Contract Administrator, Associate-Senior

Job Description Join OCTA’s Contracts Administration and Materials Management (CAMM) team and play a key role in delivering high-quality, strategic procurements that support Orange County’s transportation programs. These positions manage complex technology, construction, architectural/engineering, rolling stock, and professional services contracts while ensuring compliance, integrity, and best-value outcomes for the agency. Associate Contract Administrator under direct supervision, this position supports less complex technology, construction, architectural, engineering, and professional service procurements. This role assists with all phases of the procurement process, including planning, budgeting, solicitation, contracting, and vendor performance. The position also helps prepare amendments and research contract performance issues under the guidance of Procurement Team members. Contract Administrator independently performs complex procurements and full contract lifecycle administration, including planning, solicitation development, evaluation, negotiation, and vendor performance oversight. Senior Contract Administrator performs all Contracts Administrator duties with additional responsibility for leading highly complex, high-value procurements; providing strategic guidance to project managers; preparing Board reports; and serving as a senior resource and mentor to the procurement team. Associate Contract Administrator - This is a non-exempt position in Salary Grade 185: Min $38.71– Mid $46.24 – Max $53.76 per hour. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. Contract Administrator – This is an exempt position in Salary Grade 195: Min $88,753.60 – Mid $106,038.40 – Max $123,302.40 annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. Senior Contract Administrator – This is an exempt position in Salary Grade 205: Min $95,176.00 – Mid $114,212.00 – Max $133,247.00 annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. This position will remain open until filled. What You’ll Do At all Levels: Manage all phases of the procurement lifecycle for complex goods and services—from planning and budgeting to solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, award, and contract close-out. Develop scopes of work, create RFPs/RFQs/IFBs, and coordinate pre-proposal conferences and site visits. Lead contract negotiations and prepare, issue, administer, and amend contracts. Conduct cost and price analyses, evaluate bids and proposals, and chair evaluation committees. Interpret contract provisions, ensure policy and regulatory compliance, and provide guidance to project managers. Monitor vendor performance, resolve contract issues, review and approve invoices, and prepare close-out documentation. Provide procurement strategy, pricing estimates, and funding validation for internal customers. Additional Responsibilities at the Senior Contracts Administrator Level: Lead highly complex, high-profile procurements involving technology, construction, rolling stock, and major professional service contracts. Prepare award recommendations and formal reports for executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Serve as a senior advisor to project teams on procurement strategy, scope development, compliance, and risk mitigation. Manage advanced contract actions including major amendments, disputes, negotiations, and performance resolution. Mentor and provide technical guidance to lower-level procurement staff. Ensure agency interests, integrity, and compliance are upheld throughout the contracting lifecycle. What We’re Looking For Associate Contract Administrator: Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Related experience preferred, with interest or aptitude in public-sector contracting. Strong technical, organizational, and analytical skills. High integrity, collaborative mindset, and eagerness to learn. Ability to communicate effectively and support multiple stakeholders. Contract Administrator: Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Minimum three years of purchasing or contract administration experience, ideally in public-sector procurement. Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Technical expertise in procurement processes, contract administration, and policy compliance. A highly collaborative, solutions-oriented professional with integrity and strong communication skills. Senior Contract Administrator: Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field (or equivalent experience). Minimum five years of experience developing and administering large, complex procurements. Strong technical expertise in contracting principles, laws, and agency policies. Skilled negotiator with excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication abilities. Collaborative team member who builds strong partnerships with internal clients and vendors. Why You’ll Love It Here Opportunity to impact high-visibility, mission-critical projects across OCTA. Collaborative culture that values innovation, integrity, and professional growth. Work that is meaningful, strategic, and essential to the region’s transportation programs. Be part of a supportive, ethical, and collaborative team committed to innovation and continuous improvement. Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued. Apply now to help shape the future of OCTA’s programs. OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status. OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs. We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Salary : $39