Contract Mngmt Specialist III (Supply Chain)

City of Austin

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. Austin Energy is seeking a Contract Management Specialist III to lead and support the end‑to-end contracting process. In this role, you will coordinate requirements for new solicitations, prepare bid and contract documents, review vendor responses, and help guide recommendations for award. You’ll manage contract performance throughout the lifecycle, monitor budgets and timelines, process modifications, and work directly with contractors and internal teams to resolve issues and ensure compliance. You’ll also maintain and analyze contract data, prepare reports for leadership, support supply chain needs, and help deliver training and guidance to departments and vendors. The role includes occasional site visits for compliance checks, audits, and contractor education. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, working with a variety of stakeholders, and managing complex contract requirements in a fast‑paced utility environment.

Requirements

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Business Administration, Public Administration, plus four years of experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
• A Master’s Degree may substitute for required experience up to two (2) years
• Knowledge of contract law, contracting practices, regulations, policies and techniques.
• Knowledge of contract development, contract language, terms, conditions, etc.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to evaluate contract agreements.
• Ability to write specific terms or conditions for contracts.
• Ability to enforce contractual obligations.
• Ability to evaluate contractor performance
• Ability to resolve complex problems.
• Ability to leading a work group.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Nice To Haves

• Current or former federal, state, or local government employee.
• Experience developing statements of work for commodities contracts.
• Experience monitoring contracts for compliance.
• Experience researching information in financial systems.
• Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Excel for analyzing and presenting financial data.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word.
• Organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks in an environment with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location

Responsibilities

• Prepares for bids process by gathering and coordinating contract requirements from designated departmental liaisons, deciding appropriate commodities or scope of work to include on contract bid; recommending and preparing effective supplemental terms and conditions, and drafting purchase documents for bid. May also perform spot buying off existing contracts (per Central Purchasing policy limitations).
• Develops and maintains contract database(s) spreadsheets and/or other contract management software tools. Enters data into the system of record and generates approval documents to support purchases. Establishes budgeted base and resolves variances. Submits and/or coordinates submission of requisitions, evaluates bid files and prepares recommendations for award.
• Develops and manages requirements for complex contracts or grants for effectiveness by monitoring budgeted amounts to expended amount and/or contract's dollar balance and time remaining, recommending whether to extend an existing contract or prepare for a new bid process, processing contract modifications and performing contract releasing activities.
• Manages contractor and subcontractor performance for compliance to contract terms and conditions by monitoring contractor performance which includes but not limited to inspecting product to ensure compliance with specifications, preparing and discussing contractor performance evaluations with the contractor and/or departmental liaison to explain performance evaluations and obtain feedback, and reporting and resolving complex contractual issues.
• Prepares and/or develops reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information regarding contractor performance, supply chain effectiveness, contract expenditures, purchase history, etc., for reporting to management, team members and customers.
• Manages supply chain by reviewing status of selected materials, identifying problems and recommending and/or implementing solutions. Coordinating product demonstrations.
• Provides technical and contractual assistance by developing, advertising, coordinating and conducting workshops, training sessions and orientation sessions.
• Conducts site visits to educate contractors and subcontractors about contract requirements, to conduct interviews with contract workers, to obtain payroll records for audit purposes and/or to inspect products to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
• Develops requirements for new contracts by researching purchase history and product information; coordinating and compiling requirements; deciding and preparing effective supplemental terms and conditions; deciding and preparing effective contractor performance measurements.
• Researches and responds to inquiries from City Council, City Management, Boards and Commissions, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level