IT Contract Specialist II

The Business & Finance group of King County Information Technology (KCIT) is seeking two experienced Contract Specialists to provide expertise in Information Technology (IT) procurement and contracting materials, supplies, equipment, services and professional consulting in support of the operation of KCIT and its specialized projects and program needs. KCIT will be hiring two Contract Specialist II positions for, at minimum, a 36 month, full-time, Term Limited Temporary position to be prepared for new projects and support current projects kicking off in 2017.

These Contract Specialists will manage and mitigate the risk inherent in various IT contracts including but not limited to, design, IT technical services, consulting, Software as a Service (SaaS), commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) and other professional services to protect the County from being subject to litigation, criticism or unanticipated costs due to unclear, ambiguous and non-compliant contract documents. One of the TLT positions will also include some public works contracting.

As part of the Business and Finance team, the Contract Specialists are customer focused, teamwork oriented, and able to work together with the other team members to ensure that the business needs of the group are met.

The Business & Finance Group provides complete support to KCIT in many areas, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Budget Administration: including forecasting and variance analysis

2. Fiscal Management: including A/P, procurement and purchasing

3. Asset Management: assisting in purchasing and oversight of IT inventory

4. Contract Administration: assisting in contract renewals and amendments

5. Payroll Administration: processing bi-weekly Time and Labor

We value diversity in our work environment and know that employees treated with respect not only perform better, but further the mission and purpose of King County’s Strategic Plan. King County values the balance between work and life outside of work. We offer an outstanding benefits package. Please visit our website to learn about King County’s commitment to employee’s health and well-being and detailed information about our benefits: http://www.kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/healthy-incentives.aspx

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and this position is not overtime eligible.

WORK LOCATION: Downtown Seattle in the King County Chinook Building, 401 Fifth Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104

REPORTS TO: This position reports to the Business and Finance Manager and is a member of the KCIT Business and Finance team.

For information about the status of your application please contact Melanie Hanisco at (206) 263-8062 or email melaniehanisco@kingcounty.gov .

Job Duties:

• Assist service delivery managers, managers and project managers regarding procurement code, policies and procedures for new procurement, and post-award amendments, including the need for a procurement waiver.
• Consult with managers to analyze project requirements in order to determine the best IT procurement approach.
• Determine bidding requirements, selection criteria and general terms and conditions for IT procurement. Assist in developing scope of work, and technical specifications.
• Negotiate IT contract terms and conditions, and have executed by all parties. Ensure that all essential contract documentation is accurate, complete and meets the requirements for audit purposes and meets all documentation that Central Procurement requires.

• Manage the development of all IT and other Requests For Proposal (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), and Invitation To Bid (ITB), and Request For Information (RFI).Compile contract terms and conditions, scope, budget and have executed by all parties. Ensure that all essential contract documentation is accurate, complete and meets the requirements for audit purposes and meets all documentation that Central Procurement requires.
• Provide assistance to department staff on all aspects of purchasing services or goods through the County’s Finance and Business Operations Division. Act as Division liaison in all procurement matters as assigned.
• Responsible for end-to-end contract management, including working with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO), Risk Management and Central Procurement to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and contract terms and conditions.
• Issue, revise and manage contracts with outside agencies, both public and private.
• Train current and new project managers and other staff on procurement procedures.
• Be part of a team to analyze and improve processes and procedures.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills:

• Four-year degree in Business Administration or Accounting or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years’ experience procuring IT products and services through advertised bidding processes.
• Demonstrated experience with contract administration.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts for IT products and services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of purchasing and bidding practices.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service skills – in person and via e-mail or telephone using discretion, patience, etiquette, and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated writing ability; use of correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Proficient in Word and Excel.

Supplemental Information:

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS REQUIRED: Please include a resume and cover letter that describes how you meet or exceed the requirements for this position. Include a copy of a document you have personally drafted as part of your contracts/procurement position that demonstrates your writing/communications ability. These materials are supplemental to your application. You must still completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you include relevant information only on the resume or cover letter.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: The candidate selected for this position will be required to pass a background investigation.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is not represented.