Procurement Contracts Officer

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

25d • Onsite

About The Position

If you are a procurement professional who desires to function at a senior-level on our Services team performing a variety of work, engaging with many different types of people and projects, and enjoys a challenge, then this is an excellent opportunity to enhance your career! Working for the State of Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is more than just a job—it's a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow Nebraskans. Public service provides an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the state. At DHHS, we take pride in our mission of "Helping People Live Better Lives," and every team member plays a vital role in delivering programs and services. Choosing a career in public service means embracing a purpose-driven path, fostering positive change, and upholding the values that make Nebraska a great place to live and thrive.

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.
• Position is located on-site at the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln.
• 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 as well as the 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.
• Candidates should possess and demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, effective listening skills, be detail-oriented and 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 the following programs: MS Word and Excel, and other purchasing specific software programs.
• 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

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.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the development and the 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 a number of contracts, ensuring complete compliance with State Statutes, rules and regulations, and policies and procedures. This may include meeting with program/contract managers, subject matter experts, and legal counsel.
• 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.
• You will be expected to research and stay updated on industry standards and 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.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life.
• Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
• For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees