Contract Specialist

Position Description

Coordinate and manage procurement of complex and highly technical materials, equipment, and services on a competitive basis, and create contract specifications and standards for the department. Confers with the department's engineering, operations, maintenance, and other technical personnel to develop detailed and technical specifications. Researches and recommends the type and quality of materials, services, supplies, and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Harris County Purchasing Agents to procure contracts for different divisions.
• Researches, writes, reviews, and evaluates purchase orders, contracts, and bid specifications for complex and highly technical materials, equipment, and services, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with County and departmental policies and procedures.
• Develop or assist with solicitations (RFPs, RFQs), including writing specifications, evaluating bids, working with procurement teams, and ensuring competitive procurement practices.
• Researches vendors and evaluates their ability to provide and the availability of quality materials, equipment, and services.
• Administer contract amendments, renewals, extensions, terminations, or closeouts.
• Ensure all modifications follow policy and are properly documented.
• Maintain contract files, records, and data systems; prepare internal and external reports on contract status, contractor performance, risks, and financials.
• Serve as a liaison between legal, finance, programming teams, procurement, and vendors. Address questions, resolve contract-related issues, and ensure alignment with programmatic goals.
• Develop or contribute to policies, procedures, and best practices related to contract management to ensure consistency, compliance, and efficiency.
• Participates in long-range purchase planning and needs analysis to simplify and standardize service and commodity types and reduce costs.
• Provide technical assistance.
• Perform duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Requirements

Education:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Materials Management, Engineering, Purchasing, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in contract development, management, monitoring, or procurement.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Strong contract management and negotiation skills.
• Analytical skills: ability to examine budget/expenditure data, identify discrepancies, and perform risk analysis.
• Attention to detail and strong organization.
• Excellent communication skills (written & verbal), including ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Proficiency with contract management or procurement software/systems; familiarity with tools for tracking, reporting, and document management.
• Ability to manage multiple contracts/projects concurrently, meeting deadlines.

Licensure:

• Valid Texas Driver's License upon hire, and a good driving record

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement: In accordance with Harris County's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must: Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities. Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events. Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events. Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week. Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event). This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunity.

Flexible spending account.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).