Senior Contract Specialist

Full Job Description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served.

Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound.

Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

This position provides expertise in the procurement of professional, engineering, and architectural consulting services as well as goods and services contracts.

The role requires a seasoned contract administrator with experience negotiating cost, terms, and conditions in highly complex, time-critical, and high-profile consulting requirements from initiation to contract closure.

The role involves collaborating with Contracts & Procurement staff, internal departments, and external procurement stakeholders in all matters relating to the procurement of materials, supplies, hardware, software, and consulting services.

The role also focuses on managing and mitigating risks inherent in design, construction, and other professional services to protect the City from litigation, criticism, or unanticipated costs due to unclear, ambiguous, or non-compliant contract documents.

This position reports to the Contracts & Procurement Manager and will be assigned to support the Project Delivery Unit.

Requirements

Contract Management & Procurement

• Manage consultant procurement processes for business units
• Coordinate preparation and approve requests for proposals or qualifications (RFP/Q) and related documents
• Train project managers in consultant selection procedures
• Participate in contract negotiations and ensure all contracts receive required approvals
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

Procurement Analysis & Strategy

• Review requests for procurement and contracting of equipment, goods, and services including architects, engineers, and small works
• Analyze requirements and determine appropriate procurement methods
• Recommend improvements to statements of work and specifications
• Determine contract types, milestones, and procurement plans
• Review sole source justifications and prepare documentation
• Assess public work requirements including prevailing wage and bonding requirements

Documentation & Process Development

• Prepare requests for proposals for technical, professional, and engineering services contracts
• Develop solicitation strategies and write/edit scopes of work
• Determine RFP structure and scope of work approaches
• Assist in establishing selection criteria, phasing, and weighting
• Develop and implement procedures for complex, politically sensitive, high-value projects

Collaboration & Training

• Collaborate with project managers to define procurement requirements including scope, evaluation criteria, pricing schedules, and milestone dates
• Coordinate completion and issuance of solicitation documents
• Train department representatives on procurement codes, policies, procedures, and waivers
• Provide direction and training for Contracts & Procurement Specialists and administrative staff
• Mentor and support junior contracts staff in research, writing, and document preparation

Policy & Procedure Management

• Develop, implement, and monitor departmental policies and procedures related to procurement and contracting
• Investigate and make recommendations on procurement/contracting financial issues
• Analyze contracting policies and procedures for effectiveness in meeting organizational objectives and statutory requirements

Qualifications

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Experience: Requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in financial analysis, project management, grant administration, inter-agency agreements, contract administration or related work.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, finance, economics or other field related to this work (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Candidates must hold a current valid state issued driver’s license from any US state to be verified prior to start date. Out of state license holders will be required to obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• CPPB (Certified Public Professional Buyer) or equivalent certification
• Public Procurement Experience and Understanding of municipal, state, and federal procurement laws (e.g., competitive bidding requirements, RFP/RFQ processes)
• Contract Administration: Proficiency in managing the entire contract lifecycle from solicitation to closeout
• Financial Analysis: Skills to evaluate cost structures, pricing models, and long-term financial implications of utility service agreements
• Excellent customer service skills with experience to working with all employees at all levels of the organization
• Ability to handle sensitive information with high degree of confidentiality
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to actively manage multiple contract assignments in fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong negotiation skills with the experience securing favorable terms while maintaining vendor relationships

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $52.18 to $60.75 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Emergency Response Commitment: Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check.

The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3.

A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at :https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.