Contract Specialist

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, you’ll find a workplace culture that is anchored in our collective mindsets: collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, thoughtful decision-making, active listening, and always believing the best in people. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location:  Facilities Management Department (FMD) Administration Building, located on San Diego International Airport campus’s north end and sits adjacent to the rental car facility, providing one-of-a-kind views of our runway, along with several outdoor terraces and courtyards for employees to engage with nature. 
• Hybrid Work Schedule: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule, with an opportunity for remote work based on operational requirements, while supporting both in-office collaboration and remote productivity. 
• Salary: The hiring salary for Contract Specialist is starting at $90,641. The full pay range for Contract Specialist is $74,601-$126,823.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: June 26, 2025. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job:

The Facilities Management department is seeking a Contract Specialist with a solutions-focused, tech-savvy approach to managing the full contract lifecycle—from initial planning and source selection through closeout and performance evaluation. This professional-level role is comparable in scope and complexity to a Contract Administrator and is key to ensuring that contracts not only meet legal and procedural requirements but also support operational efficiency, vendor accountability, and service excellence across the airport.

The Contract Specialist works closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to monitor and negotiate a wide range of contracts that directly impact the safety, functionality, and sustainability of airport facilities. Whether managing a routine maintenance agreement or a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project, this role ensures every scope of work aligns with expectations, budgets, and compliance standards.

This position collaborates with project managers, procurement teams, and legal counsel to troubleshoot issues, recommend improvements, and mitigate risks. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical thinking and a solid understanding of procurement principles to guide project teams through the complexities of contract management.

The role offers an engaging mix of structure and variety. No two days are the same, and the work has a visible impact across the airport campus—from the quality of vendor performance to the long-term value of capital investments. It is a unique opportunity to influence how SAN delivers services to the traveling public and the community it serves.

What You’ll Do:

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Oversees all phases from proposal to closeout, including planning, bidding, source selection, performance tracking, and compliance resolution.
• Document Development and Oversight: Prepares and updates scopes of work, RFPs, RFQs, contracts, amendments, and change orders; ensures consistency with contracting standards.
• Contract Negotiation and Administration: Leads negotiations, recommends awards, ensures contract effectiveness, manages terminations and closeouts, and mitigates risk.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partners with internal departments and cross-functional teams throughout the contract process; facilitates receipt and organization of contract documentation.
• Contract Process Leadership: Serves as the primary contact for contract-related inquiries; maintains documentation, tracks key dates, and provides status updates; supports process improvements and staff training.
• Operational Improvement and Reporting: Contributes to budgeting, identifies efficiency opportunities, aligns practices with industry standards, prepares data reports, and promotes workplace safety.

The Skills You Need:

1. Technical & Process Knowledge – Develops and manages contracts, ensures compliance, and improves processes through structured frameworks.
2. Critical Thinking – Analyzes data and requirements to recommend solutions that align with business goals.
3. Problem-Solving & Agility – Responds to evolving situations with adaptable, data-driven solutions that drive continuous improvement.
4. Communication – Clearly conveys complex information across formats; builds collaborative relationships and aligns messaging with organizational goals.
5. Integrity – Acts transparently, resolves conflicts, and upholds organizational values in all decisions.
6. Technology Use – Proficient in electronic systems and digital tools to support contract administration and communication.

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Five years of contract development and administration experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in acquisition and contract management, business or public administration, engineering, or a closely related field.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

Designation as a Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Procurement Professional (CPP), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Master Certificate in Contract Management, Certified Contract Management Associate.

**Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value diverse experiences and a willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.