Job Description:
Procurement Manager (AA-133-26E) Whittier
Description
JOB POSTINGTHE SANITATION DISTRICTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTYInvites applications for the position of:Procurement Manager Open to both internal and external applicants LOCATION: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, PURCHASING SECTION, JOINT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, WHITTIER
At the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, procurement isn't just about buying goods and services—it's about keeping critical infrastructure running, compliant, and built for the future. As Procurement Manager, you will play a central role in the operational backbone of one of the largest public wastewater and solid waste agencies in the nation, overseeing the acquisition of equipment, materials, and services that keep large-scale environmental facilities functioning every day. This highly visible leadership position manages complex procurement workflows, competitive bidding and contract administration, vendor relationships, and compliance with public purchasing law across a broad portfolio of capital and operational needs. Working closely with engineering, operations, legal, and executive management, you'll align procurement strategy with project timelines and organizational priorities, advise on sourcing decisions, and help ensure the efficient, transparent, and accountable use of public funds. For procurement leaders who want more than a transactional purchasing role—who want to engage with infrastructure, drive process improvements, and lead at both a strategic and operational level—this position offers a rare and rewarding career opportunity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: T o plan, organize and direct the work of procurement and accounts payable.
JOB SUMMARY: The major job responsibilities are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the official job description.
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Departmental Engineer or higher-level class, the incumbent will:
Procurement & Contract Management
- Manage procurement processes for materials, services, and public works contracts agency-wide to ensure the Districts obtains best value at lowest cost in compliance with applicable law, using ERP and EAM systems (e.g., Oracle EBS, IBM Maximo).
- Review and approve final drafts of Request-for-Bids (RFBs), Request-for-Proposals (RFPs), and bid specifications to ensure compliance with public purchasing law and Districts policy, using document management systems and legal reference materials (e.g., Public Contract Code, Districts procurement policy).
- Receive, evaluate, and award bids and price quotations for large-quantity purchases to ensure lawful, competitive, and cost-effective procurement outcomes, using bid management platforms (e.g., online bidding portals) and procurement records maintained in ERP and EAM systems (e.g., Oracle EBS, IBM Maximo).
- Negotiate terms and sign purchase orders and contracts to secure favorable pricing and contractual protections for the Districts, using ERP systems (e.g., Oracle EBS) for purchase order processing and contract documentation.
- Implement alternative procurement methods (e.g., CUPCCAA bidding, job order contracting, Energy Service Company contracting) to increase procurement efficiency and expand Districts’ contracting options, using applicable legal frameworks (e.g., Public Contract Code) and procurement systems (e.g., Oracle EBS, IBM Maximo).
- Arrange and authorize the sale of surplus property and commodities to recover asset value for the Districts in accordance with applicable regulations, using asset tracking and disposal documentation tools (e.g., IBM Maximo).
Compliance & Policy
- Oversee procurement compliance and policy by ensuring adherence to public purchasing and contracting laws (e.g., prevailing wage, public works distinctions, Public Contract Code), developing and implementing procedures that standardize operations, and coordinating with legal counsel and cross-departmental stakeholders to minimize legal and financial risk.
Accounts Payable & Budget Oversight
- Oversee accounts payable functions to ensure accurate, timely processing of vendor payments in alignment with contract terms and Districts financial controls, using financial systems and payment processing platforms.
- Approve expenditures and maintain budgetary controls for the Purchasing Section to ensure spending aligns with approved budgets and Districts financial policies, using budget management and financial reporting systems.
Stakeholder & Vendor Relations
- Confer with Districts leadership on procurement needs, specifications, and issues to ensure procurements progress on schedule and departments receive dependable service using meetings, written correspondence and collaboration platforms (e.g., email, Microsoft Teams).
- Build and sustain productive working relationships with high-volume departments to position the Purchasing Section as a strategic partner, using regular touchpoints, proactive communication, and direct issue resolution.
- Confer with vendor and commercial firm representatives to evaluate market options, resolve contract issues, and maintain productive supplier relationships, using direct negotiation and vendor management tools (e.g., Oracle EBS, IBM Maximo).
Leadership & Development
- Supervise, evaluate, and develop staff to build team capability and ensure operational decisions are handled independently at the supervisory level, using performance evaluations and effective delegation and coaching practices.
- Review and recommend personnel actions (e.g., staffing levels, selections, disciplinary matters) to maintain a high-performing and appropriately structured team, using HR systems and established personnel procedures.
- Assign and manage team workload and priorities to ensure operational work is delegated appropriately and capacity is preserved for strategic priorities, using workload tracking and task management tools.
Process Improvement & Reporting
- Identify procurement process inefficiencies and implement improvements to reduce cycle time and increase operational effectiveness, using process mapping, performance metrics, and project management tools (e.g., flowcharts, dashboards).
- Prepare periodic and special reports on procurement activity, accounts payable, and related matters to inform leadership decision-making and support accountability, using reporting and data tools (e.g., Oracle EBS, Microsoft Excel).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSApplicants must possess all of the following:
- Valid California Class C driver license; AND
- Bachelor's degree or higher in business or a related field from an accredited and recognized college or university: AND
- One of the following options:
- Two (2) years of experience performing the duties of a Buyer; OR
- Four (4) years of progressively responsible purchasing, business administration or other applicable experience, including two years at a supervisory level.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:- Eight (8) or more years of public sector purchasing experience, preferably with a wastewater, water, or public utility agency
- Experience applying public works contracting requirements, including prevailing wage compliance and alternative procurement methods (e.g., CUPCCAA, job order contracting)
- Experience with enterprise procurement and asset management systems (e.g., Oracle E-Business Suite, IBM Maximo or comparable)
- Experience with accounts payable operations and budget oversight in a public agency
- Experience supervising a purchasing or procurement team
- Track record of leading process improvements in a procurement or accounts payable environment with measurable outcomes
- Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification, or equivalent
EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIAThe competitive selection process may include:
Knowledge of :
- Public purchasing and contracting laws, including the Public Contract Code, prevailing wage requirements, and public works contracting distinctions
- Alternative procurement methods used in public agency contracting (e.g., CUPCCAA informal bidding, job order contracting, Energy Service Company contracting)
- Accounts payable principles, budgetary controls, and financial oversight practices in a public agency environment
- Principles and practices of public sector procurement, including competitive bidding, contract administration, and surplus property disposal
- Personnel management principles, including performance evaluation, coaching, and disciplinary procedures
Ability to :
- Negotiate purchase orders and contracts to secure favorable pricing and contractual protections
- Review and evaluate bids, proposals, and specifications for compliance with applicable law and agency policy
- Plan, organize, and oversee the work of a procurement team while preserving capacity for strategic priorities
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, vendors, legal counsel, and executive leadership
- Interpret and apply complex legal and regulatory requirements to procurement operations and policy development
- Use enterprise resource planning and asset management systems for procurement and financial processing (e.g., Oracle EBS, IBM Maximo)
- Prepare clear and accurate reports on procurement activity and accounts payable for leadership and accountability purposes
- Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements with measurable outcomes
- Exercise sound judgment in awarding contracts, approving expenditures, and recommending personnel actions
- Communicate effectively in writing and verbally across technical, operational, and executive audiences
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONNOTE: This posting will remain open until vacancy is filled and is subject to closure without notice.
SELECTION PROCESS:- All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
- The selection process will consist of a writing project and interview weighted at 100%. The writing project will be scored as part of the interview.
- The initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of May 25, 2026.
TO APPLY: Please apply online at governmentjobs.com within this application period. By using the online application system, you will receive confirmation via e-mail that your application was received for this position.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application. Check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications may be sent via e-mail. Please verify that your registered email address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery, add
[email protected] to your contact list.
NOTES:- The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related reference check, DMV report, and a drug test.
- Candidates who have completed their required college or university coursework outside the United States must provide a comprehensive evaluation of their foreign transcripts and degrees upon selection for this position.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Antonio Archuleta at
[email protected].
As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.
RETIREMENT - CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.
- DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.
COMPENSATION Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.
HEALTH INSURANCE- MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2026, the Districts contribute $2,417.99 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.
- DENTAL: Districts paid. Employees can choose from prepaid and indemnity dental plans. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage. The indemnity dental plan will has an annual in network maximum of $1,750, and an out of network maximum of $1,000.
- LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.
LEAVE TIME- VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.
- SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.
- PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.
- PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.
HOLIDAYS13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENTEmployees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.
STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENTFor some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS - A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
- Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
- Clear policies and procedures.
- Health and safety programs.
- Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.
More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits
NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
Updated January 2, 2026
Closing Date/Time: Continuous
Salary:
$157,416.00 - $196,008.00 Annually