The Organization
Located between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is the center of a progressive economy that is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technological, medical and green innovation. Our community is committed to cultivating an environment of creativity and life-long learning. At the City of Palo Alto, you will join a culture that strives for excellence and encourages leadership, new ideas, and innovative solutions.

Exciting Opportunity
As a Contracts Administrator, you have a challenging opportunity as a critical thinker to be an expert in procurement processes, establish yourself as a "go to" resource and provide recommendations which drive key business timelines and activities. This role is a leader in the Procurement team which is responsible for procurement and contracting for all goods and services utilized by the City working under general direction, as consistently exercising independent and sound problem-solving and judgment skills. You will be responsible for coordinating and issuing high value, specialized or complex solicitations and agreements, requiring an in-depth procurement experience. Reporting to the Chief Procurement Officer, this position performs at the expert, professional level requiring individual work in research, solicitation, and preparation of contract and may supervise professional or administrative staff.

Learn more about our Administrative Services Department HERE.

Ideal Candidate

• 
  Exceptional relationship-building skills to deal effectively with individuals at all levels of responsibility and authority.
• Adaptable and resourceful in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills,.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter: can take even the smallest project and run with it to the successful completion.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 
  Manage the formalized solicitation process from submittal of requirements, interfacing with Project Managers to develop scope and specifications, analysis of solicitations received, providing management with recommendation for award of contract(s), and review and approval of awarding contracts.
• Interpret the City's purchasing policy, rules and regulations that govern contracting activities for City Departments and advise Departments and/or Chief Procurement Officer of such requirements when needed.
• Recommend and implement new or revised procurement process and procedures, considering new tools or software as they develop.
• Interface with contractors and Departments on matters regarding the solicitation, contract award process, contract disputes and monitoring.
• Continually develop and assist in the training of the organization on procurement policies, procedures and expertise

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and skills, which would typically be acquired through:

Supplemental Information:

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.