Contract Services Manager - Washington State Ferries

Full Job Description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence.

Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network.

Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day.

Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is currently seeking a Contracts Services Manager to serve as a subject matter expert supporting critical contracting and agreement functions across the ferry system’s capital and operating programs.

This position plays a vital role in managing contract risk, guiding strategic business initiatives, and ensuring agreements effectively support vessel operations, terminal infrastructure, and public service delivery.

Working closely with executive leadership, the Attorney General’s Office, and external partners, this role helps ensure contractual relationships are structured to support safe, reliable, and efficient ferry operations.

The Contracts Services Manager contributes directly to WSF’s ability to meet legislative requirements, deliver essential transportation services, and maintain the infrastructure that connects communities across Washington State.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate— and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Contract Services Manager will:

• Supervise and provide day-to-day directions to Contract Coordinator II staff, including work assignment, training, and workload coordination supporting WSF capital and operating programs.
• Manage contract development and administration, including monitoring performance, processing amendments, and resolving contract compliance issues.
• Serve as a primary point of contact with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), coordinating documentation and supporting contractual matters and proceedings.
• Provide contract guidance and technical expertise to WSF managers and project teams regarding procurement, contract requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop competitive bid packages and draft complex contracts and interagency agreements supporting vessel construction, terminal improvements, and operating programs.
• Review contract terms and conditions, identify risks and compliance issues, and assist in resolution of claims and contract disputes.
• Coordinate with WSF departments, contractors, and funding agencies to support project development, procurement compliance, and contract execution.
• Support contract-related business functions, including concession agreements, insurance coordination, revenue reporting, and compliance with equity and funding requirements.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Public Sector Contracting and Procurement Expertise
  • Demonstrated knowledge of public-sector contracting, procurement, and agreement development practices supporting complex operating and capital programs.
• Contract Risk Analysis and Mitigation
  • Proven ability to analyze contract terms and conditions to identify, assess, and mitigate legal, financial, and operational risks, and ensure compliance with applicable statutes, policies, and contractual requirements.
• Contract Development and Administration Management
  • Experience planning, coordinating, and managing contract development and administration activities supporting large-scale operating and capital programs.
• Legal and External Partner Coordination
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex contractual matters with legal counsel, government agencies, contractors, and external partners to support contract compliance and issue resolution.
• Contract Policy Development and Process Improvement
  • Knowledge of contract administration policies, procedures, and continuous improvement practices to enhance efficiency, compliance, and effectiveness of contracting processes.
• Supervision and Contract Services Team Leadership
  • Experience supervising professional staff, assigning and prioritizing workloads, providing guidance, and supporting staff performance in a contract services or procurement environment.
• Strategic Communication and Professional Judgment
  • Ability to communicate complex contract information clearly and effectively to leadership, project teams, and stakeholders, and exercise sound judgment in high-risk or sensitive contracting matters.
• Service Orientation and Continuous Improvement
  • Demonstrated commitment to supporting organizational needs, delivering responsive customer service, and continuously improving processes through learning, collaboration, and proactive problem solving.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Infrastructure and Public Works Contracting Experience
  • Experience supporting contracting activities within marine, transportation, construction, or infrastructure-intensive environments.
• Federal Contract Compliance and Funding Requirements
  • Knowledge of federal funding requirements and compliance obligations associated with publicly funded contracts and capital programs.
• Intergovernmental Agreement Development and Administration
  • Experience developing, negotiating, and administering agreements involving multiple governmental entities, agencies, or jurisdictions.
• Competitive Procurement and Protest Risk Management
  • Experience managing competitive procurement processes, including solicitation development, evaluation support, and mitigating protest or litigation risk.
• Contract Security and Insurance Administration
  • Knowledge of contract security instruments and insurance requirements, including bonds, retainage, and coverage requirements supporting contract compliance and risk management.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County

In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code.

• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-9W064 in the subject line.