Information Technology Specialist 4 - Contract Manager

The Department of Management (DOM), Division of Information Technology (DoIT), is seeking a Contract Manager to support and strengthen our contracting and vendor management activities across state agencies. This role plays a key part in developing and managing procurement documents, evaluating vendor proposals, overseeing information technology purchasing, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies. The ideal candidate is skilled in coordinating complex procurement processes, collaborating with legal and technical teams, and guiding staff through best practices in contract and vendor management.

What You Will Do

* Participate in the full request for proposal process, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and government procurement policies.

* Draft, edit, and review procurement documents such as requests for proposals, requests for quotes, bids, statements of work, and related materials.

* Conduct or attend formal bid lettings to ensure procurement activities follow written policies and procedures.

* Evaluate vendor proposals, lead vendor negotiations, and support supplier selection based on pricing, quality, and delivery criteria.

* Assist with negotiating and finalizing vendor contracts, ensuring adherence to state procurement regulations and best practices.

* Monitor contract performance, track compliance, and collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve issues or implement corrective actions.

* Serve as a subject-matter expert for contracts and procurement, providing guidance to agency staff on processes, compliance requirements, and contract management.

* Write detailed product specifications for technical or major information technology purchases and verify that procured items meet those specifications.

* Oversee strategic information technology procurement activities across state agencies, ensuring efficient processes and compliance with organizational and governmental regulations.

* Collaborate with legal, security, and information technology contracting teams to review and develop procurement agreements-including statements of work, service level agreements, quotes, and bid documents-and monitor compliance with service level agreements, key performance indicators, and contractual obligations.

What We Are Seeking

* Strong knowledge of government procurement processes, including competitive bidding, vendor evaluation, and contract compliance.

* Ability to draft, review, and manage procurement and contract documents with clarity, accuracy, and adherence to regulations.

* Skilled in collaborating with vendors and internal teams to negotiate terms, monitor contract performance, and resolve issues.

* Experience supporting information technology procurement activities, including developing specifications and ensuring alignment with organizational and regulatory requirements.

What We Offer

* Flexible work environment

* Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)

* Health, dental, and vision insurance

* Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays

* Life and disability insurance

* Retirement savings options (RIC)

* Flexible Spending Accounts

Why Work with Us?

At the Iowa Department of Management (DOM), we help government agencies across the state perform at their best by managing financial resources, technology, and information. Our mission is rooted in service-we provide efficient, innovative, and strategic solutions that empower agencies to fulfill their goals.

We're guided by four core values:

* Integrity - We act with honesty and accountability.

* Teamwork - We collaborate to achieve shared success.

* Service - We are committed to excellence in public service.

* Partnership - We build strong relationships to drive results.

Working Arrangement

This position requires onsite work in Des Moines, IA each week. Employees meeting all expectations of their work responsibilities may request remote work and develop a hybrid/remote schedule collaboratively with their manager.

Please note, candidates for this position must reside in the state of Iowa at the time of starting the role.

Background Check Requirements

* After a conditional offer of employment has been made, and as the final step in the hiring process, candidates for this position will be subject to a background investigation, which may include but may not be limited to a verification of a candidate's education, previous employment/work history, contact of personal references, motor vehicle records, and a criminal history check (including through Federal, State, or Local criminal justice agencies).

* Information gathered as part of such background investigation will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by Iowa Code section 22.7, 8B.4A, and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; provided that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, such information shall be available to candidates upon request.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers…