Contracts & Purchasing Manager (WMS Band 2)

State of Washington•Lacey, WA

49d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Contracts & Purchasing Manager (WMS Band 2) within the Financial Services Division. In this role, you'll be responsible for balancing compliance requirements with operational needs. You'll interpret and apply a complex network of federal, state, and agency laws and regulations-including RCW 39.26, OFM SAAM chapters, DES policies, and EPA Fair Share Goals-while ensuring that Ecology's contracting and purchasing activities remain efficient and responsive to program demands. The key challenge is maintaining full compliance without delaying essential environmental projects or disrupting service delivery. You'll administer contracts and agreements that protect, preserve, and enhance Washington's environment, supporting the wise management of our air, land, and water for the benefit of both current and future generations. In this position, you'll have the authority to guide and influence contracting and procurement processes, applying the relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies. You'll also provide expert-level advice, consultation, and technical support to agency programs to ensure compliance with state and federal contracting requirements. Finally, you'll help ensure that the agency and its staff conduct their work in alignment with ethics laws, rules, and policies, as well as generally accepted ethical standards.

Requirements

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below: Experience in public sector contracting, procurement, or acquisition management. This includes experience in contract development, negotiating, administering, terminating, costing, and auditing contracts, dispute mediation/prevention, or related project management. Experience must include at least one year of supervisory or lead experience, including performance management, mentoring, and staff development.
Education in business law, business administration, public administration, contract law, finance, or related field.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to interpret and apply statutes, policies, and ethical standards to complex procurement issues.
Proficiency with electronic procurement and contract management systems and strong general computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent).
Employee must read, sign, and abide by the Financial Services/Fiscal Office Agreement on Confidential Information (Part A) and Internal Control Responsibility (Part B).

Nice To Haves

Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or other related certification.
Detailed knowledge of Executive Ethics Laws and regulations and the interpretive opinions of the Executive Ethics Board.

Responsibilities

Independently provide advanced and senior-level professional acquisition and contract administration functions
Develop standard terms and conditions for agency contracts
Develop agency policies regarding service contracts and purchasing
Advise contract managers and executive-level management for ongoing contract management best practices
Supervise and directs Contracts Specialists and Procurement & Supply Specialists
Provide guidance and technical assistance, in partnership with agency program staff?? in implementing Supplier Diversity practices