Deputy Director of Purchasing

JOB TITLE: Deputy Director of Purchasing

AGENCY: City of San José

LOCATION: San Jose, CA

FILING DEADLINE:  May 15, 2026

SALARY RANGE:  $161,513 – $260,737 Annually

THE POSITION

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

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City of San José seeks a proven executive leader to serve as Deputy Director overseeing the Purchasing and Risk Management functions within the Finance Department. This role calls for a highly respected local government professional with deep procurement expertise, executive presence, and the ability to operate as a strategic advisor while ensuring operational excellence and stewardship of the public’s trust. The Deputy Director will provide leadership for complex, high‑impact programs; manage day‑to‑day division operations; and help set strategic direction in partnership with senior leadership. The ideal candidate is a forward‑thinking, collaborative executive with a strong track record of building high‑performing teams, mentoring future leaders, and driving continuous improvement. Success in this role requires the ability to balance detail‑oriented oversight with a broad organizational perspective, communicate persuasively with diverse stakeholders, and lead change through innovation, technology, and best practices.

THE CITY

Known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” San José is the largest city in Northern California and a global center of innovation, home to nearly one million residents and one of the most diverse populations in the nation. Anchoring one of the world’s largest concentrations of technology companies—including Cisco, Adobe, Samsung, Zoom, and eBay—the city offers a dynamic, business-friendly environment and was ranked the #1 U.S. city for small business by Forbes in 2024. San José has twice been named the “Most Innovative Large City in America” and is recognized as the safest major city in the U.S. San José also boasts an exceptional quality of life, with 300 days of sunshine, access to mountains, beaches, wine country, and the cultural offerings of the Bay Area. Guided by Envision San José 2040, the City is proactively planning for sustainable, transit-oriented growth. With a highly educated, globally connected workforce—over 40% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and 40% foreign-born—San José continues to play a vital role in connecting residents and businesses to the nation and the world.

For more details about this opportunity, please visit the job brochure at: https://koffassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/City-of-SJ_Dept-Dir-of-Purchasing-7.pdf

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/

For additional information, please contact:

Chelsea Freeman

510.570.3844

chelsea_freeman@ajg.com

Website: https://koffassociates.com/

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