Procurement Contract Specialist

About the Department 

This recruitment will establish a County promotional eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Procurement Contract Specialist opportunities. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

 
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Procurement Contract Specialist will be responsible for processing highly complex solicitations and contracts for various types of commodities and service contracts including those for professional services, human services, architect-engineer, and construction services. Within their role, the Procurement Contract Specialist must be able to interpret and follow applicable laws, statutes, and County policies for conducting solicitations, negotiating contracts, administering contracts, and obtaining the appropriate levels of approval from County Counsel, Risk Management, and the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

Click for more information about the Procurement Office.  
 
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess four (4) years or more of knowledge and direct, experience in public or private contract and/or procurement policies and practices. In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess extensive experience and knowledge in the following core competencies: 
 
Technical Knowledge | Technical Skills

• Knowledge of the procurement process, establishment of contracts, effective negotiation methods, and contract management and oversight.
• Determining the appropriate methods of solicitations and contract type based on the various customer/stakeholder needs.
• Conducting complex solicitations, negotiating contracts, contract administration, and obtaining the appropriate levels of approval.
• Understanding of ethics, principles, and practices of professional procurement and government contracting interpreting multiple policies and making appropriate recommendations in adherence to relevant procurement or contract policies.
• Providing training and guidance to entry level procurement/contracts staff. 

Interpersonal Skills

• Utilizing tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality in dealing with difficult and sensitive situations.
• Working effectively as part of a team to tackle and resolve issues; providing creative solutions to problems that achieve program and project objectives.
• Building effective and positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, County elected officials, and staff to ensure departmental goals are accomplished.
• Adhering to high ethical standards in all interactions with relevant parties.

Analytical Skills | Problem Solving

• Integrating new ideas and contemporary approaches into problem-solving, data gathering, analyzing, and applying information skillfully.
• Identifying, evaluating, and resolving issues as they arise, using decision-making abilities and technical expertise.
• Developing solutions, proposing solutions, achieving measurable results, and implementing best business practices.
• Researching complaints and addressing with vendors, agencies and/or internal customers diplomatically.

Verbal Communication | Written Communication

• Demonstrating excellent written communication skills for gathering, evaluating, and preparing well-organized reports, correspondences, and other written documents using proper English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Demonstrating excellent oral communication skills to interact, communicate, and function under stressful situations.
• Utilizing various management information systems and automation tools to maintain and access information and electronic communications via desktop computer systems and computer networks.
• Communicating effectively with various levels of the organization, including staff, supervisors, and upper-level management.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Possession of a California Class C Driver License is Required. 
Deputized as a Deputy Purchasing Agent within twelve months of employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click  to view the minimum qualifications as well as the physical, mental, environmental & working conditions for the classification. NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS  
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After the screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
 
Application Appraisal Panel | AAP (Weighted 100%)
An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate the application, supplemental questionnaire, and resumes for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Only the most qualified applicants will move forward to the next step in the recruitment.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
 
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.Position Duties

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
 
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
 
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
 
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Chisom Okafor at Chisom.Okafor@ceo.oc.gov or (714) 834-7312.  

Minimum Qualifications