Contract Specialist V

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY is seeking a seasoned Contract Manager to lead contracting activities from RFP development through closeout in the Department of State Health Services. You will coordinate budgets, monitor performance, and serve as the primary liaison for vendors and program staff across multiple divisions.

The role requires strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, with deep knowledge of state procurement rules and federal/state policy alignment.

Qualifications

• Experience with development of solicitations scope of work.
• Experience using Word and Excel.
• Experience in contract management activities such as contract or solicitation development.
• Knowledge of contracting regulations and state procurement procedures.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Participates and oversee the development of contracting activities such as RFP development, planning meetings, timelines and evaluation instruments.
• Coordinate and negotiate contract budgets, funding decisions, and performance measures with applicants.
• Monitor contract performance, review billing data, and ensure compliance with terms and policies.
• Communicate with contractors as the single point of contact for contractual accountability.
• Coordinate risk assessment, on-site reviews, and manage contract amendments and closeout.
• Provide guidance on contract administration to program staff and management.
• Maintain contractor files and ensure continuity of operations across divisions.
• Develop contract administration policies and participate in special projects as required.
• Support disaster response and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation as needed.

Skills

Contract management

Budget reviews

RFP development

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

Data analysis

Word

Excel

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Posting ID21063-Posted09/04/2026-Dept of State Health Services-Contract Management-Business and Financial Operations-Not Eligible for Telework- Other Locations (1) - Additional Shifts available (1) -c. $5000 - $6999 per month

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas . If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page .

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Branch Manager, the Contract Manager provides leadership and support in contract management by participating in contracting activities such as RFP development, RFP application, budget reviews, contract funding allocation decisions, quality management activities, extensive contract monitoring, and other contract management activities as appropriate and mandated by DSHS policy. Provides assistance and recommends sanctions for enforcement of the terms and conditions of the assigned contracts in the Contract Management Section (CMS). With minimal supervision, and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs highly advanced, senior level, technical and consultative work assisting with the oversight of the daily operations and contract management activities from development to closeout within the CMS.

The Contract Manager is the liaison between contractors, program staff, Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and Contract Oversight and Support Section staff. The Contract Manager facilitates communication and collaboration between all contract stakeholders and serves as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors.

Responsible for completing analysis of contractor performance by reviewing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Responsible for implementing goals and objectives; developing contract guidelines, policies, and procedures; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established performance measures; monitoring contract compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures.

Coordinate and implement changes as new federal and state laws, rules, regulations and agency policies become effective. Provides guidance regarding contract administration policies and procedures to program staff, management, and other Department staff as appropriate. Serves as the lead in contract development activities through execution, initiates amendments, monitors contractor performance and expenditures, provide technical assistance and will close out contracts.

Provides high-quality customer service to external and internal customers by prompt responses to inquiries, taking the initiative to solve problems, exercising flexibility, and continuing to seek improvements within the unit and program areas. Interacts routinely with customers including program managers, staff, contractors, stakeholders, organizations, and other state agencies to ensure appropriate contractor performance according to contract terms.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1: Participates and oversee the development of contracting activities such as RFP development, facilitating planning meetings, setting timelines and developing the RFP application. Determine solicitation method/type of contract and/or purchase. Identifies provider resources, describes services to be rendered, finalize the Review Criteria and evaluation instruments in collaboration with programs. Accepts, tracks and ensures response to written questions about the RFP submitted by potential bidders. Plans/participates in bidders’ conference by pulling department resources to provide accurate technical assistance to potential bidders. Arranges logistics and oversees the proposal review process. (15%)

EJF2: Coordinates and negotiates contract budget reviews, contract funding allocation decisions, negotiations of revised budgets and performance measures with selected applicants. Obtains from applicants any clarifications and supplemental information. Creates work plan documents where appropriate. Works with Office of General Council on scope of work. Adheres to department, state and federal contracting policy. (15%)

EJF3: Performs the monitoring of and/or monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies. Responsible for reviewing the supporting documentation related to contract billing for eligibility. Ensures appropriate tracking of contractor expenditure and performance data as well as appropriate contract deliverables. Completes analysis of contractor performance by reviewing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Projects expenditures to ensure appropriate use of funds. Communicates the results and recommends actions on a routine basis to program and other Department staff as appropriate. (15%)

EJF4: Performs written and oral communication with contractors as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors. Facilitates and ensures delivery of financial and programmatic technical assistance and training with Contract Oversight and Support Section and appropriate program, regional or Local Health Department staff. Provides guidance to internal and external customers regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures. Identifies training needs and determines how training should be conducted. (10%)

EJF5: Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Participate in coordinated on-site reviews to encompass both financial and programmatic compliance. Works with all pertinent parties to resolve audit findings by defining the criteria/requirements/processes and recommending appropriate dispositions. (15%)

EJF6: Coordinates resolution of contractor issues, initiates and negotiates all contract amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions, obtains approval of amendments/sanctions with appropriate Division managers, communicates impact of changes to appropriate contractor and Division staff, and ensures implementation and resolution of contract sanctions. Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to DSHS policy. (10%)

EJF7: Serves as a point of contact with DSHS, HHSC senior management, Contract Oversight and Support and Contract Liaisons regarding contractor performance issues. Coordinates with Division managers when appropriate regarding requests for information. Maintains contractor files ensuring accessibility of information necessary for appropriate contract management. May conduct routine meetings with program staff to discuss contracting/ forecasting/ projections and provide recommendations to address barriers to meeting goals, staffing shortfalls and peak contracting periods. Ensures continuity of operations during emergencies or catastrophic events. (10%)

EJF8: Participates in the development of contract administration policies and procedures. Responsibilities include: implementing goals and objectives to support agency-wide strategic plans, polices, and procedures. Serves as subject matter expert related to contract management on assigned workgroups in coordination with Grants, budget, fiscal units, legal, Contract Oversight and Support, and division programs. Analyzes departmental contracting systems, outputs and activities; identifies gaps and recommends system improvements. May manage special projects as required or requested. May prepare special correspondence or reports, analyze data and compile statistical reports or surveys using Word and Excel or other word processing and spreadsheet applications. (5%)

EJF9: Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge,Skillsand Abilities (KSAs):

Thorough knowledge of contracting regulations, of developing contracts, of business administration and accounting principles and practices, and of policies and procedures of contract management and administration.

Knowledge of audit principles, process improvement, and quality management.

Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and state procurement procedures. Knowledge of the State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures.

Thorough knowledge of organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to establish and administer a complex and comprehensive delivery system.

Working knowledge of Texas legislative processes and public accountability systems.

Knowledge of state and federal legislation as they relate to DSHS services and state and federal laws, agency regulations, policies, rules and requirements pertaining to the provision of health services.

Skill in management principles and practices. Skill in project management and prioritization.

Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Skill in communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.

Skill in preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.

Skill in analyzing and solving problems and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities; and comprehensively and accurately evaluating different types of administrative reports.

Skill in providing leadership and managing diverse program and administrative personnel in a team environment; communicating on issues and coordinating oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions.

Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.

Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for the Contract Management Section

Ability to evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.

Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.

Ability to lead or work as part of a team.

Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks, assignments and projects.

Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.

Ability to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.

Ability to make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred or must be obtained within first year of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience with development of solicitations scope of work

Experience using word and excel.

Experience in contract management activities such as contract orsolicitation development.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/ .

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at [e-mail] .

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form