IT Contract Specialist III presso King County, WA

About the Department

King County Information Technology (KCIT) is seeking an IT Contract Specialist III. The primary purpose of this role is to provide specialized subject matter expertise in Sourcing, Procurement Development (Formal & Informal Solicitations: RFIs, RFPs, ITBs, RFQs), Contract Negotiation, and Ongoing Contract Management and Administration of Information Technology software, services, equipment, and supplies that support KCIT operations and projects. This position plays a critical role in managing and mitigating the inherent risks associated with IT procurement and contracting, helping protect King County from potential litigation, public scrutiny, or unforeseen costs resulting from unclear or non-compliant contractual terms.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking, combining a big-picture perspective with an attention to detail to identify viable solutions and proactively mitigate risk.

KCIT uses the power of technology to digitally transform King County. Building vibrant communities through digital equity and social justice, KCIT offers innovative solutions that engage, empower, and serve our residents, businesses, communities and interested stakeholders. As the first-place recipient of the 15th annual National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital Counties Survey, KCIT is recognized for its vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration. KCIT has a focus of delivering smart technology solutions that support customers, building stronger communities through innovation. 
  
KCIT is providing the building blocks for many of the region's most critical services. As the business solutions partner, we collaborate with the 18 County departments to develop products and services that better serve the needs of our customers and our community. To learn more about KCIT, please visit: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/it.aspx

Position Duties

• Sourcing & Procurement Lead the procurement of IT software, services, equipment, materials, and supplies to support KCIT operations and projects.
• Contract Management Manage the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, execution, performance monitoring, and closeout.
• Risk Mitigation Identify and mitigate financial, technical, and compliance risks associated with IT contracts to safeguard County interests.
• Compliance Ensure all contracting activities adhere to applicable IT and procurement policies, regulations, and County and State laws.
• Contract Negotiation Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with vendors to protect the County and achieve optimal outcomes.
• Collaboration Work closely with internal stakeholders—including KCIT staff, project managers, technical leads, business analysts, legal counsel (Prosecuting Attorney's Office), and Procurement—as well as external partners such as vendors and contractors.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Foundation: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, business law, commerce, economics, or a closely related field AND a minimum of seven years of hands-on experience in IT contract drafting, negotiation, administration, and vendor relationship management, including extensive experience managing complex or high-value contracts OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• IT Sourcing Expertise: Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT sourcing, including software, hardware, and services, through formal advertised bidding processes; experience drafting technical scopes of work and related documentation.

Skills and Competencies

• Contractual Expertise: Proficient in drafting various contractual documents such as Statements of Work, pricing exhibits, change orders, and amendments; strong understanding of contract law, industry best practices, principles, and the contract lifecycle.
• Negotiation Prowess: Exceptional negotiation skills with the ability to influence, persuade, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective engagement with internal stakeholders, legal teams, and external vendors.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to interpret complex contract language, evaluate proposals, identify and mitigate risks, and resolve contractual issues.
• Organization and Project Management: Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with vendors and internal teams.
• Independent and Collaborative Work: Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Understanding of budget processes and their impact on procurement decisions; financial acumen is a valued asset.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint) is essential.
• Familiarity with procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa is required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in IT contract negotiation and compliance, including knowledge of procurement laws, regulations, and related policies
• Prior experience in the public sector
• Experience using data analysis and business intelligence tools to gather, interpret, and leverage data for strategic decision-making in the procurement process is a plus

Skills and Competencies

• Continuous Improvement: Experience driving process improvement initiatives within procurement and contracting functions is desired
• Compliance and Regulations: Strong knowledge of procurement policies, laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices is desired

Technical Proficiency

• Experience with Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) and/or Oracle Procurement Cloud is particularly beneficial
• Experience applying LEAN principles to optimize workflows and reduce waste within sourcing and contracting functions is an advantage
• Experience using data analysis and business intelligence tools to support strategic procurement decisions is a plus

Other Qualifications

Hybrid Work

The Business & Finance Team within KCIT works as a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is the Chinook Building 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. 

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

 Classification

Contract Specialist III - 224001

Union 

This position is not represented by a union. 

 Work Schedule

The normal work week for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedules may be considered. This position is FLSA Exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay. 

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

 King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

 Are you ready to APPLY!?

The recruitment for this position is open to all qualified candidates. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. A completed King County Application detailing your experience and qualifications is required. Applications submitted without all material will not be considered. 

Questions

If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Ira Becton, [email protected] or 206-492-6919.