or Reporting Services;
• Reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures, and identifies and resolves problems;
• Defines customer business needs, manages client expectations, and identifies alternative approaches and cost-benefits of automating of customer functions to assist in meeting the client's overall business goals;
• When assigned to a project, develops the scope of work for new or upgrade solutions and works with Contracts and Materials Management (CAMM) department during the Request for Proposal (RFP) and contracting phases of the process;
• Consults with customers to present proposals to senior management and assists in developing capital packages;
• Consults and facilitates with department representatives to solicit departmental technology needs and requirements as well as resolving problems with applications;
• Serves as a single point of contact for the user community in the assigned division, and assumes responsibility for the delivery of technology services;
• Maintains technical and functional competency in the applications utilized by the assigned department;
• Reviews, analyzes and approves program designs, operational characteristics, user interfaces, reporting systems and data conversion methods;
• Reduces design projects into component analytical tasks;
• Develops detailed workflow, system, training, and process requirements;
• Prepares final systems design and documentation and user documentation necessary for programming;
• Oversees the installation and updates of application packages, data base development tools, and other related elements;
• Defines and manages project scope, deliverables, schedules, cost estimates, and task lists;
• Performs development, review, and selection tasks related to Requests for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications;
• Communicates project status, resolving project issues, problems, and changes;
• Manages and tracks projects from initiation to successful completion;
• Establishes and maintains relationships at all levels of the assigned organization;
• Manages projects using VTA personnel, consultants, and vendors, as needed;
• Communicates with vendors of application software;
• May be required to monitors project expenditures, recommending adjustments as necessary;
• Performs related duties as required.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

Employment Standards

Sufficient training, education and experience to demonstrate possession of the required technical and project management knowledge, skills and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in information systems, computer science or related field and four (4) years of responsible experience developing, designing, and/or maintaining major components of a comprehensive information system including evaluation, analysis and input to the software modules of an Enterprise Resource Planning System or other application system. (Additional applicable experience with applications and systems support, design, and maintenance substitutes for college on a year for year basis.) Incumbents must demonstrate substantial experience in an SAP environment, and/or Electronic Documents Management System, and/or Operations system (such as Trapeze, BDT, ACS) or Construction and CMP solutions.

A VTA employee designated as a "Business Process Owner" and/or "Super User" with four (4) years of experience in that capacity, in addition to performing and leading others in system upgrades and demonstrated technical coursework in SAP or systems used at VTA, meets the minimum qualifications for this classification. Experience with transit/transportation-related applications is desirable.

 

Supplemental Information

 

Knowledge of:

• Extensive knowledge of at least one and a basic understanding of other Enterprise Resource Planning (SAP) system modules (such as Funds Management, Materials Management, Projects, Systems, Finance),  Reporting Services, Electronic Documents Management System and SharePoint, or Construction or CMP systems (such as Contract Management, Construction Scheduling, Document Management, Traffic Modeling, or Records Management);
• Systems analysis and design principles and procedures;
• Principles, potentials and limitations of electronic data processing equipment;
• Relational database design, implementation, maintenance and integration techniques to provide integrity, accuracy, security and performance efficiency;
• Project procurement process in the public sector;
• Management of vendors and consultants;
• Principles and practices of lead supervision and training;
• Computer programming, on-line programming, and programming documentation principles and techniques;
• Work planning and project management techniques.

 

Ability to:

• Evaluate processes proposed for business systems and enterprise systems modules, determine impact, and make decisions for recommended solutions and changes;
• Manage multiple projects involving personnel from multiple departments, as well as consultants and vendors;
• Multitask with a strong attention to detail and shift from one project to another when priorities change;
• Develop Crystal and/or Oracle and/or SQL and/or ACCESS or equivalent reports;
• Develop relationships with the user community;
• Analyze, design, program, install and maintain complex computer systems;
• Prepare and present comprehensive and clear reports and recommendations;
• Lead and direct the work of subordinate personnel;
• Train customers, staff and others, as needed;
• Independently perform the most difficult design and programming activities assigned;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Prioritize complex and demanding workloads;
• Work with assigned division management on priorities and program definition;
• Keep current with changes within functional area, such as methods, practices, and technology;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Organize work and manage time effectively.

