Lead Design & Construction Contracts Analyst

Salary range is $70k to $165k, with a midpoint of $115k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director, the Contracts Analyst Lead class manages both procurement and contract administration related functions for construction contracts that support the Agency's capital and operational program objectives and which delivers best practice results, added value and continuous improvements.

This is an advanced professional-level position responsible for leading, coaching, overseeing and evaluating the work of others and ensuring consistency by interpreting policies and procedures, as well as providing expertise as a specialist in procurement of major capital improvement projects involving construction contracts. The position will analyze complex issues, provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations to design and construct Sound Transit's capital projects. This position is also responsible for the oversight of various procurement and contract administration programs along with management of public works and alternative public works procurements, contract administration and close out activities.

The distinguishing responsibilities of this position include the oversight of various procurement and contract administration programs along with providing instruction and direction to other levels in this series, ensuring consistency and quality with Sound Transit policies and procedures. Procurement and contract administration programs include Design-Build, General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM), Design-Bid-Build, Small Works, and Job Order Contracting (JOC).

This position is expected to train and coach both developing professional and career professional Contract Specialist positions. This position is also expected to lead internal and external division or agency initiatives.

Under general supervision, requires the use of independent judgment and creativity to resolve issues while performing all functions independently. Complex issues involving external departments, or the public, are resolved independently while also keeping the Supervisor informed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Build and maintain a strong team. Contribute to and support of the growth of a culture that forges teamwork, collaboration, and accountability, within the Design and Construction Group, between other Procurement & Contract Divisions, and department stakeholders.
• Under the direction of the Deputy Director, lead by example and be a strong role model of the six Sound Transit values by providing guidance, mentorship, motivation and training and coaching when necessary.
• Lead Procurement staff in establishing and administering contracts for agency use, which includes: make recommendations for distributing and overseeing workload; provide QA and QC of procurement and contract administration documents, resolve contract and procurement issues; provide training to staff and customers; train and mentor developing and career professional level Contracts Specialists on all types of projects and delivery methods; lead business process improvement projects; coach, mentor and contribute to staff obtaining high levels of professional development; productivity and performance, and contribute to the development of performance evaluations.
• Develop new procurement and contract administration policy, procedures, and programs for public works and alternative public works to support the strategic direction of the division and ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations and agency policies and procedures.
• Develop methods to evaluate and monitor programs to ensure customer satisfaction, quality, and team member performance are meeting or exceeding established goals.
• Collaborate with internal staff and other Sound Transit departments during development and oversight of procurement and contract administration programs.
• Prepare and lead presentations for internal staff and Sound Transit departments on procurement and contract programs.
• Analyze procurements to determine appropriate procurement approach while also serving as subject matