Part Time Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Manager (part-time)

The Purchasing Manager provides district-wide leadership and support for purchasing, procurement, and contract compliance functions for Branford Public Schools. This position is responsible for ensuring that all purchasing activities comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations while promoting efficient, cost-effective procurement practices. The Purchasing Manager collaborates with district administrators, school leaders, vendors, and business office staff to support bid development, vendor compliance, purchasing workflows, and procurement oversight.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting district-wide purchasing and procurement operations in accordance with Board of Education policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Providing technical guidance and support to administrators and staff regarding purchasing procedures, procurement requirements, and workflow processes.
• Assisting departments and schools in identifying cost-effective purchasing solutions and resolving procurement-related issues.
• Leading the development, coordination, and evaluation of formal bids, mini-bids, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and related procurement documents.
• Ensuring compliance with Connecticut public school purchasing requirements and district procurement policies.
• Assisting with vendor selection processes, bid analysis, and procurement recommendations.
• Supporting contract preparation and documentation processes related to district purchasing activities.
• Monitoring procurement activities to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal purchasing regulations, including grant-funded expenditures.
• Reviewing and auditing purchase orders, contracts, and related documentation for compliance and accuracy.
• Maintaining documentation and records related to purchasing and procurement activities.
• Assisting with preparation for audits and financial reviews related to procurement and purchasing functions.
• Establishing and maintaining vendor management procedures and records.
• Monitoring vendor insurance certificates, required disclosures, and compliance documentation.
• Assisting with maintaining vendor performance records and contract tracking systems.
• Serving as a liaison with vendors regarding procurement requirements, documentation, and compliance matters.
• Collaborating with district administrators, business office personnel, and school staff to improve purchasing workflows and operational efficiency.
• Assisting with implementation and communication of purchasing procedures and best practices.
• Providing support for procurement-related reporting and operational projects as assigned.

Education and experience required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, business operations, or public-sector finance.
• Experience with public school purchasing and Connecticut procurement regulations preferred.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of purchasing, procurement, and contract administration practices.
• Knowledge of public-sector procurement regulations and compliance requirements preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze purchasing data, contracts, and compliance documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff, vendors, and community partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and financial management software systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently.

Physical and environmental conditions:

• The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with regular use of computers and office equipment.
• The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, communicate, and perform repetitive motions associated with computer and office work.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of office materials and supplies may be required.
• The work environment is generally office-based with moderate noise levels and regular interaction with district staff and vendors.