Deputy Director Of Purchasing- Department Of Finance

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About The Department

The Finance Department’s mission is to manage, protect and report on the City of San José’s financial resources to enhance the City’s financial condition for residents, businesses and investors.

The Finance Department has five core divisions:

Accounting

Administration

Debt & Treasury Management

Purchasing & Risk Management

Revenue Management

The Finance Department works in partnership with the departments of Human Resources, Information Technology, and Public Works as the City’s Strategic Support City Service Area to effectively develop, manage, and safeguard the City’s fiscal, physical, technological, and human resources to enable and enhance the delivery of City services and projects. The Finance Department has a $27.4 million operating budget and 128 budgeted full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.

Position Duties

The Purchasing & Risk Management Division purchases and provides quality products and services in a cost effective manner and ensures insurance coverage for the City’s assets. The Deputy Director position is the City’s Chief Purchasing Officer and is responsible for planning, managing and directing the Purchasing & Risk Management Division’s procurement of supplies, material, equipment, services, and information technology for the City. The Division also includes the City’s risk and insurance management program. The Deputy Director position reports to the Director of Finance. The specific duties for the Deputy Director position are as follows:

• Plans, manages, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of all procurement and risk management staff
• Directs procurement, contract administration and risk management activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies
• Creates and implements purchasing strategies, performance targets and performance measures
• Plans, organizes and directs the citywide functions of procurement which includes the citywide processes for acquisition of equipment, supplies, materials, services, and information technology
• Executes major contracts on behalf of the City within signature authority as delegated by the Director of Finance
• Establishes competitive vendor selection process to ensure that all purchases are in accord with the public interest
• Manages and oversees the City’s Procurement Card Program with over $14 million in annual purchases
• Researches and develops best practices for the organization to ensure that operations meet the highest standards of ethics, quality, efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and customer service
• Prepares City Council memoranda and represents the Finance Department for risk management, vendor selection, and procurement and contract recommendations at City Council and committee meetings on a periodic basis
• Acts as the City’s Hearing Officer to review and respond to vendor protests
• Collaborates with departments in developing specifications for procurement needs and confers with City staff regarding complex purchasing issues. Works in a highly collaborative environment at all levels
• Defines problem areas and evaluates, recommends, and implements alternate solutions to complex issues Directs negotiation activities and strategies and negotiates complex contracts

How to Apply:

Please apply directly with Koff & Associates. The final filling date is May 15, 2026 Applications received by May 7, 2026, will be given priority review, meaning they will be reviewed and considered first, while the position will remain open until the final closing date. To be considered, please electronically submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of five professional references (references will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) to: https://koffassociates.com/deputy-director-of-purchasing/

Minimum Qualifications

Training and Experience

Any combination equivalent to successful completion of advanced course work from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, or related field; and six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in senior level administrative and/or analytic work in a public or private agency. Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a City operating department is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates

Possession of a valid license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California may be required. Certain positions may require possession of a specialized certificate, license, and/or registration related to a specific area of responsibility.

• Management experience in a similarly complex public agency or private business is strongly preferred.
• Designation as a Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) is desired.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

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