Principal Purchasing and Contracting Specialist

Ramsey County•(Ramsey County Government Center) Saint Paul, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Purchasing and Contracting Division is made up of two teams. The Purchasing and Contracting Expert (PaCE) team works with the departments to complete the intake for new purchases, finalize and publish solicitations, facilitate pre-solicitation conferences, manage the solicitation evaluation process and create contracts. Once contracts are executed, PaCE is responsible for issuing amendments for contract renewals and other changes. The Purchasing and Contracting Administration (PCAT) team oversees contracts after they have been executed and work with the department and contractors to ensure contractor performance, monitoring of contract, compliance with contractual terms and conditions, maintain contractor files, assist in problem solving, and provide technical assistance to contractors and business owners. This vacancy is on the PaCE Team. To analyze, develop, negotiate, implement and manage the solicitation, administration and compliance of contracts for, technological professional, and client services; prepare solicitations and contracts within budget limits established by the board, and federal and state regulations in accordance with established county procurement policies; review contract performance and direct corrective action when appropriate; and to develop evaluation criteria and scoring systems to assess and rank solicitations, and to perform related duties as assigned. This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, supply chain management business management, accounting or a closely related field.
Four years of experience in purchasing and contracting.
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
None.

Responsibilities

Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
Coordinate all phases of contract preparation for the department to which assigned.
Responsible for the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Requests for Board Action (RBA) related to contracts for technological and professional services and building related contracts.
Analyze contract proposals for conformance with established intent, reasonableness and allow ability of fiscal costs, and service delivery methodologies.
Analyze and collect data to monitor trends and developments related to client needs, contract development and performance based on the needs of the department related to professional client services.
Analyze and interpret changes in laws, rules and regulations; implement these changes into professional client service contracts to ensure compliance as related to contract development and implementation.
Responsible for contract administration, monitoring performance measures and outcomes and ensuring contracts include compliance with prevailing wages, state and federal statutes and laws, and county procurement rules; and conduct site visits to monitor contract performance.
Negotiate with vendors on contract terms, service expectations, performance measures, termination of contract provider cost factors, and budgetary factors.
Responsible for contract monitoring and performance outcomes, insurance issues and other contractual issues such as any certifications, or licensure requirements.
Represent the department/unit on interdepartmental planning teams by providing technical assistance, and review of contract specifications.
Consult with providers regarding contracting procedures and methods; may assist and guide provider through complex administrative procedures.
Prepare written reports, both internal and external, regarding individual contracts; groups of similar contracts; contract policy and procedures; problem areas or changes in rules and regulations.
Prepare written recommendations to the county board.
Conduct meetings with provider agencies for negotiating resolutions to contract problems, changes or amendments.
Review contract compliance and if necessary may initiate corrective action or recommendations for correction or termination.
Develop evaluation criteria and scoring system(s) for solicitations to assess and rank solicitations to the degree to which requirements and priorities are met.