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Salary range is $65k to $145k, with a midpoint of $105k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: 25 days of paid time off annually; 12 paid holidays;
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the IT Business Services Manager, the Acquisition and Contract Partner manages both acquisitions and contract management related functions for the Information Technology department in support of the Agency’s operations and capital program objectives to deliver best practice results, added value, and continuous improvements. This is an advanced professional-level position responsible for the management of various acquisition and contract management programs, integration with various IT Asset Management processes, change processes and close out activities.

This position is responsible for leading, overseeing and evaluating the work submitted by others and ensuring consistency by interpreting policies and procedures, creating and maintaining a functional framework, as well as providing expertise as a specialist in acquisition of software, technology related services and products in delivery of operations and capital projects. And will analyze complex issues, provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders, and ensure compliance with all applicable Sound Transit policy and practices.

This position is expected to train and coach managers and staff in established policy, new frameworks, and best practices. Excellent customer service and the ability work within multiple teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment is required of positions in this class. Communication skills are critically important, as positions are required to communicate with not only internal departments but also consultants, contractors, and suppliers. And expected to lead internal and external division or agency initiatives. As this position evolves, it is expected to develop a team of analysts over time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Build and maintain strong practice and discipline, with the ability to expand as necessary. Contribute to and support of the growth of a culture that forges teamwork, collaboration, and accountability, within the Information Technology Department, between Materials, Technology and Systems (MTS), and department stakeholders. Under the direction of the IT Business Services Manager, this role will lead by example and be a strong role model of the six Sound Transit values by providing guidance, mentorship, motivation and training and coaching when necessary.

• Lead IT Project, Program and operations staff in collaborating with MTS to support its facilitation of procurements and management of IT contracts for agency use, which includes: make recommendations for distributing and overseeing workload; provide QA and QC of procurement and contract management documents, collaborate with PCA to resolve contract and procurement issues; provide training to staff and customers; train and mentor developing and career professional level acquisition and contract management partners on all types of projects and delivery methods; lead business process improvement projects; coach, mentor and contribute to staff obtaining high levels of professional development; productivity and performance, and contribute to the development of performance evaluations as team grows.

• In collaboration with MTS, develop new acquisition and contract management programs for Contracted Workforce and existing acquisition activities under the direction of the division and ensuring compliance with all agency policies and procedures.

• Develop methods to evaluate and monitor programs to ensure customer satisfaction, quality, and team member performance are meeting or exceeding established goals.

• Collaborate with internal staff and other Sound Transit departments during development and management of acquisition and contract administration programs.

• Prepare and lead presentations for internal staff and Sound Transit departments on IT’s acquisition and contract programs.

• Collaborate with MTS to assist in their analysis of procurements to determine appropriate procurement approach while also serving as subject matter expert to department staff on acquisitions and primary point of contact with MTS on PCA’s procurement policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

• Develop and oversee the acquisition process for Information Technology operations, Programs and Projects in collaboration with MTS. This includes providing guidance to the department on the acquisition schedule and collaborating with MTS to support its management of the procurement process and their facilitation of procurements while ensuring compliance with Sound Transit internal policies and procedures.

• Guide and assist project teams in the development of project scope, evaluation criteria, and scoring. Review and recommend changes to technical specifications to ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.

• In coordination with project teams and MTS, analyze contract requirements, special provisions, terms and conditions to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

• Collaborate with MTS in its responsive/responsibility reviews as requested by MTS.

• Collaborate with MTS to ensure contracts include agreed upon terms, conditions, costs, and other required items as requested by MTS.

• Provide guidance to project team members and the contractor or consultant on internal policies and procedures and, in collaboration with MTS, on contractual terms and conditions.

• In coordination with MTS, resolve minor contractual disputes and assist MTS in resolving major contractual disputes between Sound Transit and the consultant or contractor.

• Institute practices to ensure invoices are compliant with contract terms and conditions prior to payment.

• Manage IT’s contract close out functions in accordance with contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.

• Lead IT’s collaboration with MTS to assist it in the creation or revision of forms and processes.

• Create or modify training materials and assist with the training of internal and external departments and stakeholders.

• Ensure internal database information is current, accurate, and updated in a timely manner.

• Create, prepare, review, and present reports as requested.

• Provide support to the division on matters as directed.

• Serve on internal and external committees, attend and participate in professional group meetings, and maintains awareness of new trends and developments related to the acquisition of IT products and services.

• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, contract management, information technology, or closely related field and four years of experience in purchasing/contract services work; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• None

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of Sound Transit’s acquisition programs and contract management programs.

• Excellent customer service, training and coaching skills.

• Ability to work within multiple teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Communication skills are critically important, as positions are required to communicate with not only internal departments but also outside agencies, consultants, and contractors, through presentations, outreach events, conferences, and other events.

• Ability to use independent judgment and creativity to resolve issues while performing all functions independently.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Majority of work is performed in a standard office environment or remote home office.

• Ability to wear and operate safety gear when on site.

• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)