Deputy Director - Procurement & Contracts (Construction) en Sound Transit

Salary range is $129K to $237K with a midpoint of $183K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market. 

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Director, Procurement & Contracts, manage professional staff in the Design and Construction section of the Procurement, Contracts and Agreements (PCA) Division in performing beginning to end procurement and contract work.  The Deputy Director plays a key role in developing and implementing D&CC policy initiatives, procedures, processes, and systems that support the Agency’s capital program objectives and which delivers best practice results, added value, and continuous improvements.  As a leader in the Division, the Deputy Director will manage a team of managers who supervise a contract professionals that perform a full scope of procurement contracts, including solicitation, selection processes, monitoring contracts for fiscal and legal compliance, adherence to deliverable timelines, auditing performance, assessing contract modifications, and providing transparency for the public. 

The four key responsibilities and expectation areas for this position are:

Build and maintain a strong team. Grow a culture that forges teamwork, collaboration, and accountability, within Design and Construction, and between other PCA sections, and department stakeholders.  Lead, direct, mentor, motivate, coach, and train staff as necessary. Lead by example and be a strong role model of the six Sound Transit values. Maintain positive and productive relationship with the D&CC Director.  

Exceptional customer service and ability to assess and explain technical issues. Help strategize, build, manage, partner, message and build relationships with department stakeholders to achieve the strategic objectives of the Chief Procurement Officer, Executive, and the Board, and are understood and supported.  Research, analyze, and address questions and concerns from agency departments and other stakeholders.

Excellent strategic analysis skills. Develop, refine, and implement internal policies for procurement and performance measures and strategize solutions to issues as they arise.  Assist with agency policy initiatives as it relates to D&CC and consistency with the ST strategic plan and goals, agency working teams, and collaboration with external agencies.  Communicate strategy and policy clearly and persuasively in written and oral presentations to a variety of audiences.

Serve as a subject matter expert. Resolve complex issues and assure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations for the procurement and administration of contracts and related programs. Research and advise senior agency management in the selection of procurement methods and strategies. Review and approve solicitations, awards, and contract executions. Review data and prepare reports for senior leadership. Responsible for the management of cradle-to-grave procurement and contract work while managing and controlling the complexity and risks associated with the contract. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• This position requires a highly effective manager with strong leadership skills capable of inspiring, motivating, coaching, earning and building equity and trust with a diverse workforce. Must be a solution-oriented, innovative leader with a strong foundation in managing with a positive attitude, resiliency and the ability to constructively deal with organizational and individual challenges in a manner that optimizes staff growth, collaboration, performance and teamwork.
• Ability to coach, mentor, motivate, and train staff in procurement and administration of A&E services and public works.
• Ability to build working relationships and collaborate within PCA, the Agency, and with consultants and contractors.
• Ability to communicate effectively with not only internal departments including executive management, but also outside agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public through presentations, outreach events, conferences, and other events. 
• Ability to manage employee relations; manage the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the division and all related staff and take appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides advice and counsel to staff; develops developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline, and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary. 
• Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of assigned staff; assign work activities and coordinate schedules, projects, budgets, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
• Excellent customer service and the ability to work within multiple teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 
• Knowledge of procurement and contracting methods for A&E services and public works along with an understanding of the federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to develop and revise procurement and contract boilerplate and templates; participate in the research and review for responses to State, FTA Triennial, and Procurement Systems Review or special audits, protests, inquiries that require management responses, conflicts of interest determination, and other high visibility requests.
• Participates on a variety of committees; attends and participates in professional group meetings and vendor outreach events; presents at public conferences, meetings, or trainings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate. 
• Researches, analyzes, and/or synthesizes information and data into reports and correspondence for senior Agency leadership, Sound Transit Board Members, technical or non-technical staff, vendors, State Committees or Boards, and other stakeholders. 
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.  
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, Legal, or closely related field. Six years of experience in architectural and engineering and/or public construction contracting and procurement services that includes the full range of contract administration and project management, preferably in a construction/transportation related environment; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must have or obtain within 12 months of hire a Certified Public Purchasing Buyer or Officer certification from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council, or equivalent professional certification.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications: 

• Design Build Institute of America designation.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Leadership, coaching, mentoring, empowering and training practices, principles, methods, and techniques.
• Management practices, principles, methods, and techniques.
• Federal contracting principles, laws, regulations, and best practices and interpreting such principles, laws, and regulations.
• Contract rules for State and federal grants and contracts requirements including Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration requirements.
• Industry principles and practices in procurement and contract administration methods, systems, and processes. 
• Project delivery methods for A&E and public works delivery methods.
• Principles and practices used on complex public sector procurement contractual actions, including cost analysis, pricing options and best practices.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation principles and practices.
• Principles of business writing, report preparation, record keeping, and data analysis. 
• Principles of customer service.
• Coaching, mentoring, and empowering staff.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Interpreting and applying federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations as well as contract terms and conditions.
• Oral communication, including public speaking, training, meeting facilitation, and difficult conversations.
• Written communication with correct usage of spelling, grammar, punctuation in the preparation of complex contracts, agreements, and management reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with senior management, department staff, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Resolving conflicts while striving for outcomes that are in the best interest of the Agency.
• Interpreting and administering Agency and department policies and procedures and the ability to discuss and explain them to staff and other constituencies. 
• Providing options, negotiating and identifying solutions that balance the Agency’s interests and those of the negotiating partner(s), within financial capacity and other constraints.
• Applying project, contract management, and customer service techniques and principles.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Multi-tasking, remaining flexible and open to ever-changing priorities, and completing tasks despite constant interruptions and red herrings.
• Preparing complex contracts, agreements, and management reports.
• Contract management and oversight.
• Performing a full range of duties involved in participating in the services and activities of the procurement process within the Contracts Department.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports using complex data.
• Contract management and oversight.
• Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required. 

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.