Procurement Manager

Buncombe County is seeking a Procurement Manager, the County’s senior leader responsible for stewardship of public resources.  This position leads strategic procurement initiatives, oversees competitive purchasing and contracting administration, and helps deliver high-quality service to our community through ethical, transparent, and innovative procurement practices. You will oversee procurement governance, ensure adherence to North Carolina and federal regulations, and guide a high-performing procurement team that advances fiscal stewardship and operational excellence across all departments.
As an employer deeply committed to employee wellbeing, Buncombe County offers an exceptional benefits package, including discounted medical premiums, generous county-funded Health Savings Account contributions, no‑cost physical therapy, 8% 401(k) employer contributions, comprehensive wellness programs, paid family leave, and access to an onsite Employee & Family Health Clinic with low-cost care.
If you are ready to bring your expertise to a mission-driven organization focused on stewardship, operational excellence, and accountable public service, we invite you to join our team.
 

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to serve as Buncombe County’s senior-level leader for strategic procurement, reporting directly to the Finance Officer. This role directs the County’s procurement vision, strategy, and operations, ensuring legal compliance, fiscal stewardship, supplier accountability, and continuous improvement across all procurement activities. The position leads the County’s procurement team, oversees strategic sourcing, guides contract governance, and strengthens operational resilience, including emergency procurement readiness. Through expert leadership, this role partners with departments, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to deliver a high-performing procurement function that advances Countywide operational, financial, and community goals.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or other relevant field and three (3) years of experience in government or business including two (1) years of supervisory experience and /or specific training in government procurement or contracting; or a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or other relevant field and five (5) years of experience and/or specific training in government procurement or contracting; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 

Additional Training and Experience:

Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO) designation preferred or obtained within 2 years from start date.

Supervisory/Leadership Responsibilities:

Supervise a division, program, or process with accountability for operations and results, responsibility for employee development, assignment and flow of work, and appraisal. Work activities involve managerial decisions that directly affect the efficiency, costs, reputation and service quality of the division, program, or process. May assist with developing budgets and/or distributing budgeted funds.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Direct, lead, and administer Buncombe County’s procurement division as a senior operational and strategic leader, shaping procurement priorities, performance expectations, and division-wide culture.

• Serve as the County’s authority on procurement laws, best practices, continuous improvement strategies, and emerging trends; provide strategic guidance to the Finance Officer and executive leadership.

• Develop and oversee Countywide procurement strategy including category management, spend analysis, supplier segmentation, and long-range sourcing strategies.

• Collaborate with legal, risk, financial, and operational partners to ensure contract obligations are clear, enforceable, and aligned with strategic objectives.

• Lead the development, modernization, and implementation of procurement and contracting policies, ensuring alignment with NC General Statutes, Federal Uniform Guidance (as applicable), and County governance requirements.

• Establish Countywide procurement procedures that embed transparency, accountability, internal controls, measurable outcomes, and consistent business practices across all departments.

• Direct procurement transformation initiatives including process and digital optimization, workflow improvements, reporting dashboards, and contract lifecycle standardization.

• Lead strategic sourcing strategies, competitive solicitations, and formal procurement processes, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance.

• Build and oversee a supplier performance program that includes performance scorecards, service-level expectations, corrective action plans, vendor incentives, and collaboration strategies. The program will add value to the organization and community by driving cost savings, enhancing vendor relationships, and embracing innovative approaches to strategic sourcing.

• Partner with legal, risk, financial, and operational leaders to negotiate contracts, establish enforceable obligations, and ensure alignment with County goals and risk tolerance.

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop procurement division staff; establish high-level performance expectations and foster professional growth, innovation, and collaboration.

• Provide expert guidance on complex procurement matters, resolving issues and ensuring staff effectively manage both routine and non-routine procurement work.

• Oversee procurement internal control systems, ensure accurate encumbrance of financial obligations, and maintain rigorous auditing standards for procurement activities.

• Lead governance and compliance activities for the countywide P-Card program, including policy development, fraud mitigation controls, monitoring, and training.

• Ensure alignment between procurement processes and County fiscal priorities, advancing stewardship and accountability across all procurement spending.

• Lead Countywide solicitation workflows—including bid advertising, proposal openings, source selection, contract award, and documentation.

• Direct the disposal of surplus property through compliant, transparent online auction methods.

• Oversee physical and electronic document management in coordination with Information Technology and Records Management.

• Serve as a strategic partner to departments, providing expert consultation, training, and support in procurement planning, contract development, solicitations, and sourcing decisions.

• Lead engagement across departments to strengthen procurement literacy, promote continuous improvement, and reinforce countywide procurement standards and values.

• Serve as an emergency-essential strategic leader responsible for ensuring procurement readiness during disaster response and recovery.

• Develop and maintain County emergency procurement protocols, supplier readiness strategies, supply-chain continuity plans, and rapid-response procurement capabilities.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to advance the strategic, operational, and financial priorities of the Finance Officer and Buncombe County

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge and experience of purchasing theories, best practices, emerging trends, methodologies, and their applications to the purchasing function are required. 

• Knowledge of and experience with modern governmental purchasing principles, methods, and procedures. 

• Knowledge and experience of state and federal purchasing rules and regulations governing North Carolina governments.

• Knowledge of accounting principles and methods in relation to purchasing.

• Knowledge of the North Carolina School of Government’s Purchasing and Contracting for North Carolina Local Governments.

• Knowledge of and experience working with the various grades, quality standards, sources of supply, and price trends for a wide variety of materials, equipment, and supplies utilized by the County. 

• Knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of governmental purchasing.

• Knowledge of the principles of public relations and their application to purchasing services activities. 

• Knowledge of the principles of supervision, organization, and administration. 

• Skill in leveraging information technology and internal controls to meet work needs.

• Ability to develop plans and programs and to make decisions on matters of major purchasing policy.

• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with departmental personnel, vendors, and other customers/clients

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.