Senior Purchasing Agent

Rancho California Water District • Temecula, CA

55d • Hybrid

About The Position

Rancho California Water District is seeking an experienced and collaborative procurement professional to join our Finance Department as a Senior Purchasing Agent. This position reflects the District's continued growth and commitment to strengthening procurement practices, contract administration, regulatory compliance, customer service, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Working under the general direction of the Procurement & Contracts Administrator, the Senior Purchasing Agent will prepare and administer formal solicitations, coordinate proposal evaluations, prepare contracts and amendments, negotiate terms and conditions, conduct market research, and provide procurement support to District departments. The position plays an important role in ensuring the timely, efficient, and compliant acquisition of goods and services that support the District and the Santa Rosa Regional Resources Authority (SRRRA), while helping maximize value from public expenditures through effective competition, contract management, and procurement best practices. The District proudly serves more than 160,000 residents throughout Temecula, Murrieta, and surrounding communities. The District provides reliable water, wastewater, and recycled water services while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and customer service. The Purchasing Department currently consists of a Procurement & Contracts Administrator, Purchasing Agent II, Senior Warehouse Technician, and Student Intern. Purchasing and warehouse functions operate as an integrated team under the direction of the Procurement & Contracts Administrator, with staff working collaboratively to support procrement, contracting, warehouse operations, and other District business needs. Over the past several years, the Department has implemented significant improvements, including updates to the District's Purchasing Policy and Procedures, implementation of a contract management module, expanded contract administration processes, and enhanced regulatory compliance practices. These efforts have strengthened procurement controls, improved contract oversight, and enhanced the District's ability to obtain competitive pricing and best value for the goods and services it acquires. The addition of the Senior Purchasing Agent position reflects the District's commitment to continuously improving procurement services and support provided to departments throughout the organization.

Requirements

• 5 or more years of purchasing experience, or 2 years as a Purchasing Agent II
• Associates of Degree, or equivalent, in Purchasing, Business, or Accounting
• Certificate in forklift operation

Nice To Haves

• Detail-oriented and customer-focused procurement professional
• Experience preparing and administering formal solicitations
• Experience coordinating proposal evaluations
• Experience drafting and administering contracts
• Experience managing vendor relationships within a structured procurement environment
• Organized, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities
• High degree of accuracy and professionalism
• Strong communication skills
• Sound judgment
• Attention to detail
• Commitment to ethical procurement practices and exceptional customer service

Responsibilities

• Prepare and administer formal solicitations
• Coordinate proposal evaluations
• Prepare contracts and amendments
• Negotiate terms and conditions
• Conduct market research
• Provide procurement support to District departments
• Ensure timely, efficient, and compliant acquisition of goods and services
• Maximize value from public expenditures through effective competition, contract management, and procurement best practices

Benefits

• CalPERS Pension (2.7% at 55 + EPMC for Classic Members and 2.0% at 62 for PEPRA Members)
• Medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D, and long-term disability are fully covered for employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree