Procurement Administrator

The Procurement Administrator oversees and administers the City of Palmer's centralized procurement function. The position manages competitive procurement processes, facilitates negotiations, and prepares contracts and purchasing documents for approval and execution by authorized officials. The Administrator provides recommendations for contract awards and purchasing actions to the City Manager and City Council, as required. Final signature authority rests with the City Manager or other authorized officials.

This position ensures transparency, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with Alaska State law and Palmer Municipal Code.

The Procurement Administrator is a senior-level administrative classification responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering the centralized procurement functions of the City.

Develops and implements citywide purchasing policies, procedures, and strategic procurement initiatives.

• Administers competitive procurement processes (IFB, RFP, RFQ) in accordance with state statutes and municipal code.
• Facilitates vendor selection, negotiations, and contract preparation for authorized approval.
• Ensure compliance with Alaska State procurement statutes, Palmer Municipal Code, public transparency laws, and ethical standards.
• Prepares procurement-related agenda items, resolutions, and supporting documentation for City Council consideration.
• Presents, contract awards and procurement reports to executive leadership and City Council, as needed.
• Responds to public records requests related to procurement activities.
• Establishes and administers emergency procurement procedures and ensures proper documentation and post-event compliance.
• Oversees surplus property disposal, inventory control standards, and major equipment or fleet acquisition processes.
• Develops and maintains internal procurement controls; coordinates with auditors and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Administers local bidder preference policies consistent with municipal code.
• Monitors procurement expenditures, tracks performance metrics, and identifies cost‑saving opportunities.
• Assists in the development of the City’s annual procurement and capital purchasing budgets and provides cost projections and analysis to the City Manager's Office and Finance Department.
• Identifies procurement‑related risks and implements controls to safeguard public funds.
• Provide procurement guidance and training to department directors and staff to ensure consistent and compliant purchasing practices across the organization.
• Oversee procurement-related systems and ensure accurate integration with the City’s financial management systems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Strategic planning, budgeting and financial management.
• Ethical approach to procurement with team management capabilities and the ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and elected officials.
• Advanced negotiation administration and contract review skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Effective leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a public‑sector environment.
• Understanding of procurement principles and best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, supply chain management, public administration, or related field. Relevant professional-level experience may be substituted for education.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement or supply chain management, public procurement experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of public purchasing laws, local, state, and federal procurement regulations (Alaska State law and Palmer Municipal Code), competitive bidding processes, and municipal procurement practices.

The City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

The City of Palmer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.