Contract Specialist V - IT Procurement

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Brief Job Description:

The Contract Specialist V performs highly advanced (senior level) purchasing and procurement work. Work involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and preparing specifications for purchasing IT commodities and services, and preparing procurement documents.

Our Contract Specialists coordinate large-scale procurement projects with multiple stakeholder interactions. Successful candidates will have the ability to think analytically, take initiative in solving problems, effectively communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders and demonstrate excellent time management skills. Attention to detail and a willingness to learn are a must. Prior project management skills or experience coordinating large projects is a plus.

This position works under the IT Procurements Section of the Procurement and Contracting Services Division. This team solicits complex, high dollar IT procurements using the RFO and DIR Statement of Work (SOW) methods. The Contract Specialist V works under moderate supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

Develop, review and track solicitation and contract documents ensuring applicable compliance throughout the procurement cycle. (35%)

Coordinate the development and implementation of solicitation timelines, working closely with program staff to ensure timelines are reasonable and best support the agency's strategic priorities. Revise timelines as necessary during solicitation development and communicate any changes to program staff. (20%)

Maintain procurement files and ensure agency procurements are conducted in compliance with state purchasing laws, records and retention laws and Human Services Commission (HHSC) policies and procedures. (15%)

Monitor correspondence, issues, and action items to facilitate timely responses and resolution of issues, including processing Open Records requests. (15%)

Serves as a Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) representative at meetings related to anticipated or in-flight procurements. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned including participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. (5%)

Provides customer service excellence in alignment with the PCS Customer Service Principles. Actively demonstrates the eight core pillars of customer service: be responsive; set clear and realistic expectations; be transparent; be courteous; be consistent; be resourceful; embrace complaints; and be intentional about continuous improvement.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing state purchasing

Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures

Knowledge of state of Texas procurement principles and practices

Knowledge of Department of Information Resources procurement rules and statutes

Skill in the use of computer and applicable software

Skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain necessary information

Skills in critical thinking

Skills in priority setting and scheduling in a fast-paced environment

Skills in multi-tasking under tight timelines

Skill in attention to detail

Ability to logically assemble and evaluate information.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to provide good customer service

Ability to train others

Ability to use computer and applicable software, including MS Word and MS Excel. Basic SharePoint and MS Project Skills preferred.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must have Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) within 6 months of hire. 

Initial Selection Criteria:

A minimum of four years progressive experience of any combination of procurement, including solicitation development and project management, business analysis, policy and technical writing, preferably with the State of Texas.

With a minimum of two years of experience in purchasing IT commodities and services including purchasing from Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in project management or business administration is preferred. Experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

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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 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 on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. 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. Download the I-9 Form