This position is an anticipated vacancy. It is expected to be vacant by 12/3/2024. However, the current incumbent has a right to rescind their retirement, leave, or resignation up until the day of the expected vacancy date. Your hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated.

 

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance and Business Development, Food and Nutrition Services

 

General Description:

 

The Procurement and Contracts Manager resides in the Food and Nutrition Services Department (FNS) within the Operations Division of the Boston Public Schools, reporting to FNS’s Director of Finance and Business Development. The Procurement and Contracts Manager is responsible for ensuring cost-effective specification, procurement and management of goods and services to support the department as it completes its transition to a service model that includes on-site cooking of meals using fresh ingredients at each school location. The Manager prepares specifications, issues invitations for bids and requests for proposals, analyzes bids and proposals, sees contracts through to execution and manages contracts after execution. The Manager is also responsible for supporting forecasting, ordering, and inventory management processes, as well as planning and tracking usage of USDA Foods. 

 

This individual should be a detail-oriented self-starter with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and projects and provide exemplary customer service to all stakeholders.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Strategic Procurement

• Prepare goods and services specifications, invitations for bids/requests for proposals, and execute contracts for goods and services in compliance with Massachusetts public procurement laws and City of Boston regulations. 
• Meet with vendors to discuss requirements and develop bid specifications and procedures for food, equipment and/or supplies.
• Develop strategy and action plans to establish and advance the Good Food Purchasing Program beyond baseline assessment levels reported in 2022.  Collaborate with Boston Good Food Purchasing Coalition and City of Boston colleagues.
• Support and nurture ongoing growth of New England procurement directly through work with farmers and consolidators, and through vendors. 

Contract Management

• Evaluate bids and proposals, make recommendations for contract awards, and execute contracts using the City of Boston online supplier portal.  Work with the Office of Legal Counsel to resolve related issues.  
• Evaluate contracts for compliance and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain effective lines of communication with vendors, ensure vendors adhere to contracts, immediately report issues of concern, investigate and document issues of noncompliance and recommend appropriate action to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services.
• Work with Director to ensure BPS complies with city, state and federal regulations applicable to Food and Nutrition Services. 

Ordering and Inventory Support

• Forecast food and supply needs for monthly menus; establish ordering and shipping timelines; coordinate shipping and delivery.
• Use applicable technology, including inventory management and ordering software, to streamline processes.
• Help to train FNS staff on standard operating procedures related to ordering, inventory management, industry best practices, and procurement or contract regulations. 

USDA Commodities Program Management 

• Develop and implement plan for allocating USDA Foods entitlement funds that maximizes their value to the district, in collaboration with the Nutrition Manager, Director of Logistics, and Finance Director. 
• Maintain on-going contact with MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) related to USDA Foods, and resolve any inventory inconsistencies between agencies or central distribution.
• Perform other responsibilities as designated by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Systems, Business or other related field. 
• Current Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) designation, or agreement to acquire within six months of hire. 
• Five (5) years’ experience in food service management, school nutrition programs, public procurement, or a related field, with a minimum of three (3) years in a managerial/supervisory position in a large institution or school system. 
• Knowledge of Massachusetts public procurement laws.
• Knowledge of food production methods and food service equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to speak and write effectively to communicate with a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and evaluate staff to ensure compliance with program regulations and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use technology to collect and manage program data, prepare reports, develop training and marketing materials, and communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to apply principles of conflict resolution, negotiation and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and work cross-functionally.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.
• An understanding of and commitment to gain greater understanding of what is necessary for an urban school system to enjoy continuous improvement in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. 
• A deeply held and unyielding belief in the overarching mission of public education.

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED:

• Masters degree in a related field preferred
• Knowledge of government school food service programs
• Experience working with data management systems, preferably PeopleSoft and Titan School Solutions.

Terms: Managerial, C42. 

 

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.