This is highly responsible managerial work concerned with contracting operations to include managing and reviewing contracts through their life-cycle, negotiating contract terms and conditions, analyzing potential risks involved with certain contract agreements, and standardizing contractual norms across the County in relation to its procurement functions.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

Work involves serving as the subject-matter expert for procurement strategy management functions, policy development, and process improvement. The position operates as a change-agent within the procurement organization and assists in leading technology and process improvement efforts for Anne Arundel County procurement activities. Work includes serving as the technical official regarding procurement strategy management functions and is performed under the administrative direction of the Purchasing Agent and the Central Services Officer and is reviewed through conferences and reports.(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimal qualifications and salary level for this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of the class.)

Provides leadership, oversight, technical expertise, and management within the organization.

Instructs the development, coordination, and revision of County contract terminology and contract terms, comparing proposed changes to existing regulations, and determining how best to ensure new/proposed language encompasses desired changes and best practices.

Updates, trains, and maintains the contract administration policy across the organization.

Identifies contractual risks and implements appropriate provisions to mitigate them.

Reviews terms and conditions to identify potential risks in areas such as financial terms, acceptance criteria, delivery requirements, and intellectual property, while recommending corresponding risk mitigation strategies.

Supports negotiations of claims, manages contractual changes, and resolves disputes or conflict resolution with Suppliers.

Works collaboratively with Using Agencies to ensure proper Supplier Management across the contract life-cycle.

Prepares, develops, and maintains a contract kick-off meeting, maintains contract deliverables through the life-cycle, closes out contracts, and provides meaningful reporting details Countywide on contractual requirements.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of planning and evaluating programs and operations, overseeing the organization's technical and managerial activities related to the contracting function, and ensuring that agency regulation and guidance implement statutory requirements and sound policies across the entire spectrum of procurement.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern procurement systems and strong computer experience in a Windows environment, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.).

Thorough knowledge of the various types and grades of commodities.

Thorough knowledge of sources of supply, contractors, bidders, and of market and price trends.

Thorough knowledge of standard types, forms, and legal requirements of contracts.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance administration.

Skill in planning and developing procurement strategies and using data to analyze root causes to resolve problems.

Skill in using diverse sources of information to make decisions on behalf of management.

Ability to analyze and evaluate highly complex bids using Microsoft Excel, Access, or other software products.

Ability to manage a diverse central purchasing and service operations, and lead a collaborative team.

Ability to interact effectively with administrative officials, contractors, employees, and the public with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to negotiate successful outcomes.

Ability to function with minimal supervision and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public or business administration or a related field; six (6) or more years of experience in governmental purchasing to include five (5) or more years of progressively responsible management of other procurement professionals; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTE: Accredited University or College is the recognition from an accrediting agency that an institution maintains a certain level of educational standards. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accrediting agencies it recognizes for schools within the United States. For a University or College outside the United States, the applicant must provide documentation of accreditation and educational equivalency, which can be accomplished through a credential evaluation service. Applicants with a foreign degree must provide this documentation upon the close of the announcement.Ten (10) or more years of experience managing the entire contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiating, and administering agreements to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, protect the organization's financial interests, and maintain strong supplier relationships.

An ideal candidate will possess a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), or similar certification, or will become certified within two (2) years of employment with the County.

Contract Administration Manager (Procurement Strategy Manager)

Job Type