Contracting & Acquisition Administrator

This position is located in the Administrative Services Division - Procurement - Finance Section in Oklahoma City. All applicants must be able to pass a background check and must be able to legally work within the United States. DEQ does not allow sponsorship for those on an H1B visa. This position requires in-office work Monday - Friday; there is no remote work allowed.

About the Role

Direct oversight of agency procurement and requisition function in the acquisition of goods and services used to support agency operations. This includes developing and implementing agency policies and procedures, directing staff functions, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and rules concerning the procurement of goods and services.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates acquisition activities for the agency; develops contract specifications, program evaluation, and problem resolutions.
• Provides direction to staff involved in planning and coordinating acquisition services; supervises staff; establishes performance standards and evaluates work performed.
• Researches and interprets applicable federal and state laws, regulations, rules, and policies; provides interpretation of policy and procedures to staff and outside entities.
• Develops and enforces agency policies to ensure compliance consistent with various federal and state requirements.
• Mediates disputes between vendors and agencies; reviews facts and recommends appropriate settlements.
• Acts as liaison to OMES (Office of Management and Enterprise Services).
• Prepares budgets and necessary reports and maintains records for the area of responsibility; develops immediate and long-range financial plans for inclusion in the agency’s financial plan.
• Participates in top-level management meetings concerning policies and procedures; recommends changes in statewide standards and specifications.
• Represents the agency at public and private sector meetings to explain the functions, procedures, and legal guidelines concerning state purchases and contracts.

Requirements

• Knowledge of contracting methods pertaining to the acquisition of a wide variety of goods and services.
• Knowledge of contract administration principles and practices necessary to monitor contractor performance and resolve disputes.
• Knowledge of state purchasing laws and regulations, assigned commodities and services, sources of supply, recent developments, trends, and improvements in products, and economic factors affecting acquisition.
• Knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Ability to direct an agency acquisition function; to write and review purchase requisitions and specifications; to evaluate bids and award contracts; to identify sources of supply; to monitor contract performance and resolve disputes.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

Education and experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in business administration and five years of experience in business or office management, including four years in purchasing, acquisition, or supply; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of technical experience in purchasing or in writing and/or reviewing purchase requisitions or specifications for each year of the required education.

Skills

• Proficient in using DEQ standard software (Office 365, OnBase, PeopleSoft, etc.), the Internet, and other software as necessary or willingness to train in areas where not proficient.
• Effective and diplomatic communication (both verbal and written) with DEQ and other agency personnel, and with the public.
• Capable of participating in training to enhance work skills, especially as upgrades to various software applications are required.
• Ability to perform tasks of other employees to serve in that capacity during their absences.
• Willingness to change work schedule to work weekends, off hours, holidays, and extended hours if needed.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lifting/carrying 75 pounds.
• Frequently lifting/carrying 25 pounds.
• Able to push and pull a maximum force of 40 pounds.
• Able to lift and hold overhead up to 40 pounds.
• Other work will be in an office environment with computer and telephone use.

Special Requirements

• Requires possession of a valid Oklahoma driver’s license at the time of appointment.
• Requires a Certified Procurement Officer (CPO) Level II certification.

Pay

Hiring Rate: Level I - $97,614.40

Benefits

• Generous leave including 15 days of vacation, 15 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
• A comprehensive benefit package with a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

Application Requirements

All applicants must upload a resume, a transcript, and CPO Certification to be considered for this position.