Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialists

Salary: $4,723.00 - $7,739.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2023-C&P-015
Department: Dept. of Enterprise Services
Division:Contracts & Procurement
Opening Date: 12/07/2023
Closing Date: 12/31/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist 2 and 3
**This recruitment will be used to fill multiple Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist 2 (ECPS2) and Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist 3 (ECPS3) positions. An in-training opportunity may be available depending on candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability level.**
** This position is eligible for full time telework within Washington State.**
Who we are:
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties, and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES' mission is to strengthen the business of government. We do this by creating overall operating efficiencies so our state's government entities can focus on their core missions. Our buying power, economies of scale and years of experience help government get the best value for the products and services they need to support their missions. We value Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We seek new team members who share our commitment to be an equity-driven and antiracist organization. We listen to customers and team members to understand what they need and expect. We promote creativity, learning and improvement to meet those needs and adapt to the ever-changing business environment. We measure our results and seek feedback to improve our performance.
Who we are looking for:
The Contracts & Procurement division (C&P) of DES provides centralized procurement leadership, solutions, and services in support of all state agencies and other government entities' operations. C&P is seeking several new Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialists. Depending on qualifications, these positions will be filled at the ECPS2 or ECPS3 as in-training positions where an employee starts at a certain job class level and then advances to the next job class level after satisfactory completion of the training requirements.
As an Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist, you will perform expert-level procurement activities that support state enterprise operations and systems, as well as offer cost-effective procurement solutions and services to state agencies, colleges and universities, political subdivisions, and eligible non-profit corporations. You will work with business executives and department leaders and assist departments in strategically planning and executing their procurement activities. In the ECPS3 role, you will also help train, coach, and lead other procurement professionals in DES and across the state enterprise and be accountable for promoting and implementing state socio-economic, supplier inclusion, and environmental procurement priorities across the state enterprise.
Why join us:The Department of Enterprise Services offers:

• A great total compensation and ;
• Paid ;
• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, teleworking, and an Infants in the Workplace Program;
• An agency-wide commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and respect, and leaders who encourage all employees to bring their authentic selves to work;
• Access to several state business resource groups including the Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN); Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG); Latino Leadership Network (LLN); Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (BUILD); Disability Inclusion Network (DIN); Washington Immigrant Network (WIN); and Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network (HAPPEN);
• Supported growth and development opportunities; and
• Opportunities to serve your community through meaningful work.

Duties
Some of what you will enjoy doing:

• Conduct market research and analysis to make recommendations to internal and external stakeholders on the most effective state enterprise procurement strategy and methodology (competitive solicitation, competitive exemption options, etc.).
• Interpret and apply RCW's, WACs, and procurement policies for C&P customers and other DES staff.
• Independently lead medium to high risk state enterprise procurement activities based on C&P procedures.
• Facilitate customer and vendor meetings and listening sessions to collect input on the procurement strategy and technical specifications.
• Develop and implement procurement strategy and compose procurement documents, technical specifications, and requirements that address competing customer priorities from multiple customer entities, promote supplier inclusion and environmental preferences, and comply with state laws, policies, and C&P procedures.
• Conduct vendor outreach and host pre-bid conferences to provide direction to interested bidders.
• Evaluate and analyze proposals to assess pricing, and compliance with procurement requirements, and priorities such as environmental goals, and supplier diversity. Coordinate product demonstrations and testing as applicable.
• Prepare procurement summary, bidder rejection or complaint response letters, announcement of successful bidders, final agreement drafts or other similar procurement related documents for the supervisor's review and approval in compliance with C&P procedures.
• Maintain and upkeep procurement documents, file folders, and procurement system records (e.g., PCMS, ECMS, WEBS) to provide customers and other stakeholders accurate and timely information and reports related to C&P state enterprise activities.
• Facilitate ongoing contract monitoring to ensure contractor's compliance with contract requirements and pricing terms.
• Interpret and enforce contract terms and facilitate dispute and price adjustment negotiations.
• Conduct periodic listening sessions or surveys with customers and contractors to proactively address any potential contract management issues and stay current with market trends.
• Consult C&P customers on the potential procurement solutions that best meet their needs, comply with state laws and policies, and help advance the state socio-economic priorities.

Qualifications
These positions may be filled at the Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist 2 or 3 level depending on qualifications. In-training opportunities MAY be available depending on candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability level.
What is an in-training plan? The in-training is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. Upon successful completion of an in-training program (typically 12 months), the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in-training plan if applicable. The Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist 3 in training starts at the Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist 2 level. Your advancement will be based upon the successful completion of an In-Training Plan.
Required Qualifications for ECPS 3 (Range 62: $5,756 - $7,739)

• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, or closely allied field; AND
• Four (4) years of experience as a DES Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist 2 OR four (4) years of experience as a contracting professional with comparable scope of authority and responsibility for leading procurement activities, contract negotiations and management.

**Note:

• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the required education.
• A Master's degree in one of the above academic disciplines may substitute for one year of experience.
• A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience and education.

Required Qualifications for ECPS 2 (Range 58: $5,214 - $7,016)

• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, or closely allied field; AND
• Three (3) years of experience as a DES Enterprise Contracts & Procurement Specialist OR three (3) years of experience as a contracting professional with comparable scope of authority and responsibility for leading procurement activities, contract negotiations and management.

**Note:

• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the required education.
• A Master's degree in one of the above academic disciplines may substitute for one year of experience.
• A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience and education.

Required Qualifications for ECPS 1 (Range 54: $4,723 - $6,349)

• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, or closely allied field; AND
• Two (2) years of experience as a Contracts Assistant or other contracting professional with comparable exposure to contract administration.

**Note:

• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the required education.
• A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association may substitute for the experience and education.

The most successful applicants for all levels will also possess the following skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Procurement Knowledge: Ability to conduct market research and analysis and adopt procurement strategy to changing market conditions and unique or competing customer needs. Knowledge of procurement techniques and contract drafting and negotiation principles. Ability to compose effective procurement documents, technical specifications, and evaluation criteria for performance-based contracts. Ability to interpret and enforce contract terms and specifications to manage contractor performance.
• Computer Skills: Ability to perform assigned work duties remotely. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and ability to utilize teleconference tools to participate and lead virtual meetings. Proficiency with Adobe tools to draft, edit, and execute procurement documents in multiple formats. Ability to successfully adopt other modern office applications and electronic procurement systems (e.g., PCMS, ECMS, WEBS) to maintain procurement records in accordance with C&P procedures.
• Accountability and Flexibility: Ability to self-impose high standards for the quality and timeliness of work. Ability to independently manage assigned workload and adjust priorities as needed to meet C&P mission and goals.
• Communication Skills: Ability to clearly convey complex information through a variety of formats in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand the message. Ability to adopt the communication style depending on the audience and the situation. Ability to facilitate effective customer and vendor meetings that aid in procurement development, and contract management.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Commitment to promote agency mission and goals and ability to identify effective ways to meet these goals. Ability to develop and sustain positive and productive relationships with customers and coworkers by using effective listening skills and collaborating on win-win solutions.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to review information from different sources, frame any problems, and identify opportunities and solutions. Ability to make effective decisions based on the available facts, constraints, and probable risks and consequences.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies
Possess and demonstrate the following competencies:

• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

Supplemental Information
Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
• A current (from the last two years) list of at least three (3) or more professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview). Please include at least one supervisor, peer and if you have supervised in the past a subordinate.

Conditions of Employment:

• Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily precl...