Contracts Unit Manager — Equity‑Driven Leader, Grants & IT

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Employment Security Department (ESD) seeks a Contracts Unit Manager to lead the Contracts team, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver timely contract documents for IT and non-IT goods and services. Reporting to the CAMP Director, you will guide high‑risk procurements, advance supplier diversity, and provide expert consultation on state procurement while mentoring staff and promoting equity.

This role requires strategic thinking, risk mitigation, and the ability to negotiate complex

Qualifications

• Seven or more years in public sector procurement and contracting with IT goods/services, plus leadership experience.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff in procurement or contracting.
• Ability to navigate high-profile, high-dollar procurements and complex negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Contracts team, including hiring, mentoring, training, and performance management.
• Manage high-profile, high-dollar procurements and contract awards with minimal oversight.
• Serve as subject matter expert on Federal CFR regulations and grant requirements.
• Develop risk analyses and mitigation strategies for grants and complex contracts.
• Advance supplier diversity initiatives and promote minority, women, and veteran-owned participation.
• Negotiate and award complex, performance-based contracts for IT and non-IT goods/services.
• Design and deliver training programs and manuals on procurement practices and grant contracting.
• Consult division managers on acquisition plans, policy execution, and contentious terminations.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Negotiation

Procurement

Regulatory compliance

Grant management

Stakeholder engagement

Training development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration/public administration/related

Master’s degree in business/public administration/related

Juris Doctor

Associate’s degree in related field

Tools

ERP systems

e-procurement tools

Job description

The Employment Security Department (ESD) seeks a Contracts Unit Manager to lead the Contracts team, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver timely contract documents for IT and non-IT goods and services. Reporting to the CAMP Director, you will guide high‑risk procurements, advance supplier diversity, and provide expert consultation on state procurement while mentoring staff and promoting equity.

This role requires strategic thinking, risk mitigation, and the ability to negotiate complex