Mngmt Specialist IV; Austin Energy

About This Position

The Contract Management Specialist IV reports through the Finance Division of Austin Energy. Through this division, the Austin Energy Contract Management team works closely with the City of Austin Purchasing Office and Legal Services to provide contract management advice, consulting, training, and support for a wide range of goods and services contracts and solicitations for the Utility. The successful candidate will provide contract support by performing the following duties: monitoring contracts for compliance, monitoring contract expenditures, providing training, reviewing purchase requests for compliance with the contract, performing contract releases in the financial system, preparing reports, reviewing invoices for compliance with the contract, developing solicitation and contract documents in accordance with City of Austin policies and procedures, and documenting/addressing compliance/performance issues.

This position is fast moving with constant interruptions and competing priorities.

Contract Management Specialist IV

Purpose:

Under minimal direction, performs contract development and administration for highly complex or high dollar commodity or services contracts.

• Develops and drafts new contracts by analyzing market and economic conditions and applying current trends to contract development; preparing scopes of work and/or specifications; negotiating with vendors/contractors; writing terms and conditions; and developing effective performance measures; investigates alternative purchasing methods and recommends procedures for implementation.
• Limited signature authority as delegated by the Purchasing Office and relevant administrative bulletins.
• Manages and administers existing contracts by determining compliance through performance monitoring; negotiating and writing amendments and revisions to scopes of work and/or specifications.
• Resolves non-compliance issues by investigating and resolving contract-related discrepancies, complaints, and disputes between all involved parties; canceling and/or terminating contracts and negotiating settlement agreements; and resolving appeals and claims.
• Provides consulting expertise to internal and external customers by developing and providing formal contract management training, interpreting contractual provisions, and providing advice on all facets of contract development, administration and management.
• Provides contract information in response to inquiries from City Council, City Management, Boards and Commissions, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Prepares and presents reports by compiling, reviewing, and analyzing data and providing written and/or oral reports to management.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to others.

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of contract law, contracting practices, regulations, policies and techniques.
• Knowledge of contracts, including contract development, contract language, terms, conditions, etc.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of community resources and structures.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in negotiation.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ability to impartially summarize and evaluate factors related to contracts.
• Ability to write specific terms of conditions for contracts.
• Ability to enforce contractual obligations.
• Ability to resolve complex, contractual issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to train others.

Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university plus four…