Class Code: 3094 Salary Range: \$78,800 - \$105,000 (Commensurate with experience) Reports To: Director of Procurement FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Procurement, the Utility Services Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing all procurement activities related to utility services for the City of New Orleans. This includes developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing complex solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs), negotiating contracts, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and fostering strong relationships with utility providers and internal stakeholders. The Manager will focus on achieving cost savings, ensuring service reliability, and promoting best practices in utility procurement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive procurement strategies for all City utility services, including water, sewer, electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, and waste management.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement process for utility contracts, including needs assessment, market research, development of solicitation documents (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs), evaluation of proposals, and contract award recommendations.
• Negotiate complex contractual terms, pricing structures, service level agreements (SLAs), and performance metrics with utility vendors to ensure favorable terms for the City.
• Ensure strict compliance with City procurement ordinances, state laws (e.g., Louisiana Public Bid Law), federal regulations (e.g., HUD, DOT requirements for federally funded projects), and internal policies.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Procurement Department and City departments utilizing utility services (e.g., Public Works, Utilities, Parks, etc.) to understand requirements and forecast needs.
• Monitor existing utility contracts for performance, compliance, and adherence to SLAs; manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations as necessary.
• Conduct regular spend analysis and market trend research for utility services to identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and risk mitigation.
• Manage and mentor procurement staff assigned to support utility services, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Maintain accurate and auditable records of all procurement activities, negotiations, and contract documentation.
• Stay current on changes in utility regulations, energy markets, and procurement best practices relevant to public sector utility management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of public sector procurement principles, practices, and regulations, particularly as they apply to utility services.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-value service contracts, including negotiation and performance management.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to interpret utility rate structures, usage data, and cost-benefit analyses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to technical staff, management, and the public.
• Proficiency in procurement software, contract management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for data analysis).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, or supply chain, with at least three (3) years specifically managing utility services (e.g., electricity, gas, water, waste) or similar complex service contracts.
• Certification such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is highly preferred and may substitute for one year of experience.

Note:

This position is designated as a "Sensitive Position" and is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with City of New Orleans policy.

Are you worried about student loan debt?

• The City of New Orleans is a qualified employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Are you part of the FIRE (Financially Independent/Retire Early) movement? Don't want to work forever? We have options to help.

• Pension, Pension, Pension! Depending on your job you can participate in one of several pension systems and enjoy this great benefit.
• You can also participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan (457b) which allows you to defer up to $23,500 of your pretax income each year to supplement your retirement savings.

Let's talk pay

• We offer competitive pay including pay increases based on the length of your employment. We also offer special pays for educational advancement, professional certifications and specialized work assignments.

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• Our Employee Growth and Development Division offers free courses in over 50 topics including Leadership, Personal Finance, Conflict Management, Excel, Managing Stress, and Business Writing.

We take care of our employees during emergencies

• Employees who work during declared emergencies receive extra pay.
• Employees who can't work due to emergency related workplace closures continue to receive their normal pay.

Want to make a difference?

• We need you! Make an impact on our community through your work in City government!

These benefits apply to employees of the City of New Orleans. Employees of Sewerage and Water Board enjoy many of these same benefits, but some benefits offered may vary. A listing of benefits available to Sewerage and Water Board employees can be found here. (Download PDF reader)

This description of benefits is intended to be informational and does not create a contractual entitlement to any listed benefit. The employee welfare and pension plan documents and applicable law govern the eligibility, vesting, and schedule of benefits, and the above description does not alter or interpret the plan documents or applicable law.