Director-Procurement & Contracts-MTS

Salary range is $145k to $247k, with a midpoint of $196k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance discount.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Chief Procurement and Contracts Officer (CPO), serves as Director, Procurement & Contracts managing professional and administrative staff in the Materials, Technology and Services (MTS) section of the Procurement, Contracts and Agreements Division. Delivers centralized cradle-to-grave procurement and contract administration services for the Agency. Performs the full range of supervisory and management duties involved in the review, preparation, award, analysis, administration and close-out of contracts in area of assignment for the Agency in accordance with policies, procedures and in compliance with all state, federal and local regulations and laws; leads or assists Agency departments and project managers in selection of procurement methods and strategies; responds to questions and issues and provides technical expertise and assistance related to associated contracts. Assists in the preparation and analysis of reports for leadership. Ensures compliance with applicable Agency, State and Federal regulations; and directs the supervision, training and mentoring of procurement staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Works closely with the other direct reports of the Chief Procurement and Contracts Officer (CPO) and contributes to the building of the PCA team with high standards of performance, collaboration and customer service;
• Exercises procurement authority delegated by the CPO including contract execution;
• Evaluates, coaches, trains and motivates staff; manages employee relations; directs and manages the workflow and prioritization of projects; measures performance of the section and all related staff; establishes professional development plans for staff and implements or recommends corrective actions to improve performance and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary;
• Directs procurement personnel in the review, processing and monitoring of contracts, bids/proposals, and purchase orders through Sound Transit's procurement process; reviews solicitations, contracts, addenda, clarifications and contract modifications; and assists and meets with internal customers regarding complex procurement issues, questions, training and general assistance.
• Develops new or improved administrative and procurement procedures to ensure economy and efficiency of operation.
• Interprets and directs the development of contract provisions and reviews contracts for accuracy; coordinates and review with the CPO and Legal as applicable; and evaluates and approves changes prior to bid and renewal.
• Directs, and manages the preparation of contract and administrative reports for upper management.
• Interfaces with consultants and contractors to achieve conflict resolution; investigates claims where suppliers fail to provide services or materials as specified and pursues corrective action including contract termination.
• Manages and provides direction on complex procurement methodologies.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, priorities and budgets for assigned projects, services, and functional area within the Division; and makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Participates in Division and Agency-wide initiatives, such as business process improvement or new system implementations; represents PCA requirements to ensure compliance including internal controls. Participates and promotes Agency programs designed to include participation by Small Businesses and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE's) businesses in Sound Transit's procurement program and participates in and promotes "Green" initiatives. Performs ongoing programmatic reviews to assess effectiveness of services.
• Directs the Agency's Purchase Card Program, and manage or participate in the Agency's Continuous Process Improvement Program.
• Provides support to the CPO and Division on matters as directed; coordinates participation on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees with other direct reports of the CPO; serves as liaison to the federal transit administration (FTA) and other Agencies regarding procurement audit issues; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, or closely related field and eight years of experience in complex public contracting and procurement services, preferably in transit/ transportation related field. Six years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must have or obtain within 12-months of hire a Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or Officer (CPPO) or equivalent professional certification.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Principles and practices of leadership and public administration
• Principles and public procurement systems and processes.
• Principles and practices of contract administration as applied to the public sector.
• Contract cost and price analysis principles and practices.
• State and federal contracting requirements including Federal Transit Administration requirements.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including applicable Washington State Laws and other statues related to the use of public funds.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Contract law and ability to interpret terms and conditions.
• Advanced negotiation principles and practices.
• Project management techniques and principles.
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles of customer service.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other division staff, management, suppliers, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Performing a full range of duties involved in participating in the services and activities of the procurement process within the Procurement and Contracts Division.
• Preparing moderately complex contracts, agreements, and management reports.
• Negotiating and identifying solutions that balance the Agency's interests and those of the negotiating partner(s), within financial capacity and other constraints.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports using complex data.
• Interpreting and applying federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Contract management and oversight.
• Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.
• Applying project management techniques and principles.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
• Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills demonstrated by formal presentation experience and report preparation.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.