Procurement and Contracts Specialist Lead chez Pierce County, WA

About the Department

Position Duties

Why It's a great opportunity: The Finance Procurement and Contracts Division has an exciting opportunity for you to be a self-driven, analytical, and detailed oriented Procurement and Contract Specialist 2. You will be a valuable team member doing contract management, contract administration, compliance review, and consultative support for County procurement of goods, equipment, and various services. You and your teams’ efforts will support public work-related projects by coordinating with various County departments for contract document development, negotiation, review, and approvals. You will provide direction to internal and external stakeholders, help influence improvements and efficiencies in County processes, and support innovation and creativity to continue to build out the future of contracting and procurement at Pierce County. This team is dedicated to ensuring proper use of taxpayer funds and to maintain transparency county-wide.

Why It's a great department: The Finance Department proudly serves the great communities of Pierce County and has received awards recognizing its performance and dedication to the public. It’s a team that provides real solutions and assists all County departments in achieving their goals as defined by their mission. The Department’s Divisions are responsible for financial management, risk management, and information technology.  The Finance team is responsible for procurement, contracting, budgeting, accounting, health benefit management, worker safety programs and insurance, fleet and records management, and treasury services for the county and numerous independent districts.

Learn more about the Finance Department here.

How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from handling multiple solicitations and assigned contracts while managing competing priorities. You will need to utilize your knowledge of procurement and contracts to include contract solicitation, contract development, implementation of laws, regulations, and policies while ensuring contract compliance. A high level of proficiency in writing, creating, drafting, editing, and finalizing documents and processes. Flexibility, self-motivation, and being able to speak confidently to internal and external customers while being solution oriented will further your success   

Your future in this role: The Finance Department has access to many Pierce County training opportunities including classroom settings and access to LinkedIn Learning. You will also build your procurement and contracting knowledge through industry driven webinars and educational opportunities, along with regular meetings with your manager to receive feedback and discuss future goals. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Lead and/or perform procurement and contract administration services for complex and high-risk contracts. Ensure all procurements and contracts with federal funding meet federal, state and County requirements. 
• Independently develop, negotiate, execute, and administer unique, complex, high-risk, legally binding contracts. 
• Develop and update boilerplate language for all procurement and contract documents, ensuring County forms are up to date. Maintain federal terms and forms as available. Develop specialized contract terms and conditions as needed for individual contracts. 
• Develop, recommend and implement county-wide policies, procedures and processes for procurement, contracting and contract close-out. 
• Audit, review, document, advise and maintain procurement and contract software solutions and processes for Pierce County. 
• Create documentation and provide easy access to resources within the Central Procurement & Contract Services Division. 
• Provide training on contract and procurement processes to county departments and vendors interested in contracting with Pierce County. 
• Increase contracting opportunities for disadvantaged business enterprise, pierce county businesses, small businesses and veteran-owned businesses

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Minimum Qualifications

• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. 
• Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, or related area; AND 
• Two years of progressively responsible work experience in the area of public sector procurement and contracting, AND 
• One year of supervisory or lead experience is required. 
• Additional education and/or work experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis for the recruiting requirements.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Other Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?