Manager of Administrative Services

At The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, we’re not just delivering water — we’re sustaining life for over 19 million people. Behind every drop of water is a team of Talented Employees: innovators, problem-solvers, and connectors who make it all possible.

 

We are hiring an Administrative Services Manager to oversee our operational efficiency efforts. We seek a candidate dedicated to fostering productive environments and streamlining essential administrative processes. The ideal candidate will be skilled at organizing complex systems, proactively addressing issues, and applying innovative strategies to ensure seamless operations. This role provides the opportunity to make a significant, visible impact that advances the organization’s overall mission.

 

What you'll do

 

In this critical leadership role, you will direct, through subordinate managers, a diverse section providing essential administrative services across the district. Your oversight will span multiple teams, ensuring efficient and effective delivery in key areas including:

• Professional services contracting;
• Purchasing;
• Warehousing operations;
• Inventory control;
• Document services and records management; and,
• Reprographics.

You may also be responsible for overseeing a variety of organization-wide initiatives, including ADA compliance and Enterprise Content Management.

 

Who we are looking for

 

We are seeking a seasoned leader with extensive experience in public or business administration. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of public sector contracting and purchasing principles. budgeting and fiscal administration, strategic planning, and policy development.

 

• Deep understanding of public sector contracting, personnel practices, and relevant federal, state, and local laws.
• Knowledge of current principles and practices of public and business administration, including budgeting, fiscal administration, strategic planning, policy development, and project management.
• Proficiency with Information Technology systems and applications and awareness of external business trends.
• Proven management, supervisory, and team-building techniques, alongside strong negotiation skills and customer relationship management.

What you'll find working here

 

Joining our team means contributing to a vital public service operation. You will be part of an environment that values strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and collaborative management. We offer competitive compensation and the opportunity to lead essential functions that enable our district to fulfill its critical mission across Southern California.

 

To view the full job description click here: Manager of Administrative Services

 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and fourteen years of increasingly responsible relevant experience, of which six years must have been in a management or supervisory position; or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university and twelve years of increasingly responsible relevant experience, of which six years must have been in a management or supervisory position.

 

Relevant Experience is Defined As:

Managing the operation of the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including strategic sourcing and contract negotiations in a complex public sector environment.

 

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTSLicense(s): Valid California Class C Driver’s License or equivalent (required at time of application) that allows you to drive during your employment.

Benefits:• Competitive compensation• Excellent medical, dental, life, vision plans.• Deferred compensation in the form of a 401(k) plan (with matching contribution) and a 457 plan.• Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System• Tuition reimbursement• Training and advancement opportunities• Excellent working environment• Public transportation reimbursements 

• Hub of public transportation: rail, subway, buses, and taxis

• On-site fitness center

 

For more information on MWD benefits, please use the following link: Benefits Regular FT PT Employees (Represented)

 

ABOUT MWD

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water f