Contract Specialist

Job Title: Contract Specialist

Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Service Delivery Manager

Department: Operations

Location: Tehachapi, CA or Lancaster, CA

About us:

Race Communications is one of California’s leading telecommunications and fiber technology companies, offering a full range of communications services and competing in over 25 markets with investments totaling $150M in recent years. Working in partnership with several public and private entities, Race focuses its efforts on building top-tier networks that service small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. Our comprehensive network has brought significant improvements to local entities, education, community services, and public safety across the state. In today's connected world, reliable, high-speed internet is an absolute necessity, and it is our company's mission to provide advanced communications at an affordable price. Race focuses its efforts towards building world-class fiber networks and offering gigabit internet service to communities throughout California.

Job Summary:

The Contract Specialist will work directly with Race Communications Contractors within the Operations Department. The Contract Specialist is responsible for scouting new contractors for existing and new markets. The Contract Specialist will negotiate with contractors to meet the Company's goals and will ensure that contractors are able to use Race systems to fulfil the needs of our customers. This position will include processing contractors’ invoices post QC and handling any disputes related to billing. A high level of detail and strong communication skills are required.

What You’ll Do:

• Scouts new and existing market areas for subcontractors
• Negotiates and renegotiates pricing and needs with new and existing contractors
• Creates and modifies templates and forms needed for Race’s contractors
• Works with Contractors to ensure invoices are formatted for processing
• Provides general oversight and auditing of contractor invoices
• Creates Purchase Requests for contractors’ payments
• Ensures contractor vehicles have Race approved magnets
• Assists the IT Team with Contractors Onboarding
• Works closely with Field Services team to understand their needs for each market
• Meets with contractors in new Markets upon launch
• Conducts regular meetings with each contractor to discuss issues and resolutions
• Provides training documents to contractors for new products and services offered by Race, policy changes that relate to installation as new products are introduced, share via email, conference call or live meeting
• Writes new and modifies existing procedures that will scale with Race’s growth
• Organizes and maintains the repository of information in IDC given by our contractors
• Works with our Dev Team to implement new features to support Race’s contractors
• Produces various reports to monitor and track the department’s key performance indicators
• Provides daily and weekly reporting of order statuses and issues to management
• Develops practices and approaches to complex problems and issues requiring research, creativity, and development of new approaches for evolving business

Skills:

• Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance
• Comfortable working in a changing business environment with the consistent introduction of new products and processes.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards
• Ability to work with all levels of management
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities
• with enthusiasm
• Functional knowledge of working with invoices
• Geographical knowledge of service areas and ability to read maps
• Acute attention to detail
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong operational ability in a diverse, large-scale environment
• Excellent resource planning and problem-solving and analytical skills
• Demonstrates a proactive, can-do attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated; able to work both independently to complete tasks and respond to department requests, as well as collaborating with others to utilize resources and knowledge of others in identifying quality solutions.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities.

What You’ll Bring:

• Eligibility for US Employment without sponsorship
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred
• 5 or more years of Telecom Field experience with an emphasis on Operations and Contractor Management is preferred
• Proven track record of successfully managing contractor/subcontractor and vendor relationships
• Proficient use of MS Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams) and phone system applications is required
• Ability to periodically travel moderate distances to attend meetings and events
• Available to work as scheduled during daytime, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English as the primary language used in the workplace. Spanish bilingual skills are desirable

Physical Demands:

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• This position regularly requires sitting, bending, leaning, kneeling, crawling, walking (moderate distances), climbing, and the ability to sit or stand for several hours at a time; Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• This position requires visual acuity to operate equipment, read technical information, and use common office devices; Speaking and hearing generally required for communication.
• You must be able to safely lift, carry, or push heavy boxes, and other items up to 35 pounds, with or without assistance, in order to perform essential functions.
• Work is predominantly performed in an indoor climate-controlled office environment.
• This position requires periodic exposure to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• This job requires frequent use of a keyboard, mouse, telephone, computer workstation, and office equipment.
• This position requires correct use of job-appropriate safety equipment which may include but is not limited to, protective headwear, masks/respiratory protection, protective gloves, hearing protection, protective eyewear, and face shields, fall protection equipment, and specific protective clothing.
• This position may require the operation of company provided motor vehicles and equipment.

As Part of our Team, you will Enjoy:

• Working to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas, providing much needed services to those who do not have access to reliable internet
• Working for a company that appreciates their employees; every member of the Race team is a part of a collaborative family
• Full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision life, and 401 (k)
• Employer-matched 401k plan
•  

Race Communications is an equal opportunity employer