Complex Procurement - Contract Specialist IV

About the role

Procurement and Contracting Services is seeking a Contract Specialist IV to perform all purchasing activities prior to contract execution. The position involves receiving requisitions, reviewing scopes of work, selecting procurement methods, preparing evaluation criteria, advertising solicitation documents, processing responses, and coordinating respondent proposal evaluations. The specialist collaborates with stakeholders, works under the Complex Procurement Section, and handles moderately complex health‑care services using RFP and RFQ methods with minimal supervision.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop, review, and track solicitation and contract documents ensuring compliance throughout the procurement cycle (25%).
• Coordinate solicitation timelines with program staff, revise as needed, and communicate changes (20%).
• Ensure agency procurements comply with state purchasing laws and HHSC policies and procedures (15%).
• Monitor correspondence, issues, and action items to facilitate timely responses and resolve issues, including processing Open Records requests (15%).
• Serve as a PCS representative at meetings related to anticipated or in‑flight procurements (10%).
• Maintain procurement files in compliance with Texas purchasing, record retention, and HHSC/PCS policies (10%).
• Perform other duties as assigned, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation (5%).
• Provide customer service excellence in alignment with PCS Customer Service Principles, demonstrating the eight core pillars of customer service.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing state purchasing.
• Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of Texas procurement principles and practices.
• Skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources.
• Critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize, set, and schedule work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Multi‑tasking ability under tight timelines.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to logically assemble and evaluate information.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to provide good customer service and train others.
• Proficiency with MS Word, MS Excel; basic SharePoint and MS Project skills preferred.

Registrations, Licensure, or Certifications

Must obtain Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification within six months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Minimum of two years of experience in purchasing, solicitation development, project management, contract management, or case management.
• Experience with the State of Texas and project management preferred.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time‑off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional benefits detailed on the “Benefits of Working at HHS” webpage.

Pay

Salary range: $4,801.16 – $5,666.62 per month (pay frequency: monthly). Salary Group: TEXAS‑B‑22.

Schedule

Full‑time, non‑exempt position. Primary shift: Day (Days – First). Position may be eligible for telework subject to agency policies and supervisor discretion.