Senior Contracting Officer

Virginia-Military-Institute; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Military Institute is seeking a Senior Contracting Officer to lead procurement and contract activities within the Virginia public procurement framework. The role requires ensuring compliance with state laws, evaluating bids, and guiding departments through sourcing and contracting processes.

The position emphasizes delivering best value while maintaining contract records and supporting supplier-diversity initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or AAS with relevant procurement experience.
• Knowledge of Virginia public procurement laws and eVA.
• Experience with RFPs, RFQs, and IFBs.
• Ability to manage contract lifecycle and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement and contract process for goods, services, and capital construction.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia laws, state guidelines, and VMI policies.
• Obtain best overall value through sourcing, evaluation, and negotiation.
• Provide procurement guidance to departments across the institution.
• Promote SWaM business participation.
• Maintain contracts, records, and reports for accountability.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Contract administration

Vendor negotiations

RFPs/IFBs/RFQs

Communication skills

Team collaboration

ERP systems usage

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration

AAS with 3 years experience

Tools

eVA procurement system

ERP platforms

Job description

Title: Senior Contracting Officer

State Role Title: Administrative - Lecturer

Hiring Range: $65,000- $85,000 commensurate with experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia Military Institute

Location: Virginia Military Institute

Agency Website: www.vmi.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

• The Senior Contracting Officer leads the procurement and contract process for goods, services, and capital construction projects. The position works with departments to identify needs, develop effective solicitations, negotiate contracts, and oversee contract administration. It ensures that purchasing activities follow applicable state laws, regulations, and VMI policies, and supports required reporting and supplier-diversity initiatives.
• Ensure VMI’s procurement activities comply with applicable Virginia laws, state guidelines, higher-education requirements, and institutional policies.
• Obtain the best overall value for goods, services, and capital construction through effective sourcing, evaluation, and negotiation.
• Provide timely, consistent procurement guidance and service to departments across the institution.
• Promote and monitor SWaM business participation in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Maintain accurate contracts, procurement records, and required reports to support accountability and informed decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field or an AAS in related field with 3 years experience.
• Knowledge of public-sector and higher-education procurement, contract administration, vendor negotiations, and applicable Commonwealth of Virginia procurement laws, policies, and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of state eVA procurement guidelines, higher-education governing rules, institutional purchasing policies, and SWaM business participation requirements.
• Skill in developing and managing complex RFPs, IFBs, and RFQs for goods, services, and capital construction.
• Skill in evaluating proposals and bids, negotiating favorable pricing and contract terms, assessing risk, and analyzing financial data.
• Ability to collaborate with institutional stakeholders to identify purchasing needs, review scopes of work, and guide departments through sourcing and contracting processes.
• Ability to manage contracts throughout their lifecycle and ensure required reports are developed, approved, and submitted accurately and on time.
• Ability to use automated procurement systems, such as eVA and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.
• Strong communication, organization, judgment, and problem-solving skills.

Additional Considerations

• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector or higher-education procurement, contract administration, and vendor negotiations.
• Professional procurement credentials are desirable, such as VCO, CUPO, VCCO, CPPO, CPPB, or NIGP-CPP.

Contact Information

Name: Matthew Hart

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]