Sr. Contract Specialist

Posting Title

Overview

As an integral team player, the Contract & Acquisitions Specialist III is responsible for developing highly complex and technical request for proposals, evaluating supplier quotations, negotiating contract terms and conditions, managing contracts, sourcing and assessing suppliers, supplier management and collaborating with the various departments to ensure effective project management.  The Contract Specialist III will execute full strategic sourcing processes.

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $80,000- $85,000. 

Responsibilities

• Responsible for coordinating all facets of the University’s procurement process including Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Quote (RFQ) development, stewarding and tracking, evaluating supplier offerings and price quotations, and communicating supplier performance against contracted requirements. 
• Lead in the development of highly technical specifications for services, technology purchases and software, machinery and equipment, products, or supplies in preparing bid proposals as needed and contracts for commodities assigned.
• Analyze and document price proposals, financial reports, and other data to determine reasonableness of proposed supplier offering. 
• Review, evaluate, and make recommendations to accept/approve specifications (or proposed deviations from specifications) for issuing and awarding bids to suppliers through competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Quote (RFQ) process. 
• Evaluate, monitor and document contract performance to determine the necessity for amendments or extensions to contracts, compliance to negotiated contractual obligations, and timely contract close-out. 
• Evaluate, monitor, and document vendor performance to make recommendations for improvement in pricing, product or service quality, delivery, and service level, as appropriate. This may include vendor plant/facility visits. 
• Maintain data in Cardinal Contracts and Cardinal Financials for all supporting backup records and documents. 
• Develop, create, prepare and distribute compelling reports and statistical data to facilitate planning, budgeting, analysis, and contract performance. 
• As directed by the Supervisor and Finance department leadership, provide assistance to all areas of the University in procurement for high-profile, high-value, and/or high-risk projects and other areas. 
• Assist Supervisor and Finance department leadership in gathering, assessing, analyzing, and recommending sourcing strategies, practices and procedures. 
• Support and accomplish the goals and objectives of the Procurement and Payment Services department and adhere to the Finance division’s commitment to customer service excellence. 
• All other duties or ad hoc requests as assigned by Supervisor, and or Finance department leadership including participation on committees, problem resolution, and customer support. 
• Active participation and engagement in the business process review process and continuous improvement suggestions.
• Engage with customers as needed including partnering with key departments on an ongoing basis serving as a concierge to ensure there is adequate communications and knowledge to all parties are aware of urgent matters and potential challenges. 
• Serve as a SME on all systems related to the Contracting to PO process. Provide training and guidance to customers and peers as requested or required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Five to seven years’ experience in the procurement, purchasing with heavy emphasis in contract administration field.
• Expertise in the procurement and contracting of information technology services and products is required.
• Highly experienced with IT hardware and software; working with complex procurements and responsibility for complex purchasing programs or projects.
• Experience with major Master Services Agreements is highly desired, preferably in a college or university environment.
• Proficient in contract development, standards and language.
• Broad ERP systems experience needed.
• Advanced level of Microsoft Office software experience required with a proficiency in excel and word documents.
• Electronic tools and report building experience.
• Familiarity with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations is helpful.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (C.P.P.O.) or Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or any other recognized and accredited leading industry designated certifications may be considered.
• Highly proficient in contract development, standards and language. Proficient in contract negotiations.
• Ability to develop purchasing specifications; evaluate the relative merits of bid responses, offerings and pricing; read comprehensively; speak and write effectively.
• Highest level of discretion and integrity.
• High level of proficiency in process development and the composition of process work flows and instructions.
• Proficient in project management with significant experience leading project teams.
• Ability to quickly establish and maintain good rapport and working relationships across campus, from peers to executive leadership as well as with the public.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines. Ability to successfully handle stressful situations efficiently and effectively while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Hold a valid current driver’s license with acceptable driving record for the past three years. Need the ability to make site visits to determine contract compliance across the University’s campus.
• Intermediate/Expert ability to operate a desktop computer and MS Office software applications (Outlook, EXCEL, WORD, PowerPoint, and ACCESS), calculator, copy machine, telephone and fax machine.
• PeopleSoft ERP experience, Jaggaer experience is a plus.

Salary : $80,000 - $85,000