Small Business Contracting Manager

PACE • Los Angeles, CA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

PACE is seeking a highly skilled and motivated SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTING MANAGER with experience in public and/or private sector procurement to join the team. The Small Business Contracting Manager will manage a team to assist small businesses in identifying contracts & access to capital opportunities, building capacity to be competitive for contracts, and applying to and negotiating contracts. This position requires a strategic manager, who can ramp up quickly and leverage existing professional relationships with government agencies and private sector companies, such as prime contractors in the greater Los Angeles area. Work experience managing, administering, and performing to government contracts are desired, as well as strong people management skills. This position will report to the Director of PACE Business. This is a wonderful opportunity to build a fulfilling career while making a real difference and impact in the community!

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor�s degree in business administration, economics, or other related field, OR equivalent with at least 5 years of professional experience related to small business contracting and / or small business direct technical assistance
• Minimum of three years of work experience in providing technical assistance for small businesses pursuing contracting opportunities
• Minimum of three years of supervisor experience within the most recent five years
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, building and stewarding an organizational culture that embraces inclusion
• Have excellent communication skills � both written and spoken; ability to communicate and deliver clear, concise, effective manner for internal and external stakeholders
• Build positive, effective, collaborative cultures and teams wherever you work, including willingness to share skills and knowledge with others
• Ability to work with low-income individuals and groups of multi-background
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced office setting
• Excellent organizational and management skills
• Strong project management skills
• Effective problem-solving and mediation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Social Media and On-line Marketing
• Experience working with database and client relation management (CRM) software / system, especially Salesforce
• Must have reliable transportation, a current and valid California Driver�s License, vehicle registration and adequate automobile insurance coverage as local travel may be required on occasion
• Must satisfactorily pass background and employment/reference check
• COVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately

Nice To Haves

• Direct involvement as a small business owner or employee with contracting experience (e.g., identifying vendors, bidding, negotiating contracts), especially in Los Angeles County, highly desirable
• Experience in overseeing and / or managing government contracts, highly desirable
• Experience in small business-related events, workshops, and training, highly desirable
• Familiarity with registrations and online government systems for contracting opportunities
• Bilingual skills preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Strategize and pursue new business (public- and private- sector based) opportunities to grow and expand the Procurement Program
• Build, develop and maintain relationships with federal, state and local government agencies, corporations, prime contractors, and other major buyers, especially those with presence in Southern California
• Develop and maintain relationships with other business resource providers throughout the region
• Lead the proposal efforts to respond to Notice of Interest (NOI), Request for Proposals (RFP), and other funding opportunities related to small business contracting
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the procurement program for PACE Business that include, but not limited to the following: Pipeline. Aggregation, analysis, and synthesis of client data of small businesses pursuing contracting opportunities Technical Assistance. One-on-One counseling that helps small businesses navigate the contracting process, including RAMPLA Registrations, Certifications, and Capability Statements Matchmaking. Connecting small businesses directly with the buyer based on eligibility and needs Events & Workshops. Workshops and events that provide training and information for small businesses, and convene key stakeholders from the procurement ecosystem Reporting. Regular reporting on key metrics, KPIs, and status reports, as required by internal management, funders, grantors, and other key stakeholders
• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for grantors and funders for the Procurement Team
• Manage government contracts at the local, county, state, and federal level, ensuring that the Procurement Team meets or exceeds contractual metrics & requirements
• Work with the Procurement Team to identify, prioritize, and serve experienced small business clients pursuing larger contracting opportunities
• Collaborate and coordinate with other PACE Business teams when there are other opportunities for client referrals and / or cross-teaming
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors for reviews
• Responsible for the day-to-day supervision and workflow of direct reports, plus the vendor management of consultants / subcontractors
• Provide staff training in procurement to build the department capacity; update and create training curriculums as needed by the Department

Benefits

• Affordable and robust Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance plans for employee plus family with generous employer contributions
• Robust 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous Paid holidays, paid holidays, and paid pick leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees