Contract Specialist II

State of North Carolina

2d

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is charged with implementing the state's public school laws for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public schools at the direction of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join our Agency Financial Services Purchasing and Contracts Section as a Contract Specialist II. This is an excellent opportunity to join a talented team of procurement professionals who enjoy working with agency leadership and program managers to facilitate the timely purchase of goods and services. The Division of Financial Services performs all state-level financial planning, reporting, budgeting and accounting services for the Department of Public Instruction. It performs program analyses and internal services and monitoring for the Department and is responsible for supporting the financial and personnel systems. There are six primary work groups in this division – Budget Management, Accounting Controls and Reporting, Cash Management, Accounts Payable, Grants, and Purchasing and Contract Services. The Procurement Department is responsible for procuring all goods and services for the agency. The Contract Specialist is responsible for full lifecycle procurement contract management (cradle to grave”) on behalf of the agency. The position holds large scale purchasing responsibilities for the Department of Public Instruction, to include preparing specifications, requests for proposals, and invitations for bids. The contract specialist helps to draft and manage contracts and may conduct negotiations as needed for a range of solicitations and agreements. The position manages outstanding contracts to ensure satisfactory progress, compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract, and early identification of problems that may threaten contractor performance. The position manages the department’s contract database, ensuring all contracts have been cataloged and maintained within the system. The position also monitors existing contracts to track monthly contract status and notifies individuals of pending expirations. The position reports to the Procurement Manager and may supervise other procurement staff. About the Purchasing and Contracts Section: The Purchasing and Contracts Section provides responsive, transparent, and effective purchasing and contract services to the agency’s senior leadership and program managers in compliance with state and federal requirements. By applying their technical purchasing and contract expertise, the staff facilitates the timely procurement of needed goods and services on behalf of the agency.

Requirements

• Valid NC Driver’s License. Out of State Applicants must have a valid Driver’s License and acquire NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire.
• Completion of the North Carolina Contract Manager Certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related area from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of progressive procurement or contract administration experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Completion of the North Carolina Contract Management Certification Program within one year of hire into the position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with E-Procurement and the North Carolina Financial System (NCFS).
• Experience with personal computers and various software packages (i.e. Microsoft Applications: Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
• Experience utilizing an automated, electronic procurement system.

Responsibilities

• Preparing specifications, requests for proposals, and invitations for bids.
• Drafting and managing contracts and may conduct negotiations as needed for a range of solicitations and agreements.
• Managing outstanding contracts to ensure satisfactory progress, compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract, and early identification of problems that may threaten contractor performance.
• Managing the department’s contract database, ensuring all contracts have been cataloged and maintained within the system.
• Monitoring existing contracts to track monthly contract status and notifies individuals of pending expirations.
• Supervise other procurement staff.

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.
• To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees