Senior Contracts Officer

Under their direct supervisor, the Senior Contract Officer (SPO) procures a wide variety of goods and services for the 23 VCCS colleges, the System Office and the Shared Services Center. The position also:Solicits and issues contracts for goods and services as needed by the SSC customers utilizing a variety of complex procurement methods.Manages a portfolio of term contracts for use by the SSC customers (potentially including other public bodies).Analyzes market data to make appropriate sourcing decisions.Ensures that all purchases are performed accurately and timely and in accordance with applicable VCCS and state policies and applicable laws.Employs best business practices to continuously improve performance, compliance, efficiency and effectiveness.Required KSA’s:Knowledge of governmental procurement principles and ability to follow procurement policy and standard operating proceduresExtensive expertise in making sourcing decisions for complex procurement of supplies, equipment, and professional and non-professional services, including the ability to analyze market data, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, handle multiple competing priorities, solve problems, and attend to detail while maintaining a big-picture perspectiveAbility to develop and comprehend highly complex solicitation and contract documents, including the ability to interpret procurement-related law and policies, apply that knowledge, and as needed participate in the development of related policies and proceduresAbility to build working relationships to solve problems and achieve common goalsAbility to provide exceptional and professional customer service to diverse internal and external customers and suppliersAbility to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse communityAbility to collaborate effectively in a team environment with matrix reporting relationshipsProficient written and oral communication skillsAbility to maintain confidentialityProficient knowledge and experience using an electronic procurement system, MS Office products and Adobe Acrobat ProAbility to travel within Virginia and within the United States as neededMinimum Qualifications:Multiple years of complex procurement experience leading solicitations and negotiating contracts, vendor agreements, orders, statements of work, etc.Experience in a customer service environmentExperience in interpreting legal agreements and modifying for complianceCurrent Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO) certification or ability to obtain Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) certification within one year of hire and VCO within two years; see https://vip.dgs.virginia.gov/ for more information on VCA & VCO certificationsAdditional Considerations:Professional procurement certification(s): VCO, CPPO, CPPB, CPM or other nationally recognized procurement/contract management certificationExperience in analyzing, negotiating and generating year over year procurement savingsProcurement experience in higher education and/or state governmentKnowledge of eVA (state procurement system)Knowledge with AIS/PeopleSoft functionalityKnowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia (VPPA, APSPM, etc.) & VCCS procurement policiesHybrid telework available!Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.