About This Position

 

The Contract Management Specialist IV reports through the Finance Division of Austin Energy. Through this division, the Austin Energy Contract Management team works closely with the City of Austin Purchasing Office and Legal Services to provide contract management advice, consulting, training, and support for a wide range of goods and services contracts and solicitations for the Utility. The successful candidate will provide contract support by performing the following duties: monitoring contracts for compliance, monitoring contract expenditures, providing training, reviewing purchase requests for compliance with the contract, performing contract releases in the financial system, preparing reports, reviewing invoices for compliance with the contract, developing solicitation and contract documents in accordance with City of Austin policies and procedures, and documenting/addressing compliance/performance issues. This position is fast moving with constant interruptions and competing priorities.

 

Job Description:

Contract Management Specialist IV

Purpose:

Under minimal direction, performs contract development and administration for highly complex or high dollar commodity or services contracts.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Develops and drafts new contracts by analyzing market and economic conditions and applying current trends to contract development; preparing scopes of work and/or specifications; negotiating with vendors/contractors; writing terms and conditions; and developing effective performance measures; investigates alternative purchasing methods and recommends procedures for implementation.  Limited signature authority as delegated by the Purchasing Office and relevant administrative bulletins.

• Manages and administers existing contracts by determining compliance through performance monitoring; negotiating and writing amendments and revisions to scopes of work and/or specifications.

• Resolves non-compliance issues by investigating and resolving contract-related discrepancies, complaints, and disputes between all involved parties; canceling and/or terminating contracts and negotiating settlement agreements; and resolving appeals and claims.

• Provides consulting expertise to internal and external customers by developing and providing formal contract management training, interpreting contractual provisions, and providing advice on all facets of contract development, administration and management.

• Provides contract information in response to inquiries from City Council, City Management, Boards and Commissions, vendors, and other stakeholders.

• Prepares and presents reports by compiling, reviewing, and analyzing data and providing written and/or oral reports to management.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of contract law, contracting practices, regulations, policies and techniques.

• Knowledge of contracts, including contract development, contract language, terms, conditions, etc.

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and Local laws

• Knowledge of community resources and structures.

• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in using computers and related software applications

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing

• Skill in negotiation.

• Ability to interpret policies, procedures and regulations.

• Ability to impartially summarize and evaluate factors related to contracts

• Ability to write specific terms of conditions for contracts

• Ability to enforce contractual obligations

• Ability to resolve complex, contractual issues

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public

• Ability to train others

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor?s degree from an accredited college or university plus four (4) years of experience in a related field.

• A Master’s Degree may substitute for required experience up to a maximum of two (2) years

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing scopes and statements of work (SOW) for services contracts.

• Experience and expertise monitoring contracts for compliance.

• Experience issuing purchase order documents in AIMS/Advantage, Maximo, or other similar system.

• Experience researching information in AIMS/Advantage, Maximo, or other similar systems.

• Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Excel for analyzing and presenting financial data.

• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word.

• Organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks in an environment with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Pay Range: Entry: $68,660.00 - Mid: $85,830.00

Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00AM - 5:00PM) - Telework opportunities may be available after an initial training period.

Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin Texas 78723

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. 

• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.

• Responses to supplemental questions regarding experience should also be clearly documented in the ‘Experience’ section of the main application.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.

• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.

• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.

• To ensure a thorough evaluation of your qualifications, please answer all applicable questions in the questionnaire section completely. Incomplete, brief, or one-line responses may not provide enough detail and could impact your eligibility to move forward in the selection process.

• Current City of Austin employees must submit their application through ‘Job Hubs’ in Workday to be considered.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution

• This position may require a criminal background investigation.

Good Standing Employees

Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and all of the preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview. Department/division employee must remain in Good Standing through the Top Candidate Selection phase at which time the Good Standing status will be re-verified. 

Assessments:

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

Candidates selected for interview(s) may be required to complete an assessment(s) approved by Municipal Civil Service process, Rule 4.

Critical:

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Fair Labor Standards Act:

This position is considered FLSA Exempt. Exempt employees are salaried and, except as provided, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records.

.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.