Contract Specialist

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) • San Diego, CA

3h • $65,822 - $97,468 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Contract Specialist, under the direction of the Manager of Procurement, assists with various clerical and administrative tasks for the Procurement Department. The role maintains the contracts database, works with third party insurance consultants to ascertain the accuracy and completeness of insurance coverage for MTS contracts, and supports the small business program and the administration of contracts. This position also routes contracts for approval by MTS staff, emails them to vendors for execution, and verifies proper completion upon return.

Requirements

• Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations
• Ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts
• Ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English
• Ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy
• Ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel
• Ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions
• Skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of documents and reports
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire
• Ability to organize, catalog and track large volumes of documents
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional organizational, prioritization and multi-tasking skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and understanding of customer relationship management
• Exceptional collaborative and team-centric working style
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds
• Must be able operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key
• Possess a high school diploma or associate degree
• At least two years of full-time administrative experience
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License or be able to utilize alternative transportation when needed to perform job-related essential functions
• Must satisfactorily pass all applicable post-offer examinations, including but not limited to a pre-employment physical conducted by an independent medical provider, a comprehensive criminal background and credit check, and, when applicable, a pre-employment drug test as required by MTS Board Policy 35.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in business or economics, combined with procurement experience, is a plus, but not required.
• A combination of education and relevant experience may satisfy these requirements.
• The Contracts Specialist may be required to travel in order to attend procurement training sessions sponsored by the National Transit Institute (NTI), and will be required to obtain a certificate of completion for all four classes, which covers the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) procurement rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Represents MTS at various outreach workshops and procurement fairs, targeting small businesses (SBs) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), which includes but is not limited to, discussing MTS’s DBE Program and MTS’s upcoming procurement opportunities with vendors or presenting.
• Maintains a calendar for upcoming SB and DBE events to attend and a database of which events MTS participated in and whether it was successful in terms of increasing awareness of MTS’s DBE Program to vendors.
• Provides vendors the process to do business with MTS and shares information regarding certifications, technical assistance, and other available resources available to SB and DBE.
• Creates reports (e.g., DBE and SB vendors working on MTS contracts, DBE and SB vendors available to perform for certain types of work) and works with staff to ensure compliance with DBE regulations (e.g., monitors prime contractors pay subcontractors promptly).
• Receives contracts and amendments from Procurement Specialists, reviews with respect to template compliance and format, and routes for MTS signatures.
• Ensures that contracts are properly routed and executed by vendors.
• Receives solicitations from Procurement Specialists and routes for review to Manager of Procurement and legal counsel.
• Places advertisements for procurement solicitations.
• Assists Procurement Specialists in performing cost summaries from solicitations.
• Receives non-compliant certificates of insurance and works with Procurement Specialists and the Manager of Risk and Claims for compliance with contract requirements.
• Maintains the contracts database, creates reports as needed, tracks contract termination dates, and notifies team members of upcoming deadlines to ensure the timely submittal of requisitions for successor contracts or to exercise options.
• Performs contract file audits to ensure file completeness.
• Performs a variety of clerical, administrative, and operational support duties for the Procurement Department and assists with departmental initiatives, projects, and administrative functions as assigned.
• Prepares and compiles reports and assists in implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and procurement directives as requested by department head.
• Issues Purchase Orders for punchout catalog, office supplies inventory and non-inventory items.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary offers are based on factors such as the knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience of the successful candidate, while taking into account internal equity, budget constraints, and other market factors.
• This position is in salary grade #7, which has a minimum of $65,822 and a maximum of $97,468.
• Salary grades are typically adjusted annually to ensure they remain market competitive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree