Contracts Transit Section Manager

King County Metro Transit’s Finance and Administration Division is seeking an experienced procurement and contracts leader to serve as our next Contracts Transit Section Manager. The Section Manager leads and oversees Metro’s contract lifecycle management and portfolio management functions. This role ensures the effective acquisition of goods and services, end‑to‑end contract administration, strong portfolio governance, and delivery of best value to the organization. Core Responsibilities Lead, supervise, and develop the Contract Management section, including performance management, workforce planning, and staff training and development. Oversee and support the full procurement lifecycle, including sourcing strategies; solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs, waivers); evaluations; negotiations; awards; and vendor selection. Provide effective contract portfolio management, ensuring centralized visibility and governance, risk management and compliance, cross‑functional collaboration, data‑driven decision making, and value optimization across Metro’s contracts. Guide and oversee the complete contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, execution, administration, amendments, renewals, and closeout. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, King County policies, and ethical procurement standards. Develop, implement, and maintain procurement and contract management policies, procedures, templates, and internal controls. Strengthen department staff capabilities in modern procurement, contract management, and portfolio governance practices. Collaborate with internal partners (King County Procurement, Legal, Finance, Operations, Project Management, and divisions across Metro) to align procurement and contracting strategies with organizational objectives. Identify, assess, and mitigate procurement and contractual risks; resolve escalated issues and disputes. Develop tools to monitor supplier and contract performance, ensuring service levels, deliverables, and financial obligations are met. Support audits, reporting, and internal reviews related to procurement and contract activities. Develop, approve, and monitor the budget; determine and allocate resources. Leverage procurement, contracting, and portfolio management systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and data‑driven decision‑making. Lead integration of new procurement portfolios and functions as organizational needs expand, including operational, capital, and technical acquisition categories. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including cost savings, process optimization, and supplier performance enhancements. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, finance, law, public administration, or a related field. Five (5) years of progressive experience in procurement, contract portfolio management, or contract lifecycle management. Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience managing or leading teams. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Desired Qualifications Master’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, finance, law, public administration, or a related field. Experience with frameworks such as World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) or the NCMA Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK). Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPP, CPCM, CFCM, CCM, or equivalent. Experience in public‑sector procurement or delivery of public goods and services. Familiarity with regulatory or compliance‑driven procurement environments. Professional experience and certifications in process improvement or organizational change management, such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or PROSCI. Core Skills and Abilities Experience building effective teams in diverse work environments. Interest in developing and leading direct reports and fostering career growth. Ability to build relationships and treat all employees and customers equitably, with respect and dignity. Experience working with labor and developing productive relationships with union leadership. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strategic industry knowledge and ability to navigate formal and informal organizational channels. Ability to make complex decisions and to manage concepts and complexity effectively. Strong process management skills and quick problem solving. Composure and active listening. Self‑awareness of strengths, weaknesses, biases, and commitment to continuous improvement. Transparency and trust‑building aligned with King County Metro Transit's core values. Ability to navigate difficult conversations related to race, power, and privilege. Courage to ensure equitable opportunities for all. Other Position Information Work Location: Minimum of 3 days per week onsite at King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite. Work Schedule: Exempt from FLSA and not overtime eligible. Typical workweek is 40 hours, Monday to Friday. Union Representation: Not represented by a union. Class Code: 1132120 TRANSIT SECTION MANAGER Equal Employment Opportunity King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County