Contracts & Procurement Manager
State of Washington
FreshPosted Jan 23
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Posted: January 26, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Contracts Specialist 2
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$58,584 - $78,912
per year
Type
Full Time
More Other jobs →Closes
February 3, 2026More State jobs →
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading a team that manages and oversees contracts for transportation projects, ensuring everything from payments to claims is handled accurately and in line with state rules.
It requires supervising staff, training them on specialized systems, and coordinating with contractors and other agencies to keep projects on track.
A good fit would be someone with strong leadership skills and deep experience in contract administration, especially in government or construction settings, who enjoys problem-solving and working with financial systems.
Key Requirements
- Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, including staff selection, training, and performance evaluation
- Expertise in contracting policies, procedures, and compliance for accurate execution and documentation
- Proficiency in using and advising on systems like CAPS, Unifier, CCIS, TRIPS, and TRAINS
- Ability to administer claims from subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers, including recording and responding to correspondence
- Experience responding to bond status inquiries and coordinating with surety companies, risk management, and legal offices
- Skills in designing and implementing procedures, policies, internal controls, and system compatibility fixes with IT
Full Job Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence!
Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.
In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking an experienced Contracts Specialist 2 to join the Headquarters Accounting and Financial Services (AFS) Division in Olympia, WA.
Reporting to the Contracts Specialist 3 in the Procurement and Materials Management Office (PMMO), this supervisory role leads the Contract Administration and Payments (CAPS) team and ensures the accurate execution, administration, and documentation of construction and emergency contracts that support delivery of statewide transportation projects.
The position plans, organizes, and oversees daily team operations, including staff selection, assignment, training, and performance management, while exercising independent judgment and master-level expertise in WSDOT contracting systems, policies, and statewide administrative requirements.
The incumbent represents WSDOT in coordination with contractors, insurance providers, and partner state agencies, contributing to AFS’s mission of delivering high-quality financial services that support safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions across Washington State.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Contracts Specialist 2 will:
- Advise and instruct six regions, ferries, facilities, and headquarters personnel in the use of the Contract Administration and Payments System (CAPS) and the interaction of the following but not limited to systems: Unifier a project and asset management system, the Construction Contracts Information System Database (CCIS), Transportation Information & Planning Support System (TRIPS) and the Transportation Reporting and Accounting Information System TRAINS in order to expedite and control the accuracy of data in CAPS.
- Ensure that all systems that interface with CAPS are compatible. Work with IT to document and fix CAPS system errors.
- Assist in the design and implementation of procedures, policies, systems, and internal controls for the CAPS system.
- Administer claims filed with the Department against contractors by subcontractors, material suppliers, laborers, etc., assuring all claims and releases are recorded and all correspondence is answered.
- Respond to Bond Status Inquires from Surety’s. Work with Construction Office, Risk Management, WSDOT Assigned Attorneys and the Attorney General’s office.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Leadership & Team Effectiveness: Demonstrated ability to lead and support teams by promoting collaboration, developing staff, and fostering a cooperative, inclusive, and respectful work environment that values diverse perspectives and equitable participation.
- Contracting Knowledge & Compliance: Demonstrated expertise in applying contracting policies, procedures, requirements, and guidelines to ensure contracts are executed, administered, and documented accurately, consistently, and in compliance with departmental and statewide standards.
- Issue Identification & Resolution: Demonstrated ability to accurately identify and document discrepancies in contract-related activities and initiate appropriate, timely resolution processes in accordance with policy and established procedures.
- Financial & Retainage Administration: Demonstrated proficiency in applying retainage requirements, processing financial adjustments, and ensuring compliance with contract terms and applicable policies.
- Contract Execution Management: Demonstrated knowledge of contract execution standards and best practices, including the ability to apply execution criteria, identify required documentation, enforce timelines, and ensure contracts are fully executed within required timeframes (including post-award deadlines).
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Manages full contract lifecycle (award through close-out) across all regions and WSF, ensuring legal and financial reconciliation, compliance, and post-award documentation; oversees contract setup, implementation, monitoring, and supervises two staff while administering WSDOT regional contracts.
- Contractor Performance Oversight: Demonstrated skill in monitoring contractor compliance with execution and payment requirements, including ensuring timely execution within established windows following award.
- Invoice Review & Payment Accuracy: Demonstrated ability to review and approve invoices (e.g., DJC) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract and policy requirements.
- Records Retention & Audit Readiness: Demonstrated knowledge of records retention and auditing best practices, with experience ensuring documentation meets retention, accuracy, and audit standards.
- Continuous Learning & Professional Growth: Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, skill development, and staying current with evolving policies, practices, and systems.
- Customer Service & Responsiveness: Demonstrated ability to proactively meet the needs of internal and external customers through timely communication, problem-solving, and service-oriented decision-making.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Regulatory & Specification Application: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant RCWs, WACs, and WSDOT Standard Specifications to contract execution, administration, and payment processes to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Payment Issue Resolution & Professional Communication: Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and resolve discrepancies in payments or contract terms through accurate documentation, sound judgment, and professional, diplomatic communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Financial Systems & Payment Processing: Demonstrated proficiency in processing contract payments and invoices using state-approved financial and accounting systems, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established financial controls.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. This position requires the ability to come into the office at least once a week and is required to attend in-person meetings on occasion.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- 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.
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 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
- 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 of 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Contracts Specialist 2 #00713 in the subject line.
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