A 2.5% supervisory differential will apply.

For priority consideration, apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates throughout the recruitment period. The position will remain open until filled and posting may close abruptly. 

Overview:
Are you passionate about fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace? Valley Water is looking for a dynamic Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program Administrator to lead and innovate in our Equal Employment Office. Join us and make a tangible impact by ensuring fair treatment for all employees, handling sensitive matters with discretion, and driving positive change through collaboration and diplomacy. If you have a keen analytical mind, excellent problem-solving skills, and a dedication to upholding EEO principles, we want you on our team!
 
The Program Administrator will plan, direct, manage and oversee activities and operations of complex, management-designated programs in EEO. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical, reasoning and research skills, using their best judgement to respond to requests about EEO. They will be able to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and tact. Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are essential for this role, as is a customer-service oriented mindset to regularly engage with employees, administrative staff, union leaders, client groups, and other key stakeholders on a variety of employee relations matters. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, is results oriented, and builds positive relations through collaboration and diplomacy. You should be able to manage competing demands, have a passionate interest in EEO, and reflect our organization’s core values as you work with internal and external partners:

• Sustaining a healthy work-life balance for employees and placing a high value on all the things that provide enrichment and fulfillment.
• Acknowledging that all individuals are unique and important and will be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Creating an inclusive work environment, which reflects and supports the diversity of the community and enriches our perspectives.

Our Commitment: 
Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program Management: Planning and leading Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs, projects, and activities.
• Compliance: Interpreting and applying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Case Management/Investigations: Processing EEO complaints from intake through final disposition, including organizing, directing, inquiring, and evaluating cases.
• Conflict Resolution: Tackling conflicts when discrimination complaints arise.
• Policy Implementation: Implementing policies and recommending administrative changes to prevent discrimination and mitigate liabilities. 
• Develop complex, sensitive, and confidential memos. 
• Designing and delivering training programs for managers, supervisors, and employees in EEO and related topics.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
 
Ideal Experience:

• Six (6) years of experience in assigned program area of EEO, including either one (1) year in experience planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing various projects or programs, or serving as a Valley Water-recognized subject matter expert or advisor in EEO program area. 
• Experienced in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate an ability to be a strong partner in the organization.
• Effectively advise and provide consultative services to departments and supervisors on EEO matters.
• Conflict-resolution skills to maintain a harmonious and productive work environment. 
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Reporting and conducting EEO investigations. 

Ideal Knowledge:

• EEO practices and programs in a public sector environment.
• State and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Workplace investigations, dispute resolution, and grievance procedures best practices.

Ideal Training and Education:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human resources management, organizational development, industrial or organizational psychology, public or business administration, or a related field.
 
Substitution
Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years. 

 

Required License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
 
Possession of HR Certificate and/or SHRM certificate is a plus. 

To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

Labor Relations & Equal Employment Unit (Position Code 16)

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period (one year).  

Management Analyst II: $124,259.20 - $159,057.60 Annually 
Senior Management Analyst: $133,806.40 - $171,350.40 Annually 

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about driving impactful projects through grant funding? Valley Water is seeking to hire a dedicated Senior Management Analyst/ Management Analyst II to lead pre-award efforts within our Grants, Compliance, and Claims Management Unit. If you're looking for a role where you can collaborate across multiple teams and contribute to the success of vital water projects, this is the opportunity for you!

Overview:
The Grants, Compliance, and Claims Management Unit with Valley Water is the centralized unit for seeking and managing grants brought in to help fund Valley Water projects. The pre-award side of work within the unit will be administered by this Senior Management Analyst, with support from a Management Analyst II, and oversight by the Grants Unit Manager.
 
