Contract Specialist III

Job Announcement

This opportunity is being reannounced. Candidates who have already applied need not re-apply; all applicants will be considered. This advanced-level contract specialist serves as a contracts team lead and works closely with the supervising contract specialist to assist in the overall coordination and management of the contracts team. This position is responsible to the supervisor for ensuring that the work of other contract personnel on the team is carried out;

and, as a regular and recurring part of the job, mentors, trains, coaches and leads less experienced employees in accomplishing work. Also manages independent procurement activities associated with a wide variety of advanced, complex, high-dollar and/or specialized goods and services, as well as professional and consulting services, construction, and information technology. Work includes full life cycle support for procurement and contract actions to include pre-award, post-award, contract negotiation, administration, termination, and closeout.

Work requires collaboration and proactive communication with management, staff, and stakeholders, as well as the use of critical thinking skills, initiative, and professional judgment. Provides subject matter expertise to assist customer departments with policies and procedures related to procurement and contracting. Uses automated contracting and financial system to process and finalize contracts and purchase orders. Works under the direction of the supervising contract specialist.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, supply chain management or a related field, including or supplemented by courses in procurement and supply chain management principles, laws, methods and procedures; plus three years of progressively responsible experience in technical procurement work. Comprehensive knowledge of contracting laws, principles and contracting strategies.

Ability to influence others. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

REQUIRED:

Certification by a nationally recognized professional purchasing organization is required. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and credit check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the Virginia Public Procurement Act.
• Knowledge of the Fairfax County Purchasing Resolution.
• Knowledge of Fairfax County procurement systems and procurement policies and procedures.
• Experience in structuring and negotiating contract documents.
• Experience negotiating terms and conditions with both government and non-governmental vendors.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including language, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple work activities to meet critical deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and SharePoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Certification from a nationally recognized professional procurement organization.
• Excellent customer service skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is generally sedentary employee may be required to lift documents weighing no more than 10 pounds. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise. Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others .) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. 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. TTY . DHREmployment EEO/AA/TTY.

Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Live Well Program
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
• Paid Holidays
• Contributory Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees' Child Care Center
• Continuous Learning Opportunities

Please  (Download PDF reader) for a summary of our benefits.

NOTE:

Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program:
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