Procurement And Contract Operations Manager
The Procurement and Contract Operations Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a Manager whose position will involve administering the daily operations of procurement related activities. Work involves overseeing and/or establishing program goals and objectives; planning, coordinating, and/or overseeing the purchase of commodities and services; preparing, reviewing and approving procurement documents; and monitoring the maintenance of detailed records of items purchased, received, prepared, and issued. Will supervise the work of others.
The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.
Essential Position Functions
- Oversees and/or coordinates purchasing goals and objectives.
- Oversees and/or coordinates the preparation, review, tracking, and processing of purchase orders.
- Provides input and/or coordinates the development of purchasing program guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, or regulations, and monitors staff compliance with policies and procedures.
- Coordinates and/or develops and provides training to staff regarding purchasing and procurement practices and policies.
- Reviews the preparation and distribution of bid invitations to vendors.
- Reviews and/or prepares bid specifications.
- Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to purchasing and procurement.
- Utilizes the CAPPS purchasing module and be able to troubleshoot to assist staff.
- Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to improve operations.
- Provides technical expertise and guidance regarding questions related to the business function, division, or department.
- Performs related work as assigned.
- Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions.
- Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule.
- Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.
- Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.
- Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, or a related field is generally preferred.
- Experience: Eight (8) years of full-time experience in procurement and contracting.
- Knowledge of Contract initiation process and procurement methods and procedures, Knowledge of Contract management principles, dispute resolution, monitoring, and budget.
- A thorough understanding of the contract management lifecycle is also required.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to a business function, division, or department; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
- Skill in effective oral and written communication.
- Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision-making.
- Ability to manage business function, division, or department activities; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
- Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment.
- Ability to provide excellent customer service.
- Ability to work in person at assigned OAG work location, perform all assigned tasks at designated OAG workspace within OAG work location, and perform in-person work with coworkers (e.g., collaborating, training, mentoring) for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave).
- Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel.
- Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA.
- Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.
- Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 5%.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ten (10) years of full-time experience in procurement and contracting.
- 5-7 years of experience in the purchasing and procurement of goods and services for public entities.
- Preference given to candidates with TX CAPPS purchasing system experience.
- Proficient in the full procurement lifecycle—from planning and solicitation development to vendor selection, contract negotiation, and contract administration.
- Understanding purchasing thresholds, competitive bidding processes, and how to leverage cooperative or approved contracts is important for efficient and transparent operations, and of the principles of business administration and accounting.
- Critical thinking, logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Strategic thinking and analytical, Negotiation and Vendor Management, Financial Acumen, Leadership and Team Management, Communication and interpersonal skills, Attention to Detail, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
- Must possess a balanced blend of strategic, analytical, and leadership abilities to successfully manage the full procurement lifecycle.
- This role requires strong knowledge of procurement laws, contracts, and compliance requirements; advanced negotiation and vendor management skills; and the ability to analyze market trends, pricing, and risk to make sound purchasing decisions.
- Equally important are leadership and communication abilities to guide teams, collaborate across departments, resolve conflicts, and clearly convey expectations.
- A successful manager must demonstrate sound judgment, ethical decision-making, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and a continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency, cost savings, and value for the OAG.
- Required Certifications: Must possess or obtain the following certifications within 6 months of hiring. Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) and Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).
- Ability to proficiently read, write, and speak English.
To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Your application for this position may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to the Texas Government Code. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf.
OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER