Director, Contracts

Basic Function

Responsible for developing and directing contract administration functions within the Office of Procurement. Provides line direction and supervision of all contract-related activities. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

* Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g., training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff, and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.* Performs contract administration from contract inception through performance, contract completion and close-out.* Responsible for developing and implementing good contracting practices and procedures.* Reviews new contracts and agreements for consistency and adherence to all mandatory state and federal regulations.* Monitors existing contracts to ensure they meet federal, state and local contract requirements.* Directs the planning, preparation and acquisition of all Capital Projects including technical engineering projects and systems such as light rail and other transportation modes.* Directs the preparation and processing of requests for any exceptions to existing contracts, procurement of equipment or other actions requiring approval of the President & CEO and/or Board of Directors.* Reviews and submits all regular, special, and final reports for final approval.* Ensures that METRO meets and/or exceeds the small business requirements that have been established by METRO.* Supervises audits of contracts to ensure compliance and facilitates close-out of completed contracts.* Provides technical and administrative guidance on work assignments and methods.* Documents inaccuracies as they occur and maintains sufficient documentation to advise employees of their performance.* Designs and develops contract plans and programs to assist in implementing METRO's guidelines and objectives.* Participates in negotiations with suppliers on all conflicts or questions on prices, deliveries, contract specifications, etc.* Furnish analyses and cost data for use in scheduling, planning, budgeting and other functional activities.* Participates in the submission of the department's annual budget and merit plan.* Develops and maintains procedures/guidelines to ensure contract support practices are maintained at an acceptable level.* Manages the internal and external department training program.* Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.* Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).* Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.* Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration or related a degree is required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum eight (8) years business management experience. Experience to include five (5) years managerial/supervisory responsibility.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Personnel management skills, excellent communications (written/verbal) skills, and good organizational skills. Strong knowledge of contracting practices and good negotiation skills. Working knowledge of PC's and related applications/software. Knowledge of Technical Specifications and Professional Scope of Services. CPM designation is preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr