ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER/PURCHASING AGENT Definition The Assistant Town Manager

assistant town manager/purchasing agent definition the assistant town manager performs responsible administrative and supervisory dutie

ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER/PURCHASING AGENT
Definition
The Assistant Town Manager performs responsible administrative and
supervisory duties overseeing municipal purchasing functions and
providing administrative assistance to the Town Manager; all other
related work, as required.
Supervision
Works under the general direction of the Town Manager, in accordance
with the bylaws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the
town, requiring the ability to plan and perform operations, and to
independently complete assigned tasks.
Performs a variety of responsible and complex functions, requiring a
thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of
considerable judgment and initiative. Consults with the Town Manager
or Deputy Town Manager on situations not clearly defined by precedent
or established procedures.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises one full-time employee.
Work Environment
Work is performed under typical office conditions, with regular
interruptions to respond to requests for information or service. The
workload is subject to various seasonal and cyclic fluctuations. The
employee is occasionally required to attend evening meetings and work
outside of the normal business hours.
The employee operates standard office equipment.
The employee has regular contact with town employees, outside agencies
and the general public. Contact is in person, by telephone, e-mail and
in writing. Contacts require excellent public relations skills,
persuasiveness and resourcefulness.
The employee has access to an extensive amount of confidential
information, including personnel files, bid proposals, collective
bargaining negotiations, criminal investigations, legal proceedings,
and executive sessions.
Errors in administration and judgment could significantly affect the
municipality’s ability to deliver services and have financial and
legal repercussions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as
illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The
omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from
the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment
to the position.
Coordinates and directs all non-school related purchasing for the
town.
Reviews, corrects, updates and approves all purchase orders, using the
MUNIS system; reviews, updates and prepares bid specifications;
transmits award letters and prepares contracts for vendors.
Responds to requests for information from the public and town
employees pertaining to purchasing and other management issues.
Maintains current knowledge of laws pertaining to the municipal
purchasing function.
Puts out to bid all large construction projects, including school
buildings.
Works with the Deputy Town Manager to compile, edit and produce the
Annual Report and on other administrative projects.
Works on special assignments, such as Student Government Day, holiday
celebrations, etc.
Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation
dictates.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in public or business administration; Master’s
Degree preferred; two years of local government experience; experience
in municipal purchasing preferred; or an equivalent combination of
education and experience.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Extensive knowledge of municipal government and Massachusetts General
Laws, including procurement laws. Knowledge of health insurance,
operating and capital budgeting. Working knowledge of word processing,
spreadsheets, databases and Internet search techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with town
employees, state, federal, and local officials and the general public.
Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.
Excellent public relations skills. Computer and writing skills.
Physical Requirements
Minimal physical effort is required to perform duties under typical
office conditions. The employee is frequently required to sit, speak
and hear, use hands to operate equipment and carry boxes of bid
proposals weighing up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include the
ability to read routine and complex documents and use a computer.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement
between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the
employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job
change.
MMACG/00 Arlington, Massachusetts
Assistant Town Manager/Purchasing Agent
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