Contract Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contract Specialist V provides senior-level expertise on a dynamic team within the Business Operations Department for the Strategic Operations Division and is responsible for managing complex, high-value contracts that support critical agency operations. This role combines technical contract knowledge with hands-on execution and offers the opportunity to shape processes, strengthen compliance, and contribute alongside experienced contract professionals. The specialist leads contract development, monitoring, and closeout activities, ensures alignment with state procurement standards, and serves as a subject matter resource on contract performance and risk. In this role, you’ll collaborate across divisions, work closely with vendors and oversight partners, and help ensure contracts deliver value, accountability, and results for the organization.

Requirements

Knowledge of State of Texas procurement and contract management law, rules, policies, and best practices, including the Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide
Knowledge of contract management, monitoring, and reporting practices for complex services contracts
Knowledge of cost and price analysis methodologies
Knowledge of Federal procurement standards where applicable to HHS System contracts
Knowledge of HHS System procurement processes including SCOR, CAPPS, and PCS workflows
Skill in managing complex services contracts post-award through the full contract lifecycle
Skill in conducting contract monitoring activities, including identifying and addressing performance deficiencies
Skill in reviewing and validating invoices and deliverables against contract terms; preparing formal monitoring reports, performance reports, and contract documentation
Skill in negotiating contract amendments, change orders, and corrective actions with vendors
Skill in use of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, SCOR, CAPPS, and other contract management systems
Skill in written and oral communication with vendors, internal stakeholders, and oversight agencies
Ability to independently manage a complex contract portfolio post-award; apply sound judgment to contract decisions with significant financial or operational impact
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, business owners, and oversight functions
Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, including fiscal year-end, biennium transitions, and emerging vendor or stakeholder issues
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with executive leadership, vendors, and external stakeholders
Active and valid Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification at time of hire. CTCM must remain active throughout employment.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis
Five (5) years of full-time professional experience in contract management, contract administration, procurement, or contract monitoring
Demonstrated experience independently managing complex, high-dollar, or high-risk services contracts post-award through the full contract lifecycle
Demonstrated experience conducting contract monitoring activities, including preparation of formal monitoring reports and identification of corrective actions

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field
Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification
Experience with State of Texas procurement systems including SCOR, CAPPS, and PCS workflows
Experience managing contracts in a Texas state agency or HHS System environment
Experience supporting legislative inquiries, audit responses, public information requests, or Sunset review activities

Responsibilities

Independently manages a portfolio of complex, high-dollar, or high-risk contracts. Serves as primary point of contact between the agency and the vendor for all contract matters throughout the contract lifecycle. Reviews and processes contract amendments, renewals, change orders, and supporting documentation. Coordinates with PCS on solicitations, contract execution, and procurement policy compliance. Coordinates legal review with the Office of Chief Counsel and budget review with the Finance division. Prepares and routes contract execution documentation, including PCS448s and supporting justification packages.
Independently monitors assigned contracts for vendor performance, deliverable completion, invoice accuracy, and compliance with contract terms. Conducts on-site and desk monitoring reviews, develops monitoring plans, prepares formal monitoring reports, and recommends corrective actions when performance deficiencies are identified. Reviews and validates invoices against contract terms and deliverables before approving for payment. Tracks vendor performance against established performance measures and service level agreements. Identifies, documents, and escalates contract-related risk to division leadership.
Prepares and submits required contract reports to division leadership, oversight bodies, business owners, and external stakeholders. Maintains accurate contract files and documentation in accordance with records retention requirements and agency standards. Tracks and reports contract performance metrics. Supports legislative inquiries, audit responses, public information requests, and Sunset review activities related to assigned contracts. Maintains contract data in agency systems including SCOR, CAPPS, and SharePoint repositories.
Conducts contract close-out activities, including final deliverable validation, final invoice reconciliation, vendor performance documentation, and contract file archiving consistent with state records retention requirements. Coordinates with the Records Management Office on retention compliance. Documents lessons learned and recommendations for future procurements involving the same scope or vendor.
Serves as a senior subject matter expert and resource for less experienced contract specialists and contract managers within the department; reviews their work product when assigned. Provides technical guidance to business owners and program staff on contract management matters. Represents the Contract Operations department in cross-divisional and cross-agency meetings as assigned.
Identifies and recommends process improvements within the Contract Operations department. Develops contract administration policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager or Director.