DIR - Contract Administration Mgr I (Cooperative Contract Manager)

DIR - Contract Administration Mgr I (Cooperative Contract Manager)

Organization: DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES

Primary Location: Texas-Austin

Work Locations: WP Clements 300 W 15TH ST STE 1300 Austin 78701

Job: Management

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

State Job Code: 1960

Salary Admin Plan: B

Grade: 26

Salary (Pay Basis): $7,437.67 - $7,809.57 (Monthly)

Number of Openings: 1

Overtime Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Performs advanced (senior level) contract administration and vendor management work for internal customers. Work involves overseeing the administration of statewide strategic information technology contracts by following contract and vendor management principles and best practices, working with procurement to establish contractual requirements, negotiating, and monitoring vendors and contracts throughout the contract lifecycle. Works under the limited supervision of the Director, Contract Management Office and Assistant Director, Contract Management Office with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

· Oversees and collaborates on scope of work, specifications, and terms and conditions for new contracts; prepares contracts; leads negotiation strategies; and awards new contracts.

· Oversees the operations and activities of monitoring contract performance, ensuring contract compliance, developing, and tracking key metrics, understanding billing and fiscal data, identifying cost savings, and managing overall vendor performance for products and outsourced services.

· Oversees the processing of contract documents in alignment with contract and vendor management principles to ensure management of cost controls, risks associated with outsourced vendor services, and service delivery deriving value.

· Establishes and measures vendor key performance indicators, and tracks vendor performance in relation to program offerings and delivery on contract requirements.

· Investigates and resolves discrepancies, complaints, and disputes by negotiating settlement agreements or by suspending or terminating contracts and assessing outcomes for risk management.

· Serves as the principal contract liaison, facilitator and risk manager for program areas delivering services through outsourced vendors.

· Clearly conveys vendor expectations based on program or customer needs, sets, and manages realistic timelines, evaluates, and manages risk associated with vendor performance.

· Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

· Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in business, information technology, or a related field.

· Additional related experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis (High School diploma required).

Experience and Training Required

· Minimum of six years (6) of experience in contract development, evaluation, and management, at least two (2) of which must have been spent performing complex contract negotiations.

· Experience in vendor management disciplines, such as performance, relationship, compliance, and risk.

Experience and Training Preferred

· In-depth experience in and knowledge of information technology contract management/negotiations and its application in the public sector.

· Experience working in a for-profit or cost recovery operation.

· Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification.

· Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification.

Certifications / Licenses

· Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) must be obtained within six (6) months of employment if not already certified, unless otherwise approved by Supervisor.

· Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) must be obtained within one-year (1) of employment if not already certified, unless otherwise approved by Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· In-depth knowledge of contract and vendor management principles.

· In-depth knowledge of state of Texas procurement laws, regulations, procedures, and contract management guidelines.

· Working knowledge of contract standard terms and conditions.

· Knowledge of negotiation strategies and techniques, of contract administration and cost monitoring for large scope or high-dollar contracts; of systems and procedures used to evaluate a third-party vendor's performance; and of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of federal or state funds.

· Demonstrated skill in developing standard form contracts; including the ability to select and apply the appropriate contract instrument for various acquisition strategies.

· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to individuals and groups; to make effective presentations in formal and informal settings.

· Demonstrated ability to perform vendor management.

· Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, procedures, regulations.

· Demonstrated ability to make mathematical computations and tabulations and produce a high degree of accuracy in work product.

· Demonstrated ability to work on concurrent tasks while effectively prioritizing and coordinating work assignments.

· Demonstrated ability to proactively identify and execute next steps in problem resolution or to complete tasks.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

· Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans; to interpret complex data; to effectively demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, internal and external customers.

· Ability to understand, follow and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.

· Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.

· Ability to work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.

· Ability to comply with all agency policy and applicable laws.

· Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards.

· Ability to maintain the security and integrity of any critical infrastructure researched, worked on, or accessed for work purposes.

Computer Skills

· Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable software necessary to perform work assignments e.g., word processing, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office preferred).

Other Requirements

· Regular and punctual attendance at the workplace.

· Criminal background check.

Working Conditions

· Frequent use of computers, copiers, printers, and telephones.

· Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and talking.

· Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

· Occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and climbing.