Contract Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Cookorate and manage procurement of complex and highly technical materials, equipment, and services on a competitive basis.
• Create contract specifications and standards for the department.
• Confer with the department’s engineering, operations, maintenance, and other technical personnel to develop detailed and technical specifications.
• Research and recommend the type and quality of materials, services, supplies, and equipment.
• Cookorate with Harris County Purchasing Agents to procure contracts for different divisions.
• Research, write, review, and evaluate purchase orders, contracts, and bid specifications for complex and highly technical materials, equipment, and services, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with County and departmental policies and procedures.
• Develop or assist with solicitations (RFPs, RFQs), including writing specifications, evaluating bids, working with procurement teams, and ensuring competitive procurement practices.
• Research vendors and evaluate their ability to provide and the availability of quality materials, equipment, and services.
• Administer contract amendments, renewals, extensions, terminations, or closeouts. Ensure all modifications follow policy and are properly documented.
• Maintain contract files, records, and data systems; prepare internal and external reports on contract status, contractor performance, risks, and financials.
• Serve as a liaison between legal, finance, programming teams, procurement, and vendors. Address questions, resolve contract-related issues, and ensure alignment with programmatic goals.
• Develop or contribute to policies, procedures, and best practices related to contract management to ensure consistency, compliance, and efficiency.
• Participate in long-range purchase planning and needs analysis to simplify and standardize service and commodity types and reduce costs.
• Perform duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Materials Management, Engineering, Purchasing, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in contract development, management, monitoring, or procurement.
• Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs): Strong contract management and negotiation skills; analytical skills; attention to detail and strong organization; excellent communication skills (written & verbal); ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment; proficiency with contract management or procurement software/systems; ability to manage multiple contracts/projects concurrently, meeting deadlines.
• Licensure: Valid Texas Driver's License upon hire, and a good driving record.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement

• In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols.
• The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must: Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities; Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events; Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events; Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.