Sr. Contracts Administrator

Salary: $81,984.00 - $127,068.00 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Regular/Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 690
Department: Contracts
Opening Date: 02/28/2025
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: POT NON
Anticipated Starting Salary: $88,840 - $104,520 depending on qualifications

Job Summary

This position has the primary responsibility for the organization's contracting (public works, professional, and personal service) activities, including both pre-award and post-award administration functions. The organization generally contracts work associated with construction activities that range from major to small, consulting services for construction and non-construction activities including market research, planning, and agreements with other public agencies for services. Individuals in this role are responsible for ensuring contract activities comply with Port resolutions, applicable administrative procedures, and Federal and state laws. Serves as subject matter experts for compliance with public contracting laws and knowledgeable on industry best practices.

Develops contract specifications and assembles all bid documents as required for production and public bidding. Ensures all bidding documents are accomplished in compliance with Federal and State laws and Port to Tacoma policies and procedures.

Responsibilities include: procurement of public works (small to large), professional services, and personal services; Preparing addenda and answering vendor questions; contract administration; negotiation of rates and fees; contract execution; change management and invoicing for public works, professional, and personal services; task order management; contract close-out; archiving documents; development of rates and fees; consultant coordination; coordination with finance for reclassification of charges, asset booking and project close-out; and grand management.
Essential Functions

• Responsible for the development and administration of small to large complex public works, professional, and service contracting activities for the organization, including both pre-award and post award contract administration activities. Includes determination of appropriate contracting type, specification and solicitation review, execution of the procurement process, development of the final contract, administration of the contract, and compliance with the contract terms.
• Provides contract document management, change management, and grant management. Coordinates with Finance for reclassification of charges, audits, and asset booking.
• Supports development of Port standards, policies, and procedures relative to personal and professional services as well as public works. Represents Contracts and Purchasing in inter-departmental teams formed to develop standards, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares construction bid packages for public works construction projects. Coordinates specification development and review with project managers and consultants. Drafts, edits, clarifies and finalizes construction specifications in CSI Master format for public works projects.
• Provides support and guidance in all functional areas of contract administration for the Port. Advises directors, managers, and staff of any concerns related to procurement and administration activities. Advises port staff of any changes to port policies or state laws that impact procurement and contract administration activities.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or a related field is required. An additional four (4) years of relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.

Four (4) years of progressively responsible procurement, negotiations, or contract administration experience for public or private entities is required. Must have experience working with minimal supervision and meeting multiple deadlines. Experience working effectively with computerized procurement systems is desirable. Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office.

Professional certification as CPPB, CPPO, CPSM or CPM is highly preferred.
Additional Requirements

Knowledge:

• Contracting concepts
• Public contract acquisition laws and regulations
• Uniform Commercial Code
• Public works construction
• Procedures and specifications
• Business systems and desktop software systems
• Insurance and bonding requirements

Skills:

• Project and contract administration
• Leadership
• Working in cross departmental teams
• Communication
• Negotiation

Abilities:

• Establish workload priorities
• Balance diverse projects
• Change priorities if and when appropriate
• Read and interpret contract language

This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to the organization's core values: Integrity & Transparency; Excellence; Adaptability; Stewardship; Teamwork & Partnerships; Health & Safety; and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The Port/NWSA seek candidates who will embrace and model these values both internally and externally, and who understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value individuals who also bring an impeccable work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and who consistently exhibit enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.
In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.
The successful candidate must possess (or obtain within 30 days of employment) a valid driver's license. Candidate must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed .
The conditions of employment for this position are "At-Will" which means that either the Port or an employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by statute. No supervisor, manager, or director of the Port, other than Executive Director, has the authority to alter these employment conditions.
THE PORT OF TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE.
As an employer of choice, the Port is proud to offer an excellent benefits package. This includes medical, prescription, vision and dental with no out-of-pocket premiums and full coverage for employee, spouse, and all eligible dependents. In addition, the Port offers vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, participation in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and a Port-funded Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account for out-of-pocket health related expenses for employees and their eligible dependents. The Port's benefits package is valued between 45%-55% of base salary.
01

Do you have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, or CPM certification?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, negotiations and contract administration for public or private entities do you have?

• 0 to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 6 years
• 6 to less than 8 years
• 8 years or more

04

How many years of progressively responsible experience in Public Works procurement and contract administration do you have?

• 0 to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 6 years
• 6 to less than 8 years
• 8 years or more

05

Briefly describe your experience with Public Works contracting. Please include if you worked for a public or private entity, and the contracting activities you were responsible for.
Required Question