Contract Manager - Department of Public Works

Job Description

Job Description

Contract Manager - Department of Public Works $91,000 - $111,000 Onsite Closing Date: November 18, 2026

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is recruiting for a full-time Contract Manager. This management position is responsible for leading the work of the DPW Contracts Team and performs a wide variety of tasks associated with the procurement of complex goods and services.  The Contract Manager ensures compliance with City, State, and Federal procurement regulations, policies, and guidelines and reports to the Director of DPW.

About the Department:

The Department of Public Works is a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering City of Falls Church. We plan, build, operate, and maintain transportation systems and infrastructure that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services.  

Responsibilities:

DPW requires a large volume of contracts and procurement activities to support a portfolio of Engineering and Operations work including Transportation Engineering and design and construction Capital Improvements Program (CIP) projects, Stormwater Engineering and CIP projects, Sanitary Sewer Engineering and CIP projects, Facilities (General Services), Fleet, Traffic Signals, Urban Forestry, Solid Waste, Street Maintenance, Leaf Collection, and Snow Removal. The Contract Manager manages two (2) Contract Specialists. The DPW Contracts Team is responsible for formal solicitiation processes for DPW, in coordination with the City’s Purchasing Office, which is housed in the Department of Finance. The DPW Contracts Team is also responsible for working with DPW staff on a variety of contract management and administration work to support the mission of the department. 

• Provide strategic procurement guidance and technical support to DPW staff for the procurement of various complex goods and services. Provide technical support to DPW project managers relevant to active construction projects. Develop contracts and review staff drafts, ensuring protection, compliance, and inclusion of critical details. Serve as a procurement expert resource.
• Determine appropriate methods of procurement and assist staff with the development of both formal and informal solicitations, including, but not limited to Invitations for Bid (IFB), Requests for Proposal (RFP), and Task Order contracts; manage DPW formal solicitation processes in coordination with Purchasing staff.
• Supervise, mentor, and train DPW Contract Team staff; distribute DPW contract management workload.
• Motivate, train and counsel DPW staff regarding procurement policies, best practices, and contract administration. Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all City departments, as well as contractors and peers.
• Ensure compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations, policies and procedures as well as generally accepted procurement practices in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA).
• Review solicitation specifications, draft/modify specific terms/conditions/provisions ; research and contact prospective vendors; perform due diligence for potential contractors; and manage pre-bid/proposal and evaluation meetings as needed.
• Develop useful templates for DPW staff, related to contract administration, VDOT reporting, and construction management.
• Interpret and apply procurement fundamentals and contract law to define problem areas; evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative solutions.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in public administration, business administration, economics, or related field;
• Minimum two (2) years of contract development work experience or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience which provides thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, and procedures of contracting;
• Considerable knowledge of the laws governing administration of contracts in the public sector, especially the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA);
• Certification as a Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) or equivalent;
• Considerable knowledge of the standard types, form, and legal requirements of contracts;
• Knowledge and experience preparing federal procurement documents;
• Ability to adjust to changing priorities, learn and apply new skills, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously with attention to detail, prioritizing tasks, and managing time;
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify and solve problems quickly;
• Ability to prepare and organize complex bid specifications and analyze bids;
• Experience managing people and teams, including motivating, training, and evaluating direct reports;
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with city officials, colleagues, and external consultants, contractors, and vendors; and
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

Preferred:

• Experience with MUNIS software;
• Certification as a Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO) or equivalent; and
• Knowledge and experience preparing grant-related transportation procurement and construction procurement.

Salary and Benefits:  $91,000 - $111,000 depending on qualifications. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, pension plan, deferred compensation plan, flexible spending account, life and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, free parking, credit union membership, and more.  See for additional information.

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility during core business hours. Telework for up to two (2) days per week may be available upon successful completion of six (6) months of employment.

To Apply: This position closes on November 18, 2026 .  Applications received prior to the deadline will receive priority consideration. Complete the application on ExactHire at For questions please contact the City of Falls Church, Human Resources: 300 Park Ave., Suite 200W, Falls Church, VA 22046 or email View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace : The City of Falls Church is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the federal, state and/or local laws or regulations. Accommodations may be requested for applicants with disabilities.  To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at View email address on ziprecruiter.com or View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

All City facilities are smoke free.