Contract Specialist

This position performs highly complex (senior-level) contract management work, including contract maintenance and monitoring. Work involves providing orientation and technical assistance on SWK policies and expectations to vendors. Conducts monitoring of contract performance to ensure that service or product delivery is in accordance with contract terms. Develops, implements, and monitors corrective actions and/or sanctions. Investigates and validates individual, community, and SWK staff complaints relating to contract performance. Interprets and clarifies standards, policies, and procedures to improve vendor performance. Reviews vendor billings and resolves billing rejections, problems, and/or issues.

Coordinates and/or develops solicitations, contracts, and amendments by identifying provider resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by bidders.
• Coordinates and facilitates procurement-related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings.
• Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
• Reviews and/or conducts needs assessments to determine requirements for the purchase of goods or services.
• Monitors contract performance by examining billings, inspecting goods, evaluating services for compliance with terms of contract and policies, and recommends canceling contracts when deviations occur.
• Prepares and reviews specifications for formal solicitations.
• Provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures.
• Assists with developing contract administration policies and procedures.
• Performs related work as assigned.

List of knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

• Knowledge of procurement and contract management requirements, federal regulations, and best practices; of negotiating contracts; of business administration and accounting principles and practices; and contract management policies and procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements; write and edit contract requirements and specifications; and negotiate features of a contract; and to communicate effectively.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration or a related field is required. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• A related certification such as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred.

Experience:

• 2+ years of contract management or monitoring experience.
• 1+ years of contract management or monitoring experience in a government or nonprofit setting

• Access all components of a workstation.
• Type, write, bend, and twist.
• Lift up to 30 pounds.
• Walk, stand, and climb of stairs or ladders in all weather-conditions.
• Travel up to 15% of the time.

• General office environment with moderate noise.
• Mostly sedentary but also involves walking, standing, or climbing for brief periods of time.
• Busy environment with may unscheduled interruptions.
• Frequent computer usage at workstation for extended periods of time as well as outdoor monitoring of facilities in all types of weather.
• Appropriate attire for indoor and outdoor duties required.