20000232 - Contract Specialist II

Fairfax County; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive bonus

Job summary

Fairfax County is seeking a CONTRACT SPECIALIST II to perform advanced-level purchasing, guide contract specialists, and manage complex procurements. Candidates should have a degree in business administration and two years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities include preparing contract documents, conducting negotiations, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. This position offers a supportive work environment with potential for a hiring incentive bonus for new county employees.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in technical procurement work.
• Experience with automated procurement processing systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced-level purchasing and contract actions.
• Guide lower-level contract specialists and analysts.
• Conduct complex contract negotiations.
• Monitor contract execution for compliance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Public procurement knowledge

Contract law understanding

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Tools

Automated procurement systems

Job description

Definition and Distinguishing Characteristics

TITLE: CONTRACT SPECIALIST II

GRADE: S-24

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, performs advanced-level purchasing and contract actions and has responsibility for the more complex and/or considerably difficult procurement actions on a countywide basis; assists, advises and guides lower-level contract specialists and/or contract analysts; and performs related work as required.

The Contract Specialist II class is distinguishable from the Contract Specialist I class in that Contract Specialist II performs advanced-level purchasing and contract actions and has responsibility for the more complex and/or considerably difficult procurement actions on a countywide basis, and assists, advises and guides lower-level contract specialists or contract analysts; whereas Contract Specialist I purchases a variety of goods and services and establishes and administers routine to moderately complex contracts countywide.

Contract Specialist II differs from Contract Specialist III in that Contract Specialist III acts as a contracts team leader, providing direction to professional and paraprofessional contract specialists and/or contract analysts within the Procurement and Material Management Department; serves as a business adviser and advanced expert in a specific procurement program area, or independently manages specialized procurements that have high impact county-wide.

Illustrative Duties

• Acts as a subject matter expert in the review and analysis of specialized procurement matters;
• Performs purchasing actions for the acquisition of a variety of complex and/or high dollar goods and services for Fairfax County Government departments in accordance with the Fairfax County Purchasing Resolution and applicable policies and procedures;
• Develops and prepares terms, conditions and specifications; issues invitation for bid and request for proposals for recurring, complex, or unique procurement actions;
• Conducts pre‑bid conferences to clarify the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract;
• Guides the Selection Advisory Committee during bid evaluation deliberations and assures that proper procedures are followed;
• Prepares for and conducts complex contract negotiations to include license agreements, warranty, lease/purchase agreements;
• Prepares contract award documents for final review by the Contract Specialist Supervisor;
• Monitors the execution of contracts to ensure that all contract provisions are met;
• Performs contract administration functions;
• Resolves problems and initiates corrective action when appropriate;
• Responds to vendor protests and FOIA requests;
• Negotiates difficult and/or major contract changes with contractors;
• Prepares sole source and emergency purchase documentation and executes purchase;
• Prepares contract documents such as amendments and performance correspondence;
• Maintains complete documentation of all actions taken;
• Conducts training sessions for interested suppliers;
• Assists in the development and review of internal procedures and regulations;
• Researches the availability of state or county contracts that satisfy an agency's requirement;
• Assists in the training and guidance of lower-level contract specialists;
• Approves purchase orders and change orders up to $50,000;
• Serves in an advisory capacity to ensure customer and vendor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures;
• Reviews and makes recommendations relative to vendor protests of award or decision to award.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of public procurement and contracting;
• Working knowledge of contract law;
• Ability to negotiate contract terms and conditions;
• Ability to use automated and integrated financial and procurement systems;
• Ability to prepare specifications and review and evaluate bids and proposals;
• Ability to assist and guide the work of lower-level contract specialists or contract analysts;
• Ability to use sound judgment in making independent decisions;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with technical representatives from other agencies and vendors;
• Ability to collect and analyze data;
• Excellent oral and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Employment Standards / Licenses / Certifications / Necessary Special Requirements

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, or a related field; plus two years of experience in technical procurement work, including considerable experience with automated procurement processing systems.

Certificates and Licenses Required

None.

Necessary Special Requirements

Certain positions with financial responsibility within this class may be subject to criminal history record checks and/or credit checks as a condition of hiring and periodically thereafter, as determined by the department head. Applicants and employees within these select positions must demonstrate financial responsibility in personal finances as a condition of employment.

Bonus Eligibility

Positions within this classification that are general merit may be eligible for a one‑time hiring incentive bonus for new county employees only. This bonus program requires a signed payback agreement between the department and employee.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703‑324‑4900 for assistance. TTY 703‑222‑7314. EEO/AA/TTY.