Senior Management Analyst (SMA): Core components of the Senior Management Analysts work will include researching grant opportunities and writing grant applications; high levels of collaboration with project teams, grants liaisons in watersheds and water utility divisions, procurement, legal, government relations, capital improvement program, and communications; and tracking/reporting. The position will tie efforts into the two grant roadmaps (i.e. strategic funding plans), assist in preparing updates to the Board and staff via all employee communications, and aid in early compliance reviews (pre-agreement) to ensure Valley Water can meet grant terms and conditions. As a Senior, the position will help implement new grants management software on the pre-award side in coordination with the unit’s compliance and claims staff, assist in updating standard operating procedures, and work with the Unit Manager to clearly define rationale for which grants to pursue.

Management Analyst II: Core components of the Management Analyst II's work will include assisting the SMA in researching grant opportunities and writing grant applications, coordinating with project teams, tracking and reporting grant-related information, assisting with compliance tracking for federal and state grant terms and conditions, and assisting with grant communications such as the bi-monthly Grants One Pager update for the Board of Directors and the Grants Action Team monthly meeting.

Our Commitment: 
Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship. 

Key skills necessary for this position include:

• Grant writing/technical writing
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Project/program management
• Knowledge of finance/budgeting 
• Knowledge of procurement/contracting
• Software skills (Word, excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, DocuSign, financial management software)
• Communications (we work with large teams across the agency as well as with granting agencies)
• Ability to work independently and report out findings

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• For Management Analyst II: Three (3) years of grant experience performing administrative, operational, management, or financial analysis of complex issues.
• For Senior Management Analyst: Five (5) years of grant experience performing administrative, operational, management, or financial analysis of complex issues.

Ideal Skills and Abilities: 
Management Analyst II:

• Perform responsible and difficult administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Coordinate and participate in administrative, budgeting, and fiscal reporting activities.
  Independently identify, plan, and conduct management, financial, administrative, and operational studies.
• Develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
  Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate assigned projects, programs, and activities.
• Develop and maintain specialized computer software and databases for gathering and analyzing data.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and Valley Water policies and procedures.
• Represent the unit/division and Valley Water in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.

Senior Management Analyst:
In addition to the qualifications for a Management Analyst II:

• Train, organize, assign, and review the work of assigned staff.
• Analyze, identify options, and make recommendations for the solution of budgetary, procedural, and general management problems and program needs.
• Prepare a variety of administrative, financial, statistical, and analytical reports.
  Recommend, gain stakeholder buy-in, and implement modifications to existing programs, projects, systems, policies, and procedures.
• Collect, interpret, and evaluate highly complex and diverse information and data.
• Manage ambiguity, quantitative or qualitative, to prepare clarity for decision-making.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Research, analyze, and review the project plan for assigned projects and determine workflow needs.
• Research, analyze, and propose integration of legislative and regulatory matters into current area of responsibility.
• Interact with political acumen with elected officials and executive staff.
• Administer and monitor assigned contracts.
• Use common desktop applications and software.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge: 
Management Analyst II: 

• Complex theories, principles, and practices of public administration as applied to operational unit and program administration.
• Sources of information related to a broad range of Valley Water programs, projects, services, and administration.
• Methods of quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate assigned projects, programs, and activities.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles of budget preparation, analysis, forecasting, and control.

Senior Management Analyst:
In addition to the qualifications for Management Analyst II:
Some Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and responsibilities involved in leading the work of assigned staff.
• Common desktop applications and software.
• Principles of business writing and report preparation.
  Working Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles of budget preparation, analysis, forecasting and control.
• Methods and techniques of contract administration.

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Theories, principles, and practices of public administration as applied to assigned unit or division.
• Government agency programs such as, but not limited to, finance, budgeting, procurement, human resources, government relations, legal, water utility and watershed operations and management, and/or other related programs.
• Methods and techniques used to analyze business processes and recommend solutions for existing problems.
• Methods and techniques used to collect and analyze data and prepare reports based on findings.          

Ideal Training and Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field.
Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.  

 

Required License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
 
To review the Classification Specification for Management Analyst II, please click here (Download PDF reader)
To review the Classification Specification for Senior Management Analyst, please click here (Download PDF reader) 

Grants, Compliance, and Claims Management Unit (Position Code 68) 

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.  

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.    

Valley Water is searching for top-tier candidates to fill this exciting opportunity. Internal candidates will get first consideration.

For priority consideration, apply by 11/14/2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates throughout the recruitment period. The position will remain open until filled.
 
Overview:
The Senior Management Analyst in Valley Water's Purchasing and Contracts Unit is responsible for leading the procurement of information technology (IT) goods, services, and consultants. This role ensures compliance with organizational policies and industry best practices for the complete procurement process—from solicitation to contract administration—for IT-related acquisitions. The position entails analyzing bids, conducting market analysis, negotiating vendors, negotiating contracts, and providing strategic recommendations to maximize value. Additionally, this position acts as a key analyst on IT procurement strategies and leads complex IT procurement projects, ensuring alignment with Valley Water's goals.
 
Our Commitment: 
Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
 
About Valley Water:
 Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.
 
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process for IT goods, services, and consultants, ensuring compliance with Valley Water policies, organizational requirements, and industry best practices. This includes leading, planning, and overseeing complex procurements for accuracy and compliance.
• Negotiate, prepare, and administer contracts for IT-related procurements to ensure organizational needs are met and compliance by vendors is maintained. 
• Provide training and support in procurement methods and procedures.
• Evaluate and analyze bids, making recommendations for vendor selection in accordance with Valley Water standards. Develop specifications for goods and services and ensure fair and open competition among vendors.
• Develop and implement strategic procurement plans for IT acquisitions that align with Valley Water’s technological goals and future needs. Provide technical guidance on requisitioning procedures, vendor qualifications, and the availability of goods and services.
• Analyze, identify and make recommendations to purchasing standards and procedures for requisitioning, solicitation of bids, and contract administration to ensure best pricing and value.
• Respond to questions and inquiries from Valley Water staff and other agencies, investigating complaints and recommending corrective actions as necessary. Ensure effective communication with stakeholders throughout the procurement process.
• Prepare reports and maintain required purchasing records, preparing documentation as needed for Valley Water.
• Execute related duties and responsibilities as required to support the Procurement and Consultant Contracts Unit and Valley Water’s objectives.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
 
Ideal Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience (ideally in the public sector) independently analyzing complex competitive procurement processes for goods and services.            
• Experience working with project managers to develop scopes of work and write complex Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposals for the procurement of materials, equipment, infrastructure maintenance or information technology services.
• Experience negotiating and administering contracts for IT-related procurements, with a focus on achieving favorable terms and conditions that align with organizational objectives.
• Experience using procurement software tools.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to oversee and analyze the procurement process for IT goods, services, and consultants, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and best practices.
• Analytical capabilities to evaluate bids and proposals effectively, facilitating informed recommendations for vendor selection in accordance with established compliance standards.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on IT procurement strategies, contributing to decision-making processes related to complex procurement projects.
• Effective communication skills to engage with stakeholders, ensuring their requirements are understood and addressed within procurement strategies.
• Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with Valley Water managers, staff, suppliers, vendors, and others encountered in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing complex procurement processes for IT goods and services, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, organizational policies, and industry best practices.
• In-depth knowledge of contract negotiation and administration, with the ability to secure favorable terms that align with organizational goals and maximize value.
• Analytical skills for evaluating bids and proposals, enabling effective recommendations for vendor selection based on established compliance standards and organizational needs.
• Knowledge of analyzing and guiding strategic procurement plans that align with organizational technological goals, ensuring the acquisition of IT goods and services meets current and future requirements.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, facilitating their needs and requirements within procurement strategies, and ensuring transparency throughout the procurement process.
• Familiarity with procurement software tools to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of procurement activities.

Ideal Training and Education:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, political science, business administration or a related field. 
• Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

 

Required License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
 
Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).
• Extensive experience in public sector procurement and contracts management in the State of California. 
• Other Purchasing and/or Supply Chain Management Certifications. Examples include Certified Purchasing Manager, (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Institute for Supply Management (ISM).