Department Information

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution
• Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• MotivateMe employee wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces
• RTD Eco-Pass Commuter Program
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go to https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs

Description of Job

Classification: Administrator III (H1B3XX)
Salary:
$26.94 - $33.14 Hourly
$2,154.92 - $2,651.08 Biweekly
$4,669.00 - $5,744.00 Monthly
$56,028.00 - $68,928.00 Annually
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps individuals with disabilities prepare for and secure employment. We help them take their rightful place in the workforce and in the community.
This work unit exists to provide individuals who are blind with remunerative employment, enlarging the economic opportunities and stimulating individuals who are blind to greater efforts in striving to make themselves self-supporting. The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is housed within the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) unit, which administers the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program and issues licenses to individuals who are blind to operate business enterprise locations on federal, state or other property.
This position is a technical expert in business and provides support to approximately 20-30 Blind Vendors to enhance their career development and maximize their profits by providing technical assistance. This position provides training to the Blind Vendors in business concepts, proper fiscal management, food preparation, quality control, merchandising, inventory management, customer and employee relations, marketing, and compliance with all applicable laws. This position provides feedback to Blind Vendors, rehabilitation staff, and agency administration in order to develop strategies to make facilities more efficient and cost effective through assessing customer needs and assuring Blind Vendors are developing new techniques and correcting deficiencies to generate increased revenue. This position is also responsible for seeking new business opportunities and assessing viability of those opportunities.This position ensures that each Blind Vendor has the opportunity to manage viable locations; vending, snack bars, cafeterias or other businesses in federal, state and other properties so that blind individuals are able to maintain gainful employment. This position provides strategic input and recommendations to the Business Enterprise Program Manager and BLVS Manager regarding program operation; researches and recommends rule/policy updates/changes; and monitors and reports national trends in the provision of Randolph Sheppard programs.
The duties for the position include:

• Prepares Bid Announcements for locations opening up for a new Blind Vendor to bid on.

• Reviews Intents to Bid to ensure bidders meet requirements to be eligible to bid for the new location.

• Maintains documentation of all bids and intents to bid.

• Provides consultation to bids on contracts, i.e. military dining contracts. Reviews contract bids to ensure they meet requirements of solicitation and bid is competitive.

• Seeks out potential new locations and recommends the type of service required after preparation of a feasibility study.

• Analyzes statistics and data to determine feasibility of facilities.

• Serves on bid panel to select Blind Vendor.

• Provides marketing strategies to Blind Vendors.

• Tracks starting inventory and supplies. Maintains documentation of starting inventory and supplies.

• Helps identify specific problems Blind Vendors face in reaching their business goals and then determines appropriate strategies so Blind Vendors can overcome these challenges.

• Works with Blind Vendors to understand their needs and the scope of each consulting project.

• Conducts research, surveys and interviews and analyzes data to gain insights into the business.

• Detects issues and investigates ways to resolve.

• Assesses the pros and cons of possible strategies.

• Explores business problems and models different solutions.

• Attends meetings and compiles and presents information orally, visually and in writing to keep clients up to date on progress.

• Makes recommendations for improvement and presents these to Blind Vendors.

• Monitors the implementation of agreed solutions.

• Develops and implements new procedures or training to support the changes proposed.

• Develops SMART plans with Blind Vendors to help them achieve net profit goals and comply with their contract, permit, or other agreement in their locations, providing consultation on location improvement.

• Ensures Blind Vendors’ understanding of and compliance with all applicable guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws including BEP, CDLE, State, and Federal mandates.

• Ensures Blind Vendor is complying with Blind Operator agreement and their contract, permit, or other type of agreement.

• Maintains documentation of all consultation services provided to the Blind Vendor.

• Consults with Trainer on field of expertise (business, food industry, vending, project management).

• Supports Blind Vendors in advancing their careers and boosting their earnings by overseeing, guiding, and assisting them, in learning business concepts, proper fiscal management, quality control, merchandising, inventory management.

• Establishes financial benchmarks for locations operated by Blind Vendors that include: vending, cafeterias, snack bars, and other locations.

• Analyzes Blind Vendor’s financial reports for accuracy and compliance to applicable laws and program guidelines.

• Evaluates present locations and prepares business plans to improve operational efficiency and profitability by proposing changes in service, architectural design, and equipment needs.

• Maintains all Blind Vendor and location files with updated documentation.

• Possesses working knowledge of Federal, State, and local government policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serves on agency and community task forces; investigates updated and current technologies and training techniques; participates in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consults with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, and reads professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in the field.

• Participates on CEC subcommittees to provide input on policy development and strategic planning.

• Interfaces with federal and state government building managers; interfaces with, the body of operators &; the elected committee of licensed Blind Vendors and ensures active participation; develops and writes procedures for operations

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Six (6) years of relevant experience in business management, business analysis, finance, marketing and/or business consultation
  • Experience MUST include two (2) years of food service management

• A combination of related education in Marketing, Finance, Food Service Management, Hotel Management, Business Management, or Entrepreneurship or a related field and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years

• Ability to understand and calculate return on investment.
• Business Acumen.
• Understanding Risk and Opportunity in Business.
• Business Strategy Development Skills.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex business problems, identify root causes, and develop data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Proficiency in applying problem-solving frameworks and methodologies to address Blind Vendor challenges and opportunities.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to think strategically and develop long-term plans and initiatives that drive business growth, improve efficiency, and enhance competitive advantage. Strategic thinking involves considering the broader context and implications of decisions and actions.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills are required to address financial concerns, quality concerns, and compliance challenges in a timely and effective manner. The ability to analyze data, evaluate risks, and implement appropriate solutions is critical for ensuring a successful business.
• Customer Service: The ability to communicate clearly, empathetically, and professionally with customers, colleagues, and other stakeholders to ensure effective resolution of inquiries, complaints, and requests.

• Front of house, and/or back of house management experience (I.E. General Manager, Food Service Director, District Manager, Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Banquet Chef)
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the specific industry or industries (cafeterias, vending, food service, micromarkets, etc.) in which the Blind Vendors operate is essential. This includes knowledge of industry trends, market dynamics, regulatory environment, and competitive landscape.
• Negotiation skills: Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Proficiency in Excel: Ability to utilize advanced features and functions to analyze, manipulate, and present data effectively. This competency encompasses a comprehensive understanding of Excel tools such as pivot tables, formulas, macros, and data visualization techniques.

• Must be a Colorado resident at time of application.
• While this position may be required occasionally to report to one of the business offices listed based on business need; it is required to regularly serve customers on site in various Front Range locations and will necessitate the selected applicant to travel and report to these locations.
• You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process.

Supplemental Information