Manager, Procurement and Contracts

The Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Finance Department is seeking a strategic and experienced Procurement and Contracts Manager to lead the Utility’s procurement and contract management functions. This key leadership role will drive procurement strategy, strengthen governance and compliance, and ensure the effective acquisition of goods and services that support GRU’s operational and strategic goals. Join a team dedicated to delivering value, managing risk, and building strong partnerships that help support our community.

FLSA Exemption Status

Summary

The Procurement and Contracts Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight of all procurement and contract management functions across the Utility. This role is responsible for establishing procurement strategies, governance, and policies to ensure compliance, operational efficiency, and value delivery.

The Manager leads the full procurement lifecycle at an organizational level, ensuring alignment with GRU’s financial, operational, and strategic objectives while managing risk, vendor performance, and regulatory compliance.

Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and operate under limited supervision.

Examples of Work

Essential Functions:

Defines and implements procurement strategy, supply chain management, effective and functional policies, and long-term sourcing frameworks aligned with organizational goals while providing executive oversight for high-value, high-risk, and strategic procurements

Advises executive leadership on procurement risks, opportunities, and cost optimization strategies

Oversees the full lifecycle of procurement and contracting activities across all departments (planning → sourcing → negotiation → execution → renewal/termination)

Oversees procurement analytics, dashboards, and reporting to evaluate spending, supplier performance, contract performance, and operational efficiency

Participates in budget planning and ensures procurement strategies align with financial objectives

Owns strategic vendor relationships and negotiation strategies

Partners with internal departments to align procurement strategy with operational needs

Builds organizational procurement capability through training, process standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives

Establishes a culture of accountability, compliance, and strategic thinking

Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local procurement regulations

Examples of Work (continued)

Non-Essential Functions:

Required to respond in emergency conditions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, purchasing management, supply chain management, logistics management, legal or related field of study.

Experience

Minimum of seven (7) years of purchasing, management, or administration experience.

A combination of education and/or experience may be considered if it meets the requirements of the department.

GRU Competencies

Role Specific Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of purchasing principles, procurement practices, and contract administration.

Strong expertise in negotiating, developing, and managing contractual agreements.

Considerable understanding of local government operations, public administration and government solicitations.
Skilled in effective negotiation strategies, total cost analysis, and risk assessment.

Knowledge and experience with federal and state grant compliance requirements.

Highly accurate and thorough in performing analytical and evaluative work.

Experienced in long-term planning, program development, and assessment of outcomes.

Clear and effective communicator, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work effectively with the governing body, utility officers, department heads, representatives of other agencies, other utility employees, and vendors.

Familiarity with GRU’s financial systems and related processes.

Physical Requirements

Environmental Requirements

Compensation Data

SALARY RANGE MIMIMUM:

$99,498.00

SALARY RANGE MAXIMUM:

$149,247.00