Sourcing & Contracts Manager
Sourcing & Contracts Manager
About Ava Community Energy
Ava Community Energy (Ava) is a Joint Powers Authority comprising Alameda County and its incorporated areas, and the cities of Lathrop, Stockton, and Tracy. Ava's charter is to provide its customers with low carbon, cost-effective electricity that integrates innovative energy products and maximizes local benefits through the development of local solutions, ranging from increasing access to rooftop solar to supporting the adoption of electric vehicles.
Culture and Commitment to Diversity
Ava believes in a vibrant culture that supports and nurtures a workplace that offers every individual the opportunity to attain professional goals and contribute to accomplishing our mission. We foster a culture of open communication, responsibility, curiosity, accountability, and teamwork. We want creative problem solvers that are excited to work in an entrepreneurial environment and grow our agency!
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflective of our service area's rich culture and communities. We welcome a diversity of experiences, perspectives, and skills.
We strongly encourage people of all characteristics to apply and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type based on age, religion, color, gender identity or expression, race, ancestry, or national origin, religion or creed, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or characteristics, and those with a disability as protected by federal, state and local laws.
Position Summary
Ava is seeking to hire a full-time Sourcing & Contracts Manager, reporting to the Legal Director and Deputy General Counsel. The Sourcing & Contracts Manager is responsible for managing the agency's procurement and contracting activities to ensure purchasing transactions are conducted in a transparent, compliant, and fiscally responsible manner and that Ava staff are rigorously supported in the procurement process. This position leads the development, negotiation, and administration of purchasing documents including Statements of Work (SOWs), Work Orders, and Change Orders, and provides strategic procurement guidance to internal stakeholders.
The Sourcing & Contracts Manager works closely with internal departments, legal counsel, and vendors to coordinate commercial and legal terms for contracts and purchasing agreements. This role will negotiate commercial transactions and conduct contract administration, as well as supervise procurement staff and support the continuous improvement of procurement processes, policies, and practices.
Position Details
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Sourcing & Contract Administration
Minimum Qualifications
Experience with public sector procurement regulations or policies.
Experience supporting procurement activities related to energy, consulting services, or technical services contracts.
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or CPSM.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary for this position is $156,830, with a Total Compensation of up to $172,513 annually based on performance.
Ava offers a generous benefits package which includes:
This position will be based in Ava headquarters in Oakland, near BART. Ava's team has a hybrid approach inclusive of in-office and remote work. This role is expected to go into the office Tuesdays, Thursdays and the first Wednesday of the month.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ava is dedicated to reasonably accommodate an applicant for known physical or mental disabilities so that the applicant may participate in the application process. We will engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with any employee with a known physical or mental disability to identify potential reasonable accommodations, if any, to enable the employee to perform the essential functions of their position.
Ava is committed to complying with applicable laws, including the Americans with Disability Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act, ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. Ava prohibits unlawful discrimination based on age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), genetic information or characteristics, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.
The information contained herein has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The information also does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract, and these provisions are subject to change.
Sourcing & Contracts Manager
About Ava Community Energy
Ava Community Energy (Ava) is a Joint Powers Authority comprising Alameda County and its incorporated areas, and the cities of Lathrop, Stockton, and Tracy. Ava's charter is to provide its customers with low carbon, cost-effective electricity that integrates innovative energy products and maximizes local benefits through the development of local solutions, ranging from increasing access to rooftop solar to supporting the adoption of electric vehicles.
Culture and Commitment to Diversity
Ava believes in a vibrant culture that supports and nurtures a workplace that offers every individual the opportunity to attain professional goals and contribute to accomplishing our mission. We foster a culture of open communication, responsibility, curiosity, accountability, and teamwork. We want creative problem solvers that are excited to work in an entrepreneurial environment and grow our agency!
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflective of our service area's rich culture and communities. We welcome a diversity of experiences, perspectives, and skills.
We strongly encourage people of all characteristics to apply and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type based on age, religion, color, gender identity or expression, race, ancestry, or national origin, religion or creed, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or characteristics, and those with a disability as protected by federal, state and local laws.
Position Summary
Ava is seeking to hire a full-time Sourcing & Contracts Manager, reporting to the Legal Director and Deputy General Counsel. The Sourcing & Contracts Manager is responsible for managing the agency's procurement and contracting activities to ensure purchasing transactions are conducted in a transparent, compliant, and fiscally responsible manner and that Ava staff are rigorously supported in the procurement process. This position leads the development, negotiation, and administration of purchasing documents including Statements of Work (SOWs), Work Orders, and Change Orders, and provides strategic procurement guidance to internal stakeholders.
The Sourcing & Contracts Manager works closely with internal departments, legal counsel, and vendors to coordinate commercial and legal terms for contracts and purchasing agreements. This role will negotiate commercial transactions and conduct contract administration, as well as supervise procurement staff and support the continuous improvement of procurement processes, policies, and practices.
Position Details
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Sourcing & Contract Administration
- Lead the preparation, drafting, and negotiation of procurement and purchasing documents including Statements of Work (SOWs), Work Orders, Change Orders, and service agreements.
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process including solicitation development, vendor evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract execution.
- Ensure procurements comply with agency procurement policies, applicable regulations, and public agency best practices.
- Coordinate procurement activities with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with project objectives, budgets, and timelines.
- Oversee contract amendments, renewals, and modifications as required.
- Maintain visibility into current and future initiatives at the agency to forecast procurement requirements.
- Provide concierge contract management support for staff.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to internal clients, coaching staff on procurement procedures and helping them successfully conduct purchasing transactions.
- Collaborate with agency departments and staff to define procurement scopes, develop Statements of Work, and structure commercial terms.
- Coordinate with internal legal counsel to ensure contracts appropriately address legal, regulatory, and risk considerations.
- Facilitate communication between internal stakeholders and vendors during procurement and contract negotiation processes.
- Support vendor negotiations to ensure favorable commercial terms, pricing structures, and service levels.
- Manage engagement with current and prospective vendors, addressing friction and/or preserving the relationship as necessary.
- Monitor vendor performance and assist with resolving contract or service issues.
- Maintain accurate procurement and contract documentation in agency systems.
- Supervise and provide guidance to 1–2 procurement or administrative staff.
- Provide coaching, training, and performance management to ensure effective procurement support across the organization.
- Promote a collaborative and service-oriented procurement culture.
- Recommend and implement improvements to procurement procedures, templates, and internal guidance materials.
- Ensure procurement documentation and processes meet audit and compliance standards.
- Support internal and external audits related to procurement and contracting activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Relevant professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
- 7+ years of experience drafting and negotiating purchasing or contracting documents.
- Demonstrated experience preparing and negotiating Statements of Work, Work Orders, and Change Orders.
- Experience coordinating procurement transactions with internal stakeholders and legal counsel.
- Experience managing or supervising staff or leading cross-functional procurement efforts.
- Experience in a public agency, utility, energy organization, or regulated environment is desirable.
- Strong knowledge of procurement and contracting practices.
- Ability to negotiate commercial terms and coordinate legal review of contracts.
- Ability to coach internal clients and guide them through procurement processes
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple procurement activities simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- High attention to detail and commitment to compliance and transparency.
Experience with public sector procurement regulations or policies.
Experience supporting procurement activities related to energy, consulting services, or technical services contracts.
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or CPSM.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary for this position is $156,830, with a Total Compensation of up to $172,513 annually based on performance.
Ava offers a generous benefits package which includes:
- Zero cost Individual, family, and domestic partner health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Life and AD&D, EAP, STD, and LTD
- Retirement with Employer Matching
- Social Security deferment plan
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
- Commuter Benefits
- Fertility & Adoption Benefits
- Pet Insurance
- Mental Health Support
- Flexible Spending Accounts (health and dependent care accounts)
- Paid Volunteer Days
- And More!
This position will be based in Ava headquarters in Oakland, near BART. Ava's team has a hybrid approach inclusive of in-office and remote work. This role is expected to go into the office Tuesdays, Thursdays and the first Wednesday of the month.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ava is dedicated to reasonably accommodate an applicant for known physical or mental disabilities so that the applicant may participate in the application process. We will engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with any employee with a known physical or mental disability to identify potential reasonable accommodations, if any, to enable the employee to perform the essential functions of their position.
- General office environment is primarily sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: standing, sitting, walking, reaching, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
- The noise level is usually moderate.
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternate transportation and a safe driving record.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or CPSM.
Ava is committed to complying with applicable laws, including the Americans with Disability Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act, ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. Ava prohibits unlawful discrimination based on age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), genetic information or characteristics, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.
The information contained herein has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The information also does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract, and these provisions are subject to change.
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