Procurement Contracting Officer

Job Posting Title: Procurement Contracting Officer ---- Hiring Department: Procurement and Payment Services ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: To Be Determined at Offer ---- Earliest Start Date: Ongoing ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: AUSTIN, TX ---- Job Details: General Notes Flexible work arrangements are available for this position, including the ability to work remotely. Remote work for individuals who reside outside Texas but within the United States and its territories will be considered and requires approval. The Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) team serves The University of Texas at Austin as a trusted partner, providing integrated procure-to-payment support, and strategically addressing sourcing, contracting, revenue generating opportunities and payment needs, while safeguarding for the highest-level of qualified and varied supplier performance. For more information on PPS, please visit: https://procurement.utexas.edu/about. Your skills will make a difference. You’ll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of FAS staff, thereby enhancing the student experience. If you’re the type of person that wants to know your work has meaning and impact, you’ll like working in our department and for UT Austin. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to: Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%) Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8% employer matching funds Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b) Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities Tuition assistance Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card For more details, please see: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards . Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship. Purpose The University of Texas at Austin Procurement and Payment Services’ Strategic Sourcing team is seeking a new partner (team member) who is energized by providing sound guidance and enjoys planning, execution, negotiations, and relationship management in the context of strategic sourcing for goods and services necessary to support all colleges, schools and units. Ideal candidate will have customer service mindset with focus on continuous process improvement and working towards an environment of excellence. The dynamic individual will partner strategically with other units and professionals to develop relationships with campus clients, prepare planning documents, create, issue and manage the competitive solicitations process, while ensuring the proper execution and management of the contract lifecycle. This position will create requests for proposals and qualifications, invitations to bid, and other bidding and contracting strategies as necessary in support of campus. This position will review and approve purchasing requisitions, specifications and statements of work, draft and create formal and informal solicitations, draft and negotiate contracts and purchase orders, and shall be responsible for the entire procurement process. The selected individual will be responsible for maintaining direct communication with campus clients and suppliers and ensuring proactive involvement throughout the procurement cycle. Procurement and Payment Services strives to maximize our workforce and daily operations to align with the University’s commitment to respecting all individuals. and valuing each perspective experience. We seek out alternative viewpoints and respect the perspectives and experiences of individuals. Our work is enriched by welcoming individual perspectives at all levels of our organization. . Responsibilities Sourcing Activities - Work with client departments to create and finalize all procurement methods available to purchase goods and services, engage in support of souring for sponsorship and revenue generation opportunities, research and identify opportunities for utilizing pre-established contracts, including Group Purchasing Organizations and cooperative agreements that may provide the best value to the University. The position will create, issue, and manage the entire procurement process from issuance of the solicitation through execution of purchase order or contract, and including the post award contract life cycle. The position will issue purchase orders and contracts for procurements that support the interests of UT Austin, minimize administrative overhead, provide needed services, negotiate excellent terms and conditions, and exercise forward and strategic thinking and data analysis. Relationship Management - Partner with University professionals to engage in strategic sourcing, plan and execute needed procurements, create solicitations, manage the selection process and participants to evaluate supplier proposal’s strengths and weaknesses, and support negotiation efforts in the supplier selection. Ensure compliance with all procurement requirements, which apply to The University of Texas at Austin. Contract Management - Manage active contracts and purchase orders on an ongoing basis, monitoring compliance with contract requirements, contract expenditures, and contract renewal and end due dates. Responsible for preparing renewals, amendments, change orders, and closeout documentation as necessary. Provide expert guidance and consultation to all areas including internal and external constituents regarding procurement, opportunities and budget planning. Analytics - Create and analyze spend data regarding procurement and revenue generation. Track and report contract cost savings, goals and metrics. Draft executive briefs and other communication content and reports as requested. Professional Knowledge and Development - Maintain expertise and create goals for professional development. Keep abreast of issues and changes in the procurement field by attending professional meetings, participating in procurement and related organizations. Remain current with market trends through relationships with suppliers and market experts. Maintain a working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations as well as any internal policies or procedures to ensure behavior exhibited represents the highest level of integrity, honesty, and transparency. Actively participate in and provide expertise in Procurement and Payment Services assigned committees and meetings. HUB/Small Business - Ensure the proactive engagement and creation for maximum opportunity for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) and Federal Small Business (SB) firms. Actively engage in the identification of HUB/SB supplier resources and, in support of continuous program growth, promote the dissemination of contracting opportunities and related information to the varied supplier community through outreach and training efforts. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Expertise and experience in procurement and contracting – including but not limited to drafting and finalizing competitive solicitation documents, evaluating supplier proposals for strengths and weaknesses, leading stakeholders through requirements development, scoring, and selection, and negotiations for ultimate vendor selection. Demonstrated experience regarding creation and analysis of spend data as well as contract creation, contract negotiation and contract drafting and contract management. Expertise in preparing high quality, comprehensive competitive procurement solicitations (e.g., request for proposals/qualifications, invitation for bids, requests for information) as well as utilizing group purchasing organizations/cooperative contracts, and preparing executive briefs. Demonstrated ability to assess supplier proposal options and strategically shape direction. Experience planning, developing, and monitoring project and operational budgets. Attention to detail, excellent customer service skills, and ability to collaborate, coordinate, and communicate, effectively with internal clients, stakeholders, and internal business partner organizations. High proficiency with office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office Suite. High proficiency in oral and written communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Ability to perform in complex environments with multiple stakeholders. Acts with service mindset, always establishing and maintaining trust and respect. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree relevant to the field of work performed. A minimum of 3 years of procurement or contract related experience is required. Minimum of one (1) professional purchasing certification must be attained within twelve-month period of appointment to the position. Once, attained, certification must be maintained active. Certification in the following areas shall be acceptable: Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) Preferred Qualifications 4 years of experience completing competitive procurements for state government or public higher education institutions, including issuance through award of request for proposals/qualifications, invitation for bids, requests for information, and other bidding and contracting strategies. Extensive experience in creating and managing contracts and purchase orders through their life cycle. Extensive experience analyzing spend data and negotiating complex and strategic procurements. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Multiple positions available – experience in Construction and Health Care related fields preferred. Salary Range $73,000 - $80,000 Working Conditions Work within standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at workstation is required. Conversing on the phone throughout the day. Climbing stairs is required. Ability to work with a scanner, computer and copier throughout the day. Lift, carry and file paper files. Use of manual dexterity. Security and confidentiality sensitivity. Criminal background check will be conducted. Continuously work with a high volume of contracts and purchase order with short pressure of deadlines. Working more than forty hours per week may be required. Work in shared office space with noise and other distractions. Travel Required Less than 5%. Required Materials Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor Letter of interest Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above. #LI_Hybrid ---- Employment Eligibility: Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval. ---- Retirement Plan Eligibility: The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. ---- Background Checks: A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position. ---- Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. ---- Pay Transparency: The University of Texas at Austin 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. ---- Employment Eligibility Verification: If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university. ---- E-Verify: The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF] E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF] Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF] ---- Compliance: Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701. In 2023, The University of Texas at Austin placed in the top 10 among Texas employers and came in the top 15 for higher education institutions on Forbes’s 2023 list of 500 best large employers. The university’s aspiration to become the world’s highest-impact public research university is driven by our outstanding people. Our employees are the bedrock of our university and are empowered to be true to themselves, to participate fully in our vibrant university, and to thrive as individuals. UT Austin offers competitive salaries, full benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education and public service. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site. Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to: Human Resource Service Center. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at (512) 471-4772, or toll-free at (800) 687-4178. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus