Manager of Contract Operations

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contract Operations Manager in the Strategic Operations Division of the System Support Services provides senior-level leadership for a dynamic team responsible for managing complex, high-value contracts that support critical agency operations. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on contract management and offers the opportunity to shape policies, improve processes, and mentor experienced contract professionals. The manager leads day-to-day contract operations, oversees staff performance and development, and serves as a trusted advisor to leadership on contract strategy, compliance, and risk management. 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

State of Texas procurement and contract management law, rules, policies, and best practices, including the Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide
Contract management, monitoring, and reporting practices for complex services contracts
Budgeting, cost analysis, and financial review of contract documentation; supervisory and management principles, practices, and techniques
Strategic planning, performance management, and process improvement methodologies
HHS System procurement processes including SCOR, CAPPS, and PCS workflows
Managing complex contract portfolios post-award
Supervising and developing professional staff who manage contracts; reviewing staff contract work product for quality and compliance
Managing multiple high-priority contracts and projects under time-sensitive deadlines
Written and oral communication, including communication with executive leadership, vendors, and external stakeholders
Use of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, SCOR, CAPPS, and other contract management systems
Personally manage complex contracts while simultaneously supervising staff (working manager model)
Make sound, independent judgments on contract matters with significant financial or operational impact
Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, oversight agencies, and partner agencies
Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and emerging agency, legislative, or vendor issues; lead and develop a team of contract professionals.
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.
Seven (7) years or more of full-time professional experience in contract management, contract administration, procurement, or contract monitoring, with at least some experience involving complex, high-dollar services contracts
Three (3) years of supervisory or lead experience over professional contract staff.
Demonstrated experience personally managing complex, high-dollar, or high-risk services contracts while simultaneously supervising staff (working manager model).
Demonstrated experience developing or implementing contract policies, procedures, or standard operating procedures.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Supervises a team of contract specialists, contract managers, and support staff. Assigns work, sets deliverables, monitors performance, and conducts performance evaluations. Provides coaching, training, and professional development; reviews staff work product for quality and compliance. Conducts regular one-on-ones and team meetings; identifies skill gaps and arranges appropriate training. Recommends hiring, disciplinary, and termination actions in coordination with HR and division leadership. Manages staff workload distribution to ensure timely contract execution, particularly around fiscal year-end and biennium transitions.
Personally manages a portfolio of complex, high-dollar, or high-risk contracts. Oversees contract execution, monitoring, amendments, renewals, change orders, and close-out for assigned contracts. Conducts contract monitoring activities, including invoice review, deliverable validation, performance reviews, and corrective action coordination. Serves as primary point of contact for assigned vendors and as escalation point for contracts managed by direct reports. Reviews and approves procurement documentation, including PCS448s, requisitions, and supporting justification packages. Coordinates with the Procurement and Contracting Services division on solicitations and contract execution.
Develops, implements, and maintains internal policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures for the Contract Operations department. Identifies process improvement opportunities and leads implementation of changes. Supports the Director of Business Operations in strategic planning, budget development, performance reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Represents Contract Operations in cross-divisional and cross-agency meetings. Supports legislative inquiries, audit responses, public information requests, and Sunset review activities related to contracts.
Ensures all contracting activity complies with the Texas Government Code, Texas Administrative Code, Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide, federal procurement standards where applicable, agency policy, and division standards. Identifies, escalates, and mitigates contract-related risk, including vendor performance issues, scope creep, financial exposure, and legal exposure. Coordinates with the Office of Chief Counsel, Procurement and Contracting Services, Internal Audit, and other oversight functions as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Business Operations and division leadership.