Procurement Contract Specialist

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and the successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Procurement Contract Specialist positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open until Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

The Procurement Contract Specialist will be responsible for processing highly complex solicitations and contracts for various types of commodities and service contracts including those for professional services, human services, architect-engineer, and construction services. Within their role, the Procurement Contract Specialist must be able to interpret and follow applicable laws, statutes, and County policies for conducting solicitations, negotiating contracts, administering contracts, and obtaining the appropriate levels of approval from County Counsel, Risk Management, and the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

This role contributes to the County’s broader mission of ensuring transparent, ethical, and value-driven procurement practices. The Procurement Contract Specialist serves as a strategic partner to departments, helping deliver efficient, compliant, and customer-focused contracting solutions that advance the County’s operational goals.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Reviewing procurement requisitions/expediters for accuracy and determining Contract Type, Solicitation Method and payment method
• Analyzing technical and complex contract specifications and scopes of work and assisting department requesters with refinement of these documents
• Developing solicitation documents including Requests for Proposals (RFP), Invitation for Bids (IFB), and Statement of Qualifications (RFQ), and administering a paper or fully electronic solicitation process which includes but is not limited to, conducting pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences, reviewing IFB/RFP responses, facilitating RFP evaluation process, preparing bid recaps/score sheets
• Negotiating contract terms with vendors, County Counsel and Risk Management
• Working with County Counsel and Risk Management to obtain review and approve contract language and non-standard terms and conditions
• Reviewing, refining and approving Sole Source request forms
• Providing pertinent procurement information for ASR when Board approval is required
• Mediating disputes/performance issues with contractor and department
• Developing contract amendments

The ideal candidate will possess two (2) years or more of knowledge and direct experience in public or private contract and/or procurement policies and practices. In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess extensive experience and knowledge in the following core competencies:

• Knowledge of the procurement process, establishment of contracts, effective negotiation methods, and contract management and oversight.
• Determining the appropriate methods of solicitations and contract type based on the various customer/stakeholder needs.
• Conducting complex solicitations, negotiating contracts, contract administration, and obtaining the appropriate levels of approval.
• Understanding of ethics, principles, and practices of professional procurement and government contracting interpreting multiple policies and making appropriate recommendations in adherence to relevant procurement or contract policies.
• Providing training and guidance to entry level procurement/contracts staff.
• Leveraging procurement technologies, data, and reporting tools to support informed and timely decision-making.
• Demonstrating commitment to continuous improvement, process streamlining, and innovation aligned with County procurement standards.

• Utilizing tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality in dealing with difficult and sensitive situations.
• Working effectively as part of a team to tackle and resolve issues; providing creative solutions to problems that achieve program and project objectives.
• Building effective, positive working…