Contract Specialist V - IT Procurements

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d

About The Position

Procurement and Contracting Services is looking for a Contract Specialist V for IT Procurements.

The Contract Specialist V performs highly advanced (senior level) purchasing and procurement work. Work involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and preparing specifications for purchasing IT commodities and services, and preparing procurement documents.

Our Contract Specialists coordinate large-scale procurement projects with multiple stakeholder interactions. Successful candidates will have the ability to think analytically, take initiative in solving problems, effectively communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders and demonstrate excellent time management skills. Attention to detail and a willingness to learn are a must. Prior project management skills or experience coordinating large projects is a plus.

This position works under the IT Procurements Section of the Procurement and Contracting Services Division. This team solicits complex, high dollar IT procurements using the RFO and DIR Statement of Work (SOW) methods. The Contract Specialist V works under moderate supervision with moderate 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
• Knowledge of Department of Information Resources procurement rules and statutes
• Skill in the use of computer and applicable software
• Skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain necessary information
• Skills in critical thinking
• Skills in priority 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 four years progressive experience of any combination of procurement, including solicitation development and project management, business analysis, policy and technical writing, preferably with the State of Texas.
• With a minimum of two years of experience in purchasing IT commodities and services including purchasing from Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).
• Must have Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Prior project management skills or experience coordinating large projects is a plus.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in project management or business administration is 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.
• Maintain procurement files and ensure agency procurements are conducted in compliance with state purchasing laws, records and retention 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.
• 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.

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