Contract Manager

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Brief Job Description The Contract Specialist V provides senior‑level expertise on a dynamic team within the Health and Human Services Commission, Behavioral Health Contracts Management Unit. This position performs highly complex (senior‑level) grant and contract management work, managing Behavioral Health contracts. Work involves coordinating, developing, negotiating, monitoring, and evaluating a broad range of contracts, ensuring fiscal accountability, and taking necessary contract action. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment regarding daily contract management decisions, and is responsible for managing complex, high‑value contracts that support critical agency operations. In this role, you’ll collaborate across divisions, work closely with vendors and oversight partners, and help ensure contracts deliver value, accountability, and results for the organization. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Consults and communicates, individually and collectively, with contractors, community stakeholders, state and local agencies involved with the service delivery system to identify needs, resolve problems, and monitor and discuss effectiveness of programs and services. Serves as the vital link (conduit of communications) between HHSC and contractors. Negotiates, evaluates and accepts for approval various types of contracts (15%) Facilitates contract and amendments development within established protocols and oversees transfer of funds between services. (10%) Reviews and evaluates contract budgets, expenditures, and authorizes contract disbursements. Documents work and produces progress and summary reports that provide current and historical data in multiple areas related to assigned contracts. (10%) Oversees contract reviews to determine compliance with applicable statutes, departmental rules, and contractual requirements. Prepares administrative reports for executive management regarding contract actions. (5%) Provides technical assistance or consults with contractors on contract issues. Prepares and distributes routine and adhoc reports, responses, and feedback concerning performance measures. Provides oversight of resolution and follow‑up of all fiscal management and programmatic findings. Negotiates corrective action in collaboration with HHSC components and monitors compliance with recommendations. (10%) Oversees and administers contract enforcement actions due to breach of contract, which includes, but is not limited to, performance recoupment, imposing liquidated damages, withholding partial or full payments, and contract suspension or termination. (5%) Oversees the analysis of operations, problem resolution, and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations. Reviews contractors’ data from multiple data systems, determines trends, and makes recommendations for improvements and/or plans of correction to resolve operational and compliance problems. May direct assigned contractors to collect certain data or information. Monitors plans of correction to ensure improvements are sustained. (10%) Facilitates contract termination and closeout activities. (5%) Participates on committees regarding assigned contracts/program area, new departmental statewide initiatives, and redesign of contract related processes requiring the development and implementation of effective techniques for evaluating performance and compliance. (5%) Coordinates and/or prepares responses to issues, inquiries and correspondence concerning contractor functions and activities. Meets with contractors and representatives of governmental agencies to answer contract questions. (10%) Collaborates with colleagues to identify and resolve issues. Communicates plans and plan changes to contractors individually and collectively. Collects information and prepares legislative and/or management responses as directed by leadership. (10%) Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned includes but does not include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. (5%) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of State of Texas procurement and contract management law, rules, policies, and best practices, including the Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide Contract management, monitoring, and reporting practices for complex services contracts Cost and price analysis methodologies Federal procurement standards where applicable to HHS System contracts HHS System procurement processes including SCOR, CAPPS, GMS, and PCS workflows Skill in Managing complex services contracts post‑award through the full contract lifecycle Conducting contract monitoring activities, including identifying and addressing performance deficiencies Reviewing and validating invoices and deliverables against contract terms; preparing formal monitoring reports, performance reports, and contract documentation Negotiating contract amendments, change orders, and corrective actions with vendors Use of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, SCOR, CAPPS, and other contract management systems Written and oral communication with vendors, internal stakeholders, and oversight agencies Ability to Independently manage a complex contract portfolio post‑award; apply sound judgment to contract decisions with significant financial or operational impact Build and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, internal partners, and oversight functions Adapt to shifting priorities, including fiscal year‑end, biennium transitions, and emerging vendor or stakeholder issues Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with leadership, vendors, and internal and external stakeholders Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications Active and valid Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification at the time of hire or completion of CTCM training within one year of hire. Initial Screening Criteria Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education on a year‑for‑year basis. Two (2) years of full‑time professional experience in contract management, contract administration, procurement, or contract monitoring. Experience independently managing complex, high‑dollar, or high‑risk services contracts post‑award through the full contract lifecycle. Experience conducting contract monitoring activities, including preparation of formal monitoring reports and identification of corrective actions. Preferred Experience with State of Texas procurement systems including SCOR, CAPPS, and PCS workflows Experience managing contracts in a Texas state agency or HHS System environment Experience supporting legislative inquiries, audit responses, public information requests, or Sunset review activities Additional Information This position offers a hybrid schedule of remote (telework) and in‑office work, and may telework as the HHSC telework policy allows. The selected candidate for this position will be required to work in and attend in‑person meetings in an Austin office when not teleworking and to fulfill essential job functions. Any costs associated with working in or attending in‑person meetings or required work events in Austin or within a 50‑mile radius of Austin will not be reimbursed by the State as qualified travel expenses. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are not limited to those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor’s Office – Job Descriptions. ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify. You must bring your I‑9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY