Senior Management Analyst - Purchasing & Consultant Contracts

Overview:

The Senior Management Analyst in Valley Water's Purchasing and Contracts Unit is responsible for leading the procurement of information technology (IT) and IT-related goods, services, and consultants, as well as other complex technical or professional services. While experience supporting IT procurements is desirable, candidates with strong backgrounds in related complex procurements are encouraged to apply.

This role ensures compliance with organizational policies and industry best practices for the complete procurement process—from procurement planning through contract administration—for IT and other technically complex procurements. The position entails conducting market analysis, negotiating with vendors, negotiating contracts, and providing strategic recommendations to maximize value. Additionally, this position works closely with IT staff to strategize, plan, and troubleshoot ongoing and emerging contract needs.

Our Commitment:  
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen 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 and other complex technical or professional 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 and related complex procurements to ensure organizational needs are met and vendor compliance is maintained. Provide training and support in procurement methods and procedures.
• Evaluate and analyze bids and proposals, 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 and technically complex acquisitions that align with Valley Water’s operational, technological, and future needs. Provide guidance on requisitioning procedures, vendor qualifications, and the availability of goods and services.
• Analyze, identify, and make recommendations to purchasing standards and procedures related to requisitioning, solicitation of bids, and contract administration to ensure best pricing and overall 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 Invitations to Bid or Requests for Proposals for the procurement of materials, equipment, infrastructure maintenance, information technology, or other complex technical or professional services.
• Experience negotiating and administering contracts for IT or related complex procurements, with a demonstrated ability to achieve favorable terms and conditions aligned with organizational objectives.
• Experience using procurement software tools.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to oversee and analyze the procurement process for IT or other complex procurements, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and best practices.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate bids and proposals, and to facilitate informed recommendations for vendor selection in accordance with policies and alignment with Valley Water’s mission.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on IT and complex procurement strategies, contributing to decision-making processes related to high-value or high-risk procurements.
• Effective communication skills to engage with stakeholders, ensuring their requirements are understood and addressed within procurement strategies.
• Familiarity and experience with a variety of methods for market analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with Valley Water managers, staff, suppliers, vendors, and others encountered in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Knowledge of analyzing complex procurement processes for IT and other technical or professional goods and services, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, organizational policies, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of contract negotiation and administration, with the ability to secure favorable terms that align with organizational goals and maximize value.
• Analytical knowledge for evaluating bids and proposals, enabling effective recommendations for vendor selection based on compliance standards and organizational needs.
• Knowledge of developing and guiding strategic procurement plans that align with organizational operational and technological goals, ensuring acquisitions meet current and future requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, incorporating their needs and requirements into procurement strategies and ensuring transparency throughout the procurement process.
• Familiarity with procurement software tools to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

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.

• Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB)Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), NIGP-CPP or related certificates.
• 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).

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).