Procurement Contracts Officer

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking a procurement professional to function at a senior-level on their Services team. This role involves performing a variety of work, engaging with different people and projects, and tackling challenges. Working for DHHS means making a meaningful difference in the lives of Nebraskans by contributing to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the state. The mission is "Helping People Live Better Lives," and this role is vital in delivering programs and services. This is a purpose-driven career path focused on fostering positive change and upholding Nebraska's values.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations or related field AND five years procurement experience.
Experience can be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
Regular and reliable attendance required.
Knowledge and proper execution of the State’s policies and procedures.
Knowledge of basic accounting, and procurement practices.
Ability to read and comprehend state statutes, rules and regulations, and standard operating procedures, and apply as applicable.
Ability to investigate, analyze and document information to draw conclusions and solve problems.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret various documents.
Ability to train others in performing duties and tasks.
Ability to use critical thinking skills and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in various forms.
Ability to apply logic to understand and interpret agency business processes.
Ability to make decisions in a timely manner and prioritize multiple projects in a fast pace, deadline driven environment, utilizing input form others, as appropriate.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment.
Highly motivated, and thrives in a team-oriented atmosphere.
Establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with employees, customers, and vendors.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Effective listening skills.
Detail-oriented.
Able to work with a wide variety of people and programs.
Knowledge of computer systems including, but not limited to time and attendance system, information systems, financial and purchasing systems, and policies/regulations.
Experience with MS Word and Excel, and other purchasing specific software programs.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with requests for proposal, requests for information, requests for qualifications, scope of work, service contracts, especially government contracting, or federal grants.
Experience in recommending and applying policies, and procedures, problem resolution, coordinating projects.
CPPB certification preferred or other similar type professional certification in procurement or purchasing.
SharePoint and knowledge of JD Edwards Enterprise 1 system is helpful, but not essential.
Knowledge of purchasing practices, organization structures, functions, policies and procedures, communications, and objectives as they relate to the management of programs and contracts; and state contracting regulations.

Responsibilities

Oversees the development and administration of Requests for Proposals, Requests for Information, Requests for Qualifications, Statements of Work, and Quote Requests.
Research and development of highly complex scope of services for contracts, ensuring compliance with State Statutes, rules and regulations, and policies and procedures.
Portfolio management of contract base.
Provide research for and facilitating contract negotiations and aiding in vendor selection.
Monitor legal and regulatory requirements related to contracting.
Coordinate all procurement activities for complex projects.
Assist in implementing sourcing strategies to ensure sustainable cost and/or cost avoidance savings, and best value.
Interact with program staff and contract managers ensuring deliverables and performance requirements and all deadlines are met.
Conducts responsiveness reviews of all solicitation responses.
Conduct research of vendors and services available.
Arranges and facilitates vendor demonstrations from top scoring vendors.
Research and stay updated on industry standards.
Establish and maintain working relationships with vendors.
Staff training and continued development of DHHS policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.