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.

Job Description

The Compliance and Quality Control (CQC) division has an opening for a Contract Administration Manager II.  The position will serve as a solicitation reviewer within the Solicitation Review Unit of CQC and will report to the Director of Solicitation Review. This position may be eligible for telework. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum salary available based on the division’s budgeted funds.  Any salary offer will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the individual but will be within the posted range.

The Contract Administration Manager performs advanced (senior-level) procurement and contract administration work. The position provides comprehensive oversight, leadership, and strategic planning for a portfolio of complex solicitations that become agency contracts often with large scope or high-dollar values. Responsibilities include reviewing/approving the work of procurement, program, and legal staff towards the achievement of purchasing/contracting objectives and goals; developing relationships across divisions and agencies to ensure program, project, and procurement and contract activities are collaborative and coordinated among impacted parties; exercising sound judgment in making critical decisions and identifying the need for and applying appropriate intervention measures; interpreting state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and ensuring all procurement- and contract-related tasks are performed with the highest level of accuracy and in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, and HHSC policies and standards. Additional responsibilities may include development and maintenance of procurement-related templates, policies, procedures, and agency rules; development of short- and long-term strategies and goals for the procurement and contract process; and development of comprehensive plans and standards for ensuring procurements and contracts are developed thoughtfully and executed expeditiously. May supervise the work of others or serve as a team lead, as assigned. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

EJF1. Reviews and approves complex solicitation packages including purchaser/program area/legal services documents, scopes of work, specifications, terms and conditions, affirmations, and other solicitation and contract documents and exhibits and makes recommendations for improvements and/or plans of correction to resolve operational and compliance problems that may lead to cancelled or failed procurements and contracts. Collaborates with program area staff to coordinate reviews, consultation, and technical assistance. Coordinates and/or prepares responses to issues, inquiries, and correspondence concerning procurement and contracting services functions and activities. Participates in the analysis of procurement issues and oversees the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations. Meets with program area staff and representatives of governmental agencies to answer procurement-related compliance and quality questions. (50%)

EJF2. Participates in the operations and activities of managing and monitoring procurement performance related to issues of compliance and quality. Coordinates and communicates, individually and collectively, with legal services, procurement and contracting staff, program area staff, and state agencies to identify needs, resolve problems, and monitor and discuss effectiveness of procurement-related programs and services. Works with a team of procurement and contracting professionals to initiate, manage, and perform procurement/contract management and monitoring activities to determine if templates, terms and conditions, and affirmations are in compliance with agency policies and applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Examines and analyzes operations, internal control structures and systems, and files for reliability, adequacy, accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with contract and legal regulations. Provides consultation and technical assistance to staff on solicitation/contract issues to prevent non-compliance. Evaluates system and process controls to ensure reliable validation of deliverables. (35%)

EJF3. Performs compliance reviews for procurement and contracting and participates in determining the methodology and frequency of monitoring activities, which may include but are not limited to, document review, desk reviews, process improvement monitoring, and team approach monitoring. Monitoring activities will include performance monitoring, programmatic monitoring, and administrative monitoring to meet required internal control components, administrative controls, organizational controls, and program and operational controls. All monitoring findings will result in follow-up actions to ensure findings are resolved. Monitors performance to ensure improvements are sustained. Collaborates with program area staff to identify and resolve issues. Collects information and prepares responses as directed by leadership. (5%)

EJF4. Develops policies, procedures, forms, templates, manuals, administrative rules and other procurement-related documents to be used by the agency. Performs training on policies, procedures, forms, templates, manuals, administrative rules and other procurement-related documents to be used by the agency. (5%)

EJF5. Serves/participates on agency committees and work groups involving Procurement and Contracting Services and Compliance and Quality Control concerning procurement- and contract-related processes, to include but not limited to the development and implementation of effective techniques for evaluating performance and compliance. (5%)

May serve as a team lead and/or supervise others.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to procurement and contracting.

Knowledge of principles and practices related to public administration and management.

Skill in writing and analysis; in using reasoning and logic; and in identifying and solving complex problems. Skill in composing clear and concise reports and/or correspondence.

Skill in editing reports and complex documents.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Ability to effectively manage multiple and competing priorities.

Ability to communicate effectively and to work with cross-functional teams.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) preferred.  CTCM and CTCD is required within 12 months of hire date.

Initial Selection Criteria
At least 5 years’ experience in procurement, contracting, or legal services required, with experience at a senior level preferred. 

Experience and Education

Experience with information technology related contract development, procurement, contract management, contract administration, or contract monitoring preferred.

Knowledge of State of Texas procurement and contracting requirements preferred.

Experience in procurement, contracting, or legal services with a State of Texas agency preferred.

Experience in cross-divisional or interagency collaboration preferred.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in legal studies, public or business administration, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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