Contract Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Budget and Finance Division of the Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a Contract Specialist to join our team! This Specialist will assist with the procurement, negotiation, and contract administration functions for multiple programs within the Department. 

The position will serve as the project officer for all print and bindery contracts and coordinate and manage multiple vendors in this area. This role will be responsible for executing, administering and monitoring contracts in other areas as assigned, including for the Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction (FD&C) Bureau and support functions for the department, including the Director’s Office, Decision Support & GIS.

Specific duties include: 

• Develop and manage procurement solicitations, scopes of work, specifications appropriate procurement methods in coordination with project managers and the Purchasing Office;

• Support contractor selection processes, proposal evaluations and contract administration activities;

• Maintain contract databases and ensure timely contract renewals, amendments, and new procurements;

• Review, monitor and negotiate contract amendments, change orders, and contractor cost proposals including recommended actions;

• Monitor and recommend actions related to contractor performance, resolve billing issues, and oversee invoice, PO, and chargeback processes;

• Audit contractor invoices against complex contracts to ensure consistency and compliance with scope, pricing, and contract requirements, including revision requests for noncompliance;

• Conduct Quality Assurance Reviews of contracts from various bureaus within the department and prepare documentation for internal and external audits;

• Serve as liaison to the Purchasing Office and provide technical assistance to staff, vendors, and stakeholders; 

• Assist with procurement training and support print and bindery contract compliance, inventory, and equipment maintenance procedures; and

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Effective leadership, customer service, and communication skills, with the ability to provide updates, collaborate across teams, and deliver responsive solutions that support organizational goals;

• Proficiency in public sector procurement, contract management, negotiation, technical writing and enterprise resource planning (ERP);

• A strong understanding of local and state procurement laws and regulations; and

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and process improvement skills, including resolving performance issues and improving workflows and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration or economics or other relevant field of study; and 
• Considerable experience with contract development and/or management or a closely related field. 

Substitution(s): Additional education may be substituted for experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.
Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following:

• Advanced proficiency using Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables and formulas;

• Developing scopes of work (SOW);

• Overseeing contract lifecycles, including cost analysis, negotiations, compliance, and performance monitoring;

• Budgeting, invoicing, procurement, financial reporting, and managing chargebacks; and/or

• Proficiency with Oracle Cloud ERP, SharePoint, and/or Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Procurement Portal eVa.

Special Requirements

• Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

• Resume Requirement: A complete application includes a resume. Please attach your resume to the application and verify that the details of your application provide further evidence of your experience and qualifications as displayed on your resume.

• Cover letter: Please attach a cover letter (or use space in the supplemental question section) describing how your background and experience align with the minimum and desirable qualifications for this position.

Work hours: 

Flexible work schedule, Monday through Friday, core work hours are between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some telework opportunity. 

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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