It Contract Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. This position is based at 1411 Brazos Street, Austin in the Information Technology Division.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
Seeking an IT professional to provide contract leadership on a portfolio of highly complex technology contracts and proposals. The ideal candidate will effectively organize, prioritize and manage multiple assignments and priorities, work effectively and independently in a dynamic environment, communicate in a professional and customer-focused manner, and collaborate with other IT teams, TWC Purchasing and Contract Services and Office of General Counsel, as well as internal and external business customers to accomplish work.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
As an IT Contract Administration Manager I, you will report to the IT Acquisitions Manager and play a pivotal role in technology procurements and contract management for TWC. Your responsibilities will span the entire contract lifecycle, from procurement planning through contract award and contract management. Performs advanced (senior-level) contract administration work. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities Include:
-Contract Development: Leading development and overseeing the procurement of a broad range of technology-related goods, services and solutions, including solicitations for Major Information Resources Projects (MIRP).
-Contract Management: Overseeing and managing technology-related contracts from initiation through close-out, ensuring adherence to terms for goods, services, deliverables, performance standards, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The contracts could include the implementation of new solutions, which include coordination with TWC and Vendor Project Managers to ensure deliverables are high quality and completed on time. This role demands considerable independent judgment and initiative, operating with minimal supervision.

YOU WILL BE ENTRUSTED TO:
Contract Development:
-Perform advanced to highly advanced contract development work within the IT division to acquire technology goods and services through Department of Information Resources (DIR) Cooperative Contracts, DIR's Shared Technology Services (STS) Program, DIR's Telecom Program, as well as Open Market procurements. Solicitations may include MIRPs, which have additional requirements such as the DIR Framework Acquisition Plan, tracking deliverables through implementation, drafting task orders, etc.
-Develop needs assessments, proprietary justifications, and comprehensive solicitation documents including gathering and documenting business, technical, performance, and other requirements to be included in Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Offers (RFO), and Statements of Work (SOW) documents. May assign duties and responsibilities and coordinate the work of project staff.
-Participate in the evaluation, negotiations, and acceptance of contracts.
-Ensure compliance with all Federal, State, and agency laws, rules, policies, and procedures in all procurement and contracting processes.

Contract Management:
-Perform advanced to highly advanced contract management within the IT division to manage technology-related contracts including hardware, software, Software as a Service (SaaS) licenses, maintenance and operations support services, application development, telecommunications, data communications, and IT Staff Augmentation.
-Draft Deliverable Expectations Documents (DED) and coordinate reviews and approvals of acceptance criteria and final deliverables.
-Monitor contract requirements and vendor performance to assess compliance with contractual obligations; track deliverables for quality and timely submission; hold vendors accountable for contract compliance; and recommend and take corrective actions as needed. Assigned contracts may include MIRPs, which require additional oversight and collaboration with the project team to ensure vendor performance during the project.
-Develop and facilitate the review and approval of contract amendments within established guidelines.
-Develop and manage contract-related budget trackers; validate invoices for accuracy and within scope; review cost estimates and projections ensuring funds are available in the contract.

Collaboration:
-Collaborate with team members to provide innovative and continuous improvement of processes, support and assist team members, and work effectively as a cohesive unit.
-Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders (IT and Program Area) to develop needs assessments, proprietary justifications, gather/document requirements for solicitation documents, complete Vendor Performance Reports, and close out assigned contracts.
-Collaborate with the purchasing department to develop and ensure the solicitation schedule for assigned IT procurements stays on schedule.
-Coordinate with DIR STS for assigned STS contracts and solicitations providing required solicitation documents and vendor performance reports in accordance with state statute and agency policies and procedures.
-Perform other duties as assigned to maintain IT operations.

REQUIRED:
Formal Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification or must obtain CTCM certification withing six months of employment and CTCD certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain both certifications throughout employment.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
-Five years of full-time experience in contract administration, management, evaluation, or monitoring of contract providers. 
-Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position. 
-Two years of full-time in-service TWC experience classified as a Contract Specialist V with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
-Eight years' experience managing large, complex, high risk, high visibility technology procurements and contracts throughout the contract management lifecycle in local, state or federal government.
-Knowledge of applicable local, state, or federal rules, regulations and policies related to contract procurement administration and management. Knowledge of procurement policies and procedures as defined in the Texas Contract Management Guide and the Texas Procurement Manual.
-Experience with contract management and monitoring of technology-related contracts ensuring goods, services, deliverables, performance, SLAs, and other contract requirements are in compliance with the contract.
-Experience with contract development of technology-related solicitation documents including development of business, technical, cybersecurity, and performance requirements.
-Effectively demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills.
-Experience with Seat Management and/or Data Center Services.
-Experience with Comptroller of Public Accounts, DIR, and Data Center Services (DCS)/STS procurement and contract processes for technology goods and services, as well as the DIR exemption requirements and processes.
-Experience with reviewing and evaluating contracts and vendor deliverables.
-Ability to work independently while understanding the need for communicating and coordinating work efforts with others.
-Ability to handle multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines and making critical decisions.
-Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
-Ability to lead, work closely with cross-functional teams. Establish and maintain cooperative and constructive work relationships.
-Strong leadership, communication, and organization skills with attention to detail.
-Experience with MicroSoft Windows and Office products: Outlook, Word, Excel, Visio and PowerPoint. Proficient with MicroSoft Project and Project Web Access, and SharePoint.
-Maintain a reliable, predictable work schedule, and/or be called upon to work outside of normal business hours to sustain operations or complete urgent assignments.

YOU GAIN:
-A Family Friendly Certified Workplace. 
-Competitive starting salary: $7,500.00 - $9,000.00/month
-Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
-Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
-Medical Insurance
-Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
-Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

HOW TO APPLY: 
To be considered, please complete an Application for Employment and apply on Taleo. TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.