FOOD & NUTRITION PROCUREMENT & CONTRACT MANAGER

Salary Information: $6,300.00 - $7,000.00/MO. – B25

State Classification: Contract Administration Manager I – 1960

FLSA Status: Exempt

Posting Number: 23-58624-1R

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Food & Nutrition (F&N) Procurement and Contract Manager will perform advanced (senior level) procurement and contract administration work for a broad range of contracts to include contract enrollment, maintenance, and monitoring. You will evaluate, develop, negotiate, and process contracts and amendments for contracting entities (CEs) and Education Service Centers (ESCs) for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food & Nutrition (F&N) Division; monitor contract performance, including service delivery, fiscal monitoring, corrective actions, and investigating complaints relating to contract performance; interpret and clarify USDA regulations, standards, policies, and procedures to improve program operation and performance. This position will handle relatively complex contract applications, identify training needs, assist with developing training materials, provide training to contract, department staff, and external staff to enhance performance and correct noncompliance issues. This position will also be involved in divisions’ process improvement efforts and will carry out special assignments as required. You will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee the development of solicitation activities; manage the development of solicitations, contract renewals, extensions, and amendments; direct timeline development; and lead the development of evaluation tools for bid responses.

Oversee the work of other contract staff for the development of new contracts, extensions, and amendments and lead or facilitate negotiations of contracts, contract renewals, extensions and amendments.

Administer the billing process for contractors by reviewing and analysis of invoices to ensure appropriate billing by the contractor; review and reconcile data for invoicing contractors; and manage the payment process.

Prepare and maintain contract documents in accordance with policy and procedures. Assist with developing contract administration policies and procedures.

Participate in work groups to make recommendations to change contract-related documents. Monitor legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting. Handle routine reporting activities and special projects/tasks internal/external to the unit as assigned.

Serve as the subject matter expert and provide consultation, technical assistance and interpretation on contract and procurement-related needs, processes and technical questions of regulatory compliance with applicable state and federal procurement standards and related guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations about TDA F&N and CEs.

Assist with developing and executing statewide procurement and contracting education, training workshops, and use of effective and efficient tools and resources.

Oversee the annual financial reviews for Contracted Entities (CEs) and Education Service Centers (ESCs)

Lead first-level contract resolution efforts regarding non-compliance issues and contractor concerns. Communicate with contractors verbally and in writing regarding extensions, renewals, and remedies associated with non-compliance.

Conduct training related to contract management processes and procedures and support the compliance section with procurement and contract-related reviews, including Food Service Management Companies (FSMCs), on a limited basis, as needed to manage workflow.

Prepare and/or review formal follow-up correspondence as necessary to further explain or clarify procurement review findings, rebut responses to findings, request additional documentation required of CEs, and transmit final reports.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Minimum (3) years in procurement and contracting functions.

Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD)/Certified Texas Procurement Manager (CTPM). Obtain in 90 days of hired.

Experience in a senior, lead or supervisory role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience at managerial or director level.

Minimum (3) years in procurement and contracting functions for a State of Texas agency.

Current Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification.

Work experience with the Texas Centralized Accounting, Personnel & Payroll System (CAPPS).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of state procurement and contract management requirements, regulations, and best practices; of negotiating contracts; of developing contracts; of business administration and accounting principles and practices; and of policies and procedures of contract management.

Skill in providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers; and the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements; to write and edit contract requirements and specifications; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; ability to provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders regarding contract administration, policies and procedures; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

ENVIRONMENTAL/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (15%), occasionally overnight.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Agriculture is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

• A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran’s status, or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7454.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Veterans and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Program Management and Procurement MOS Codes.