Posting Number:

20112482

Position Title:

Contract/HUB Specialist #495039, (Previous applicants don't need to reapply)

FTE:

1.00

Position Type:

Staff

Department:

Procurement & Payment Services

Job Summary/Basic Function:

About This Role:

The Contract/HUB Specialist is a professional entry level position responsible for development and oversight of complex contracts, solicitations, procurements and the HUB program. This position is responsible for providing proficient contracting, and procurement knowledge in accordance with applicable state laws, System/University policies and procedures. This position is also responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring the HUB program in accordance with state requirements to encourage participation in the provision of goods and services to the University. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, continuous review/management of contracts and contracting opportunities, processing procurement requisitions for goods and services, determining the best value procurement method, developing solicitations and analyzing responses then assisting with execution of related contracts, developing vendor relationships with an emphasis of identifying Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), providing guidance to faculty, staff and vendors regarding the University procurement and contract policies and procedures.

Works under limited supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. May supervise and train non-classified or student assistant staff.

What You’ll Do – Position Duties

As a member of our team, you will have an impact on our clients through accomplishment of the following responsibilities:

Standard:

1. Performs complex contract and procurement work. This involves procuring commodities, equipment, or services and assisting with execution of applicable contracts or solicitations based on approved guidelines, rules, policies, and laws.
2. Evaluates, executes and approves requisitions. This includes identifying potential suppliers and selecting appropriate procurement methods based on established requirements and in accordance with best value criterion, applicable procurement/contract regulations, policies, and procedures.
3. Develops and executes complex solicitations. This involves analyzing resources, working with departments to draft bid specifications, reviewing bid submittals, price negotiations, making award recommendations, and executing related contracts.
4. Reviews procurement contracts or vendor contract terms and conditions, making recommended redlines to ensure University protection, compliance with applicable state laws, System policies, and University regulations. This involves working with the University Legal department to secure final approvals.
5. Performs contract management functions upon final contract execution. This work includes, maintaining the contracts database, monitoring contract efficiencies and effectiveness, working with departments to ensure deliverables and expectations are met, assisting with renewals or terminations, assisting with contract problem resolution, and completing contract closeout process.
6. Provides customer-service oriented guidance to departmental personnel on routine issues and concerns related to procurement, contract management and HUB program efforts.
7. Monitors, investigates and determines solutions to resolve issues with orders or contracts, such as delivery delays, product recalls, or contract compliance concerns.
8. Maintains proper contracting and procurement files, contracting database, records, and associated documentation pertaining to the procurement or contracting process.
9. Create monthly HUB reports for the purpose of analyzing HUB utilization data to maximize HUB participation across campus.
10. Prepare statutorily required HUB reports and manage outreach reporting.
11. Actively promote and champion participation in University’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program to positively impact relationships and program results.
12. Recommend changes to the HUB outreach program.
13. Review HUB Subcontracting Plans for compliance and audit HUB Progress Assessment Reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with HUB Subcontracting Plans.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

Periodic:

1. Conduct procurement training for requisition entry, approvals, and receiving; contract training for proper contract management, risk assessment and contract close-out.
2. Assist with reviewing departmental procedures making recommendations as necessary.
3. Represent the department during related meetings or committees.
4. Research and recommend new HUB supply resources to support the efficient delivery of objectives.
5. Identify process improvement opportunities to further procurement strategies.

Who We Are:

Lamar University is a diverse and accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100 degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture of diversity where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

Benefits – Job Perks:

At Lamar University one of the ways we show value to our team members is by offering the following perks:

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• State of Texas Retirement plans
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependent
• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications:

What You’ll Need to Succeed – Minimum Qualifications

To be successful in this role and a great addition to our team we need you to come with the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field required from an accredited institution.
• A combination of education, experience, and training to produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.
• Three (3) years’ experience in a contracting, procurement, and HUB environment required.
• Must possess demonstrated experience in analyzing complex issues and working with simultaneous deadlines on time-sensitive projects. Must be computer literate and proficient in the use of office computer software, in particular Microsoft Word and Excel, in addition to other standard office equipment, email, internet and have ability to learn specialty procurement and contract software.

Certification Required:

• Within eighteen (18) months of hire, must possess and maintain both state required procurement certifications, Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) and Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).

Key Competencies:

• High ethical standards and excellent attention to detail
• Knowledge of generally accepted procurement and contracting principles
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, university policies and procedures; as well as federal, state and local laws, statues, regulations, codes, and standards
• Good communication skills, including speaking professionally and using proper terminology, being able to read with understanding, write using correct English and without misspellings, and to proofread work
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with co-workers, other departments, suppliers, students and the general public
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously completing assignments on-time and accurately
• Ability to demonstrate excellent organizational skills, analyze and solve work-related problems
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines, adapt to changing situations and environment and accept constructive feedback
• Within the scope of position duties, responsible for seeing that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, reliable financial data is maintained, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have physical ability to perform minimal physical work in a normal office environment including lifting/carry/pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds regularly.

Job Conditions:

• Standard business working hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Some evening and weekend work, as required, during peak processing times.

EEO Statement:

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran's Preference Statement:

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the amazing qualifications and experiences listed above, if we had our say, we would also look for:

• Experience in higher education and government purchasing preferred. Direct experience drafting and negotiating business contracts, preparing and processing purchase orders, preparing solicitations, as well as, planning and implementing Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program services preferred.

Security Sensitive Statement:

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary:

$35,526 - $41,660

Posting Date:

08/29/2022

Open Until Filled:

Yes