Director of Purchasing

Join the opportunity to serve in the role of Director of Purchasing at Community Unit School District 300
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Position Definition

The Director of Purchasing is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing the District’s purchasing goals and objectives. The position oversees the administration of policies and procedures that ensure the efficient, ethical, and cost-effective procurement of goods and services at the best, fair, and reasonable value. The Director supervises the purchasing team, ensuring that all district purchases are executed in compliance with applicable laws, Board policies, and administrative regulations.

Additionally, the Director is responsible for maintaining accurate, transparent, and auditable purchasing records for the District.

Key Duties, Responsibilities, and Knowledge Procurement Oversight

• Manage all procurement processes, including invitations for bids, requests for proposals, quotations, vendor evaluations, contract drafting/negotiation, renewals, and amendments, in accordance with applicable laws and District policies.
• Develop, review, and revise bid specifications, public notices, and procurement documents to ensure competitive, transparent, and compliant purchasing practices.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions for accuracy, proper accounting/coding, and compliance with District requirements.
• Utilize cooperative or intergovernmental purchasing agreements when advantageous, ensuring compliance and achieving cost savings.
• Respond to emergency purchasing needs under established procedures.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure availability, quality, pricing, and timely delivery of supplies, equipment, and services.
• Evaluate bids, monitor market trends and supply‑chain conditions, perform spend analysis, and recommend qualified vendors to achieve best value and meet District standards.
• Verify vendor compliance with insurance, licensing, and other required credentials; maintain vendor prequalification records.
• Administer the District’s procurement card (P‑Card) program, including issuance, controls, reconciliation, and training.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Implement and maintain internal controls and accountability measures to track outstanding commitments, liabilities, and procurement activities.
• Monitor and interpret legislative or regulatory changes affecting purchasing practices; recommend policy or procedural updates to ensure compliance with the Illinois School Code and Board of Education policies as well as Federal regulations.
• Maintain accurate and transparent documentation, including vendor and commodity registers, bidder lists, contracts, procurement correspondence, and financial records.

Inventory & Distribution

• Oversee warehouse operations, including receipt, storage, and distribution of materials and equipment.
• Supervise the Fixed Asset Inventory System and oversee surplus property disposal in accordance with statutory and District procedures.
• Facilitate the equitable distribution of instructional materials and supplies across all District schools.

Leadership & Support

• Supervise the purchasing team and warehouse staff, ensuring consistent application of District purchasing policies and procedures.
• Provide procurement guidance, training, and support to principals, department heads, and administrative staff to promote efficient and compliant purchasing practices.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee and optimize procurement/ERP systems to ensure data accuracy and efficiency.
• Prepare and present purchasing reports, cost‑savings analyses, vendor performance data, and recommendations to District leadership and the Board of Education.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to identify cost‑savings opportunities and improve service delivery across the District.

Key Skills, Talent, and Abilities Analytical & Problem‑Solving

• Apply critical thinking to identify issues, evaluate options, develop solutions, and communicate effective resolutions.
• Analyze and interpret data to inform purchasing decisions, identify cost‑saving opportunities, and present findings to committees and the Board of Education.
• Maintain composure and…