Contracts and Procurements Manager; WMS

Our Culture

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work‑life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers, and help build trust in our government.

Our Administrative Services Division (ASD) is recruiting for a Contracts and Procurements Manager (WMS2). The role requires excellent communication skills and serves as the main point of communication with vendors during active, competitive procurements.

As the most visible state agency and the second‑largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.

Reporting to the Contracts and Procurements Assistant Administrator, you will manage and execute complex, high‑value contracts, procurement needs, and contract/vendor management support associated with the agency’s strategic initiatives. You will act as the main point of communication with vendors during active, competitive procurements and partner with the contract manager and business program area subject matter experts to establish appropriate contract structures.

• Provide expert specialized consultation services, administration, and oversight for the agency’s major strategic initiatives for procurement and contracting activities, including IT purchases and contracts.
• Oversee vendor performance, ensure compliance with contract terms, and address performance issues through corrective actions when necessary.
• Develop, modify, and adapt procurement and contracting policies, processes, tasks, and procedures to accommodate specialized or unique situations.
• Facilitate the evaluation process and lead the negotiation of vendor contract awards.
• Serve as a primary contract specialist for large agency contracts.
• Mitigate agency risk by ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, policies, procedures, administrative rules, and Executive Orders.
• Consult and support agency contract managers in performance management of contracts.
• Ensure compliance with Chapter 39.26 RCW and agency policy, monitor contract performance and deliverables, manage amendments and corrective actions, and support high‑risk, complex acquisitions through execution and closeout.
• Directly supervise a team of contract specialists’ work, balance workloads, and ensure employees have the resources and support needed to succeed.

• Eight (8) years of combined relevant experience and education in negotiating, administering, and terminating contracts, contract cost/price analysis, contract compliance administration, and managing multiple high‑value and service procurements simultaneously.
  • Must include four (4) years of experience in organizing, creating, and guiding multiple high‑value information technology and service type procurements simultaneously, including federal and state funding or grants.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain contracting objectives, strategies, rules, policies, or procedures to diverse audiences.
  • Outstanding customer service skills with experience building and maintaining internal and external customer satisfaction.
  • High degree of professionalism when interacting with others.
  • Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and research skills.
  • Time‑management and adaptability to changing priorities, with the ability to handle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook.
  • Use of knowledge, credibility, and effective partnering to identify, evaluate, and provide innovative and highly effective solutions for agency leaders and executive management with a risk/reward analysis in technically complex procurement and contracting situations or in…