Purchaser - Complex Procurement - Contract Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Procurement and Contracting Services is looking for a Contract Specialist IV.

This purchasing position performs all purchasing activities prior to contract execution. These duties include the receipt of requisitions, review of scopes of work, selection of procurement methods, preparation of evaluation criteria, preparation and advertising of solicitation documents, processing of responses and coordination of respondent proposal evaluations, and facilitates contract negotiations. In this procurement role, the Contract Specialist IV collaborates with stakeholders and consistently accomplishes these tasks within established timelines.

This purchasing position works under the Complex Procurement Section of the Procurement and Contracting Services Division. This team solicits complex health care services using the RFP and RFQ methods. The Contract Specialist IV works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing state purchasing
• Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures
• Knowledge of state of Texas procurement principles and practices
• Skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain necessary information
• Skills in critical thinking
• Skills in prioritize setting and scheduling in a fast-paced environment
• Skills in multi-tasking under tight timelines
• Skill in attention to detail
• Ability to logically assemble and evaluate information
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to provide good customer service
• Ability to train others
• Ability to use computer and applicable software, including MS Word and MS Excel. Basic SharePoint and MS Project Skills preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years-experience in work related to any of the following: purchasing, solicitation development, project management, contract management or case management.
• Must have Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the State of Texas and with project management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review and track solicitation and contract documents ensuring applicable compliance throughout the procurement cycle.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of solicitation timelines, working closely with program staff to ensure timelines are reasonable and best support the agency's strategic priorities. Revise timelines as necessary during solicitation development and communicate any changes to program staff.
• Ensures agency procurements are conducted in compliance with state purchasing laws and Human Services Commission (HHSC) policies and procedures.
• Monitor correspondence, issues, and action items to facilitate timely responses and resolution of issues, including processing Open Records requests.
• Serves as a Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) representative at meetings related to anticipated or in-flight procurements.
• Maintains procurement files in compliance with State of Texas purchasing laws, record and retention laws, and HHSC and PCS policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned including participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Provides customer service excellence in alignment with the PCS Customer Service Principles. Actively demonstrates the eight core pillars of customer service: be responsive; set clear and realistic expectations; be transparent; be courteous; be consistent; be resourceful; embrace complaints; and be intentional about continuous improvement.
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and completes other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed