Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager

This position is one of two Office of the Court Administrator's contracts and purchasing officers for the Judicial Branch. The position reports to the Financial Services Director. The position is responsible for providing direction and technical assistance to staff in developing contracts, trains all staff involved in contracting procedures, develops contract monitoring schedules, and assists with overseeing contractor compliance. This position is also the leader for all Request for Proposal processes including resulting contracts.

This position works with Judicial Branch personnel for purchasing of copiers, vehicles, office equipment, etc. to ensure compliance with procurement requirements. The incumbent works independently with general supervision.

Job Duties:

• Incumbent is responsible for directing and managing very large, diverse projects and needs that are unique to the Judiciary; researches and formulates recommendations to the court administrator or staff person.
• Receives and monitors PIF plans from Youth Court chiefs and forwards recommended plans to the Court Administrator.
• Works to develop agenda for Cost Containment Panel. Schedules meetings and provides meeting minutes.
• Audits and processes PIF contract invoices for payment.
• Authors, revises, and enforces use of standard contract and Request for Proposal shells.
• Authors and revises the contracting manual which includes drafter's use instructions.
• Distributes manuals to all Judiciary locations and support personnel which sets forth the standards for uniform consistency of contract format, structure and contracting requirements in compliance with state contracted services and procurement laws.
• Consults and collaborates with Department of Administration, State Purchasing, whenever solicitation of contracted services must be administered under their authority.
• Reviews contracts for appropriate format, written clarity of contractor's scope of work, responsibilities, and compensation statements.
• Verifies that independent contractor status has been obtained, and that insurance limits and indemnification language is balanced with the level(s) of contractor's risk exposure.
• Incumbent keeps regular contact with supervisor, judges, court personnel, state and local government officials including the State Procurement Office and court organizations to provide explanations, coordinate activities, gather information, respond to inquiries, and resolve complaints.
• Incumbent is instrumental in automating the contracting process for the Judicial Branch including implementation of eMACS.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some travel may be required.

Knowledge, Abilities and

Skills:

Extensive knowledge of the theory and principles of state procurement, risk management and contracting laws and procedures. Must possess ability to effectively organize, manage, and efficiently direct a diverse contracting program. Ability to negotiate effectively and successfully with contractors and their agents, often under very stressful circumstances. Capable of providing effective, professional leadership to professionally diverse staff, individually and in large group situations, and possess superior communication skills both written and oral.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, other agencies, the public and elected officials is critical to this position.

Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in business management, public administration or a similar field and at least two years of experience with managing public contracts. Experience with the state procurement rules and statutes is required. Alternative combinations of relevant education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.