19-62- Contract Manager (Contract Specialist IV)

Performs advanced (senior-level) contract management and monitoring work. Work involves managing and monitoring a broad range of agency contracts and grants. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Contracting and Purchasing Department.

·        Manages and monitors a portfolio of agency contracts and grants. Work includes providing professional services to advance project outcomes and to maintain contract/project records.

·        Ensures that contract performance and practices are consistent with agency policy and applicable rules, laws and the State of Texas Procurement Manual and Contract Management Guide.

·        Attends Comptroller of Public Account’s contract manager and other relevant trainings to promote education and to develop contract management skills.

·        Communicates daily with business area subject matter experts and external contractors on report and subcontract issues.

·        Coordinates and facilitates contract-related meetings.

·        May negotiate contracts, contract renewals, and amendments in coordination with business area subject matter experts.

·        Assesses contract risks. Serves as an authority on risk assessment and recommends contracts requiring enhanced progress reporting or cancellation.

·        Verifies contractor performance.

·        Monitors compliance with deliverables and reporting requirements.

·        Enforces contract terms.

·        Monitors and reports vendor performance by completing monthly compliance reports.

·        Assists in the review of contracting templates and language by making recommendations for changes where needed.

·        Reviews and evaluates expenditures to ensure appropriate use of funds.

·        Remains highly skilled and knowledgeable with the agency’s internal contract administration system. 

·        Monitors legislation and remains abreast of changes in contracting laws.

·        Supports the resolution of audit exceptions by defining causes of errors and recommending appropriate dispositions.

·        Identifies training needs and conducts training.

·        Maintains confidential and sensitive information.

·        Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.

·        Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.

·        May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

·        Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Business Administration or a related field. 

·        Five years of work experience in overall contract management.

·        Three years of experience must be in contract management as defined by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, to include:

o  assessment of risk;

o  verification of contractor performance;

o  monitoring compliance with deliverable and reporting requirements;

o  enforcement of contract terms, monitoring and reporting of vendor performance; and

o  ensuring that contract performance and practices are consistent with applicable rules, laws and the State of Texas Procurement Manual and Contract Management Guide.

·        Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).

·        Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to contract management and administration; and of the principles and practices of public administration.

·        Knowledge of contracting regulations, of negotiating contracts.

·        Knowledge of managing and monitoring contracts.

·        Knowledge of business administration and accounting principles and practices.

·        Knowledge of policies and procedures of contract management. 

·        Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.

·        Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.

·        Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status.

·        Ability to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.

·        Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.

·        Ability to negotiate features of a contract.

·        Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.

·        Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.

·        Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.

·        Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.

·        Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.

·        Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.

·        Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

·        Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.

·        Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.

·        Ability to manage multiple tasks.

·        Ability to stand/sit/move with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.

·        Ability and willingness to travel 5% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.

·        Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.

·        Ability to work days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.

·        Ability to train others.