Services Manager - Washington State Ferries

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world’s longest floating bridge, leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington’s transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is currently seeking a Contracts Services Manager to serve as a subject matter expert supporting critical contracting and agreement functions across the ferry system’s capital and operating programs. This position plays a vital role in managing contract risk, guiding strategic business initiatives, and ensuring agreements effectively support vessel operations, terminal infrastructure, and public service delivery.

Working closely with executive leadership, the Attorney General’s Office, and external partners, this role helps ensure contractual relationships are structured to support safe, reliable, and efficient ferry operations. The Contracts Services Manager contributes directly to WSF’s ability to meet legislative requirements, deliver essential transportation services, and maintain the infrastructure that connects communities across Washington State.

As we navigate a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation to decarbonize our system—guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow, Navigate—and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People—there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Contract Services Manager will:

• Supervise and provide day‑to‑day directions to Contract Coordinator II staff, including work assignment, training, and workload coordination supporting WSF capital and operating programs.
• Manage contract development and administration, including monitoring performance, processing amendments, and resolving contract compliance issues.
• Serve as a primary point of contact with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), coordinating documentation and supporting contractual matters and proceedings.
• Provide contract guidance and technical expertise to WSF managers and project teams regarding procurement, contract requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop competitive bid packages and draft complex contracts and interagency agreements supporting vessel construction, terminal improvements, and operating programs.
• Review contract terms and conditions, identify risks and compliance issues, and assist in resolution of claims and contract disputes.
• Coordinate with WSF departments, contractors, and funding agencies to support project development, procurement compliance, and contract execution.
• Support contract‑related business functions, including concession agreements, insurance coordination, revenue reporting, and compliance with equity and funding requirements.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Public Sector Contracting and Procurement Expertise
  • Demonstrated knowledge of public‑sector contracting, procurement, and agreement development practices supporting complex operating and capital programs.
• Contract Risk Analysis…