Risk Management and Purchasing Director

This executive-level position directs and administers the Citys Risk Management and Purchasing Department. The position is responsible for strategic planning, development, implementation, and oversight of comprehensive citywide programs in risk management, insurance administration, occupational safety, emergency operations support, procurement, contract compliance, central stores, and inventory control.

Responsibilities include oversight of the Citys self-insurance and commercial insurance programs; claims administration; contractual risk transfer and insurance requirements; employee safety and loss prevention initiatives; procurement operations and compliance with competitive bidding requirements; and emergency preparedness coordination. The position also exercises oversight authority of the Citys comprehensive safety programs.

The incumbent exercises a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in administering departmental operations, establishing policies and procedures, and advising executive leadership on risk exposure, insurance coverage, procurement practices, and operational compliance matters. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Managers Office and is evaluated through conferences, reports, operational outcomes, and achievement of strategic objectives.

• Directs the development, implementation, and administration of comprehensive citywide purchasing and risk management programs designed to protect the Citys assets, reduce liability exposure, minimize operational losses, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations and competitive bidding requirements.
• Administers the Citys insurance and self-insurance programs, including procurement, renewal, underwriting analysis, policy evaluation, reserve analysis, claims management, and risk financing strategies.
• Develops and administers programs related to property and casualty insurance, automobile liability, general liability, and other related risk financing programs.
• Oversees the Citys procurement operations, including purchasing, contract compliance, central stores, inventory control, and related operational functions.
• Reviews and evaluates insurance specifications, contracts, indemnification provisions, and coverage requirements to ensure appropriate risk transfer and regulatory compliance.
• Serves as the Citys liaison with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, attorneys, brokers, consultants, medical providers, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders regarding insurance, claims, procurement, safety, and risk management matters.
• Directs the investigation, administration, and resolution of claims involving workers compensation, liability, property damage, and other insured or self-insured exposures, including participation in mediations, hearings, depositions, and trials as necessary.
• Analyzes loss trends, claims data, and operational risks to identify root causes and implement corrective actions, loss prevention strategies, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Oversees and evaluates citywide occupational safety programs to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations and standards.
• Directs the development and delivery of employee safety, compliance, and risk management training programs.
• Provides strategic guidance and consultation to department directors and City leadership regarding procurement practices, contractual risk exposure, insurance requirements, and employee safety initiatives.
• Supervises departmental personnel, establishes performance expectations, and ensures accountability, operational efficiency, and professional development within assigned divisions.
• Coordinates the resolution of purchasing disputes, bid protests, and procurement-related issues.
• Prepares and administers departmental budgets and monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensures departmental alignment with the Citys strategic goals, operational priorities, and organizational values.
• May be required to participate in or facilitate training programs in support of departmental or City initiatives.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or alternate hours as necessary to support operational needs, emergency response activities, or City initiatives.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Risk Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Insurance, Political Science, or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience administering comprehensive risk management, insurance, claims administration, occupational safety, procurement, or related public sector operations.
• Five years of supervisory experience.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
• Experience in public sector procurement, self- insurance administration, contract review, litigation coordination, and governmental risk financing is highly desirable.
• Professional certifications are preferred, including but not limited to: Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Florida Health, Life and Annuity License, and Florida All Lines Adjuster License.
• This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of Chapter 112, Florida Statutes, and must file all required disclosures with prescribed timelines.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Principles and practices of public sector risk management, insurance administration, self-insurance programs, and governmental procurement operations.
• Property and casualty insurance coverages, claims administration, reserve analysis, risk financing, and contractual risk transfer.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards governing occupational safety, purchasing, contracting, and public administration.
• Principles and practices of employee safety training, loss prevention, emergency preparedness, and organizational risk mitigation.
• Municipal purchasing policies, competitive bidding procedures, contract administration, and inventory management practices.

ABILITIES:

• Analyze operational risks, claims trends, and procurement issues and develop effective corrective strategies.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and technical insurance provisions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, executive leadership, employees, attorneys, insurers, consultants, vendors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of reports, presentations, and policy recommendations.
• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, discretion, and decision-making in complex or sensitive situations.
• Plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple projects and operational responsibilities.
• Operate a City vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment and involves sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and routine use of computers and standard office equipment.
• May require travel to various City facilities and off-site locations to conduct inspections, investigations, meetings, training, or represent the City on official business.
• Normal visual acuity, hearing, speaking, manual dexterity, and the ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE