HARDEE COUNTY – Procurement Manager

Position Summary:
Hardee County is seeking an experienced and driven Procurement Manager to lead the County’s procurement operations. This professional-level role is responsible for contract administration, strategic purchasing, vendor relations, and oversight of the County’s Procurement Division. The ideal candidate is a strong leader with a deep understanding of public sector procurement, who thrives in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment. This position reports directly to the Director of General Services.

Key Responsibilities:
Direct the daily activities of the Procurement Division, including purchasing, contracting, and policy development.
Develop, implement, and maintain procurement policies and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
Review purchase requisitions, approve purchase orders, and ensure availability of funds.
Prepare, review, and manage competitive solicitation documents (RFPs, ITBs, RFQs), ensuring fairness and compliance.
Analyze and recommend technical specifications; ensure competitive and transparent selection processes.
Lead contract negotiations and vendor relations, resolving disputes, and monitoring performance.
Administer the County’s Purchasing Card (P-card) program, including training, auditing, and compliance oversight.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and standardization initiatives.
Prepare and file monthly fuel tax reports with the Department of Revenue.
Attend Board meetings and workshops related to procurement initiatives.
Provide expert guidance to internal departments and ensure compliance with Florida Sunshine Laws.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Accounting, Economics, or a closely related field.
Experience:
A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, accounting, budgeting, supply chain management, or inventory control, including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Preferred Skills and Attributes:
Strong knowledge of public sector procurement laws and best practices.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
Proven experience managing vendor relationships and resolving contract issues.
Proficiency in procurement software systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Commitment to transparency, ethics, and fiscal responsibility.

Why Join Hardee County?
Hardee County is a growing community offering an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to public service excellence. We value innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. If you are passionate about making a positive impact through strategic procurement and sound financial stewardship, we want to hear from you!