IT / Operations Contracts And Procurement Manager (Wms2/Dls)

IT / Operations Contracts and Procurement Manager (WMS2/DLS)

71074851

The Legislature has also approved a 3% general wage increase for all state employees, effective July 1, 2024.

This position provides expert level advice on state contracting and procurement and oversees a high volume of contracting and procurement for HCA operations units, including complex information technology (IT) contracts. This position manages, trains, and mentors contracting and procurement staff in the Division of Legal Services. The ideal candidate will demonstrate aptitude in building relationships and earning trust with diverse a group of program, fiscal, and other department staff, a deep knowledge of state contracting and procurement, and possess demonstrated experience with complex IT and operations contracting and/or procurements.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

Within the Central Services Administration of HCA, the Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides the people, processes, and expertise to reduce risk while meeting the agency's strategic goals. Within DLS, the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) is managed by the agency's Contracts Administrator. The Contracts and Procurement Manager - Central Services Unit Supervisor - reports directly to the Contracts Administrator and is responsible for complex contracting and acquisitions services and supervision of contracts professionals.

About the position:

This position supervises the Contract Specialists that perform the procurement and contracting activity for the HCA central services divisions and includes large IT and Operations contracts and procurements. This position is authorized to negotiate acquisitions and contracts with public and private entities, make decisions regarding acquisition/contract policy and procedure, and interpret those policies and procedures. This position is a leader and actively participates in agency-wide quality improvement projects.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Some of what you will do:

• Supervises, leads, and manages a unit of professional contracts and procurement professionals assigned to support the HCA central services divisions such as IT, HR, Facilities, Legal, Policy, Planning and Performance, Executive Office, and Communications ensuring that the contracting and procurement activities have the legal and administrative support to purchase high quality services for those divisions.

• Manages staff in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, HCA policies and procedures, and applicable law.

• Initiates, manages, and completes the most complex IT contracts and operations procurements of the agency, including managing and facilitating protest debriefings with non-successful bidders.

• Approves, develops, and manages advertising for competitive solicitations.

• Develops the work plan for competitive contract solicitations.

• Manages and provides oversight of appropriate solicitation processes by working in conjunction with program and fiscal staff to ensure compliance with program and fiscal requirements. This position is responsible for the procurement and contracting activity assigned to its unit.

• Independently writes and/or provides technical advice for the Scope of Work and other procurement documents for agency staff and external constituents using best practices and in compliance with state and agency policies. Coaches staff to do the same.

• Negotiates contracts and agreements verbally and in writing by interacting with vendors, internal staff, and other state agency staff.

• Researches laws, rules, policies and procedures related to the development and execution of procurements of all types used by HCA, including the interpretation of published federal or state rules or requirements in order to accurately advise agency staff.

• Provides technical assistance to internal and external constituents and stakeholders regarding contract activities.

• Timely and accurately enters data according to established office procedures.

• Trains authorized system users to ensure appropriate data is entered and systems are used according to office procedures.

• Creates timely and accurate reports for management and other HCA staff, including analysis of data to enable decision making on contract issues or process/procedural issues.

• Independently reviews and/or approves contract requests and determines applicable regulations.

• This position is the DES, OFM, OCIO, CTS and the contractor's liaison to various HCA programs and divisions.

• Works with the Contracts Administrator to initiate efforts improving utilization of contracts, leases, and other agreements.

• Researches and stays current on contracting and procurement laws, rules, regulations, best-practices and trends.

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will satisfy one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

• A law degree from an accredited college or university and
• 3 years of advanced/senior/expert level state government or closely related private sector experience procuring, negotiating, administering or terminating contracts.

Option 2:

• Master's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, contracting, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics or closely allied field and
• 4 years of experience as described above.

Option 3:

• Bachelor's degree in one of the above academic disciplines and 
• 5 years of experience as described above.

Option 4:

• Associate's degree and 
• 7 years of experience as described above.

Option 5:

• 9 years of experience as described above.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience:

• Experience planning and leading complex IT related procurements in state or federal government.

• Experience handling Customer Service questions and complaints in a pleasant and professional manner.

• Experience dealing with others in a straightforward and honest manner, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting agency values.

• Two or more years of project management experience.

• Supervisory experience including conducting employee performance reviews.

• Law degree from an ABA accredited university.

Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of RCW 39.26, DES policies and OCIO policies.

• Ability to navigate DES mater contract purchases and procurements.

• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, prioritize workloads, meet deadlines, and provide independent strategic direction/decision making.

• Demonstrated ability to meet commitments, work independently, accept accountability, stay focused under pressure.

• Gives the appropriate attention to detail and accuracy, has a commitment to excellence, strives for continuous quality improvement.

• Ability to clearly communicate complex information, verbally and in writing to a non-technical audience.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position

• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.

• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA 

• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values

• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.

• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits

• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.

• Tuition reimbursement

• And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov and 360.725.0945.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.