Contracts and Procurements Manager

At the Department of Licensing (DOL) , we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government. Our Administrative Services Division (ASD) is currently recruiting for a Contracts and Procurements Manager (WMS2) with excellent communication skills to act as the main point of communication with vendors during active, competitive procurements. As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident. Are you an expert in providing strategic direction and oversight across the full procurement lifecycle, including solicitation, evaluation, award, and contract management? If so, please read on!

Duties:

Reporting to the Contracts and Procurements Assistant Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and executing complex, high value contracts, procurement needs, and contract/vendor management support associated with the agency's strategic initiatives. You will act as the main point of communication with vendors during active, competitive procurements. Partnering with the contract manager and business program area subject matter experts you will establish the appropriate contract structures to ensure clarity for vendors and to help ensure they deliver the appropriate products and services to the required level of quality and risk, by the required time, and at a reasonable price. Some of what you may do: Provide expert specialized consultation services, administration, and oversight of the agency's major strategic initiatives for procurement and contracting activities for complex, high value agency purchases and contracts, to include IT purchases and contracts. Oversee vendor performance, ensure compliance with contract terms, and address performance issues through corrective actions when necessary. Serve as the primary liaison between customers and vendors to facilitate communication and resolve concerns effectively. Develop, modify, and adapt procurement and contracting policies, processes, tasks, and procedures to accommodate specialized or unique situations. Facilitate the evaluation process and lead the negotiation of vendor contract awards. Serve as a primary contract specialist for large agency contracts. Mitigate agency risk by ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, policies, procedures, administrative rules, and Executive Orders. Consult and support agency contract managers in performance management of contracts. Ensure compliance with Chapter 39.26 RCW and agency policy, monitor contract performance and deliverables, manage amendments and corrective actions, and support high-risk, complex acquisitions through execution and closeout. Directly supervise a team of contract specialists' work, balance workloads, and ensure employees have the resources and support needed to succeed. If you are ready to leverage your knowledge of business best practices to optimize economic return to the agency while ensuring contracts and purchases are aligned with the Governor's initiative for increased diverse business inclusion, we invite you to apply. What you will bring to the position (requirements): Eight (8) years of combined relevant experience and education negotiating, administering, and terminating contracts, contract cost/price analysis, contract compliance administration, organizing, creating, and guiding multiple high-dollar and service procurements simultaneously. Must include four (4) years of experience: Organizing, creating, and guiding multiple high-dollar information technology and service type procurements simultaneously to include federal funding, state funding or grants. Applying excellent communication skills to include a demonstrated ability to clearly explain contracting objectives, strategies, rules, policies, or procedures in a way that ensures understanding and cooperation with diverse audiences. Providing outstanding customer service skills with experience building and maintaining internal and external customer satisfaction. Applying a high degree of professionalism when interacting with others. Utilizing strong problem-solving, analytical, and research skills. Managing your time and adapting to changing priorities, working on multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, meeting quick deadlines, and producing timely and quality work products. Utilizing Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook. Using knowledge, credibility, and effective partnering to identify, evaluate, and provide innovative and highly effective solutions for agency leaders and executive management with a risk/reward analysis in technically complex procurement and contracting situations or in exceptionally sensitive legal or political circumstances. • Experience may be gained concurrently •Up to four (4) years of education in business, administration, public administration, or a closely related field may be used in leu of experience.

The ability to:

Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity and inclusion through behaviors and decisions. Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees. Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers. The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. What may help set you apart: Two (2) or more additional years of experience: Procuring, negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract cost, price analysis, and/or contract compliance administration. Demonstrating knowledge of Washington state government procurement and contract laws and rules, to include Chapter 39.26 RCW. In IT contracting, software licensing and subscriptions, and data privacy regulations/laws and best practices. Using Lean concepts and tools to review, develop, improve, and implement business processes, which result in more efficient service delivered to customers. Leading or supervising.

Additional Requirements of Employment:

The ability to travel overnight and out of state. Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment screening that includes a criminal record history check will be conducted. These findings may not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

Pay:

$91,848.00 - $108,844.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid jury duty Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Olympia, WA