DIRECTOR, CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT
Our client, the San Mateo County Transit District (“SamTrans/The District”) is seeking an
outstanding individual for the role of Director, Contracts and Procurement. This position reports
to the CFO/Treasurer and is located in the central administrative offices in San Carlos, CA.
Overview
The District is a multi-agency organization, which includes Caltrain, a commuter rail service;
SamTrans, a bus and paratransit system; and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, a
funding agency that supports transportation projects through a half-cent sales tax. Caltrain is in
the midst of an unprecedented growth in ridership and revenues and a complex and challenging
program to fully electrify the system. The District, through SamTrans and Caltrain, is a
significant property owner throughout the region.
Formed in 1976 following voter approval of a permanent half-cent sales tax, SamTrans is the
transportation workhorse of San Mateo County. In recent years, SamTrans has evolved into a
multi-modal facilitator, with an annual operating budget of approximately $170 million and $20
million capital budget.
The Caltrain commuter rail system, serving the San Francisco Peninsula region from San
Francisco to San Jose, is the most dynamic commuter rail system in the nation. Caltrain has an
annual operating budget in excess of approximately $150 million and is owned and operated by
the nine-member Joint Powers Board (JPB). Caltrain is in the midst of the $2 billion Caltrain
Modernization Program, which will completely modernize the 150-year-old rail system. The full
build-out of the CalMod Program will result in an electrified rail system with a new fleet of
modern rail cars. Caltrain’s annual capital budget is well in excess of $50 million. Electrified
Caltrain service is scheduled to be operational by 2021. To learn more about Caltrain, visit
http://www.caltrain.com/about.html.
The Transportation Authority (TA) was formed in 1988 and administers the sales tax proceeds,
which, in addition to more than $400 million in funds committed to programs, generate in excess
of $80 million in annual sales tax revenue to fund a broad spectrum of transportation-related
projects. The TA is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. For more information
about the TA, visit http://www.smcta.com/.
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For more information about the San Mateo County Transit District, visit http://www.smctd.com/.
Overall Responsibility
Reporting to the CFO/Treasurer, the Director, Contracts and Procurement is responsible for
directing the procurement function for San Mateo County Transit District, Peninsula Corridor
Joint Powers Board, and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (collectively
“Agencies”) to include management and oversight of all phases of procurement of supplies,
equipment, rolling stock, materials, services, professional services, construction, and other public
works.
Examples of essential functions include:
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Directing the development implementation of agency policies and procedures
regarding procurement and contract administration in accordance with funding
regulations and stipulations (e.g., FTA, FHWA, and FRA requirements)
Developing and administering the C&P annual budget
Preparing and presenting written and verbal reports to Boards of Directors for each
agency; making appropriate determinations for contract awards, bid rejections, and
terminations, and preparing arguments to support adjudication of bid protests
Developing policy and procedures governing the procurement process that fit within
the statutory framework of each agency
Establish procedures, policies, and controls related to Agencies’ ERP systems (e.g.,
PeopleSoft) for Contracts and Procurement administration department
Supervising staff; hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary
action; ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed; participate in selection of
staff; coordinate staff training and professional development; establish performance
objectives; monitor and evaluate employee performance
Examples of duties include:
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Overseeing the development, updating, and maintaining of the Procurement Manual
Responsible for adherence to agency procurement manual’s policy and procedures
Preparing, submitting, and managing department operating budget and capital project
budgets, as required
Approving the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and
supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate
and necessary
Reviewing and approving complex contract documents to ensure compliance with
procurement standards, laws, and regulations
Responsible for the disposition of surplus equipment and material in accordance with
established disposition policies
Working with the CFO/Treasurer on special assignments as required
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Evaluating job performance of staff, which also includes the professional
development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional
development opportunities
Performing all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self,
fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm; promote safety awareness and
follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents
Performing other job duties as assigned
Minimum and Desired Qualifications
The minimum qualifications required for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in Business
Administration, Economics, or a related field plus seven years of full-time progressively
responsible professional experience and three years of full-time management level experience in
procurement, materials and contract administration management. An advanced degree would be
considered a plus, as would a specialized certification such as CPP (Certified Purchasing
Professional), CPPM (Certified Professional Purchasing Manager), CPPB (Certified Professional
Public Buyer), or CPPO (Certified Public Procurement Officer).
Candidates will have outstanding working knowledge of applicable state, federal (FTA third
party contracting guidelines and the federal acquisition regulations), local laws, rules, and
regulations governing public transit agency purchasing. Exposure to California public sector
procurement will be viewed as a plus. Experience with transit/rail is also an advantage, but not
an absolute requirement.
He/she must have outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written presentation and
communications skills.
Required Attributes
The District is seeking an experienced contracts and procurement executive who can quickly
garner confidence and trust with the CFO/Treasurer. Candidates will possess a strong
combination of the following characteristics:
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Strategic “business case” orientation and creative outside-the-box thinking
Comprehensive professional knowledge of concepts, principles and practices of
procurement and contracts management
A strong mentor and coach
Stellar interpersonal, communications and presentation skills
No surprises management style
Creative and solutions/outcomes focused with a high customer centric approach
A reputation of unquestioned integrity and ethics
Understanding of the nuances of working and succeeding within a highly transparent,
public sector environment
Mature judgment and thoughtful decisiveness
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Proven track record in successfully working under pressure to meet deadlines
Outwardly focused and a good sense of humor
Contacts
This is an exciting career opportunity for an individual interested in a genuine professional
challenge. With this position comes a competitive compensation and benefits program.
The Officer in Charge of this engagement is Tim McNamara, Managing Partner and Boyden’s
Global Transportation Practice Leader. He will be assisted by Diana Farmer, Senior Associate.
Interested parties should submit in electronic format a resume with compensation history, and a
cover letter outlining reasons for their interest in the position, including detail on the
aforementioned responsibilities, attributes, and qualifications to [email protected]. You may
also contact us via our Toll Free Phone number at +1.877.2.BOYDEN (226.9336) for additional
information.
Boyden global executive search
Founded in 1946, Boyden is the oldest and one of the largest privately owned search firms in the world, with more
than 65 offices in over 40 countries. In the world of executive search, Boyden is distinguished by the expertise of our
consultants, the resources of our global firm, our commitment to our clients, and our culture of professionalism and
integrity. For further information about Boyden, visit www.boyden.com.
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