Contract and Procurement Advisor (SA 1)

Position Description 

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) provides solid waste and drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses and drinking water for the 1.4 million regional customers both in Seattle and the 26 municipalities and special water districts also served by the Utility. "Our Promise" (Download PDF reader) to the community is to deliver efficient and forward-looking utility services that keep Seattle the best place to live. Our customers depend on us to be there for them – to deliver utility services reliably and to spend their dollars wisely.

SPU is currently seeking a Contracts and Procurement Advisor to join SPU’s Contracts & Procurement Division.  The Division is responsible for the procurement of goods and services for the Utility, including the administration of professional service contracts and inter-agency agreements.  The team is responsible for leading strategic planning efforts, including determining the best pathway to procurement, assessing risk, and establishing expectations and timelines.  They advise staff on local, state, and federal regulations and requirements, SPU policies and procedures, and best practices related to procurement, with a focus on fiscal responsibility, inclusiveness, and equity. This position reports to the Contracts & Procurement Division Manager.

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader) 
• Strategic Business Plan 

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Job Responsibilities 

• Administer professional and non-professional service and goods contracts, and inter-agency agreements.
• Plan, develop, solicit, evaluate, negotiate, and execute contracts and agreements.
• Provide technical advice on scope and specification development, solicitation options and strategies, negotiations, and contract maintenance; and local, state, and federal regulations requirements.
• Manage and maintain procurement records and respond to audit and public disclosure requests.
• Develop and communicate procurement policies, processes, and best practices; and develop and provide training to SPU staff, consultants, and vendors.
• Actively participate in process improvement initiatives, systems development, and development of documentation, forms and templates, and training materials.
• Serve as liaison to the City’s purchasing and contracting division, risk management office, city law, budget office, and council.
• Perform market and industry research and analysis.
• Represent SPU at contracting and procurement forums and events.
• Maintain the integrity of the public procurement process.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications 

Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in contract administration, grant administration, project management, financial/accounting analysis, or related work.

Education: A Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, finance, accounting or other field related to this work.

Experience/Education Equivalency: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class may be substituted for the required education or experience.

Special Conditions: This position will work in an office environment with both office and frontline staff.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in public sector contracts and procurement.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or similar procurement software and/or contract management systems.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to collaborate and provide a high level of customer service.
• Advance oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Advanced skill level in using MS Office applications.
• Certification from the National Contract Management Association, The Institute for Public Procurement, or related professional organization.

Additional Information 

How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should address your knowledge and experience related to the position.

Workplace Environment: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be required to come into the office twice a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $41.01 - $61.51 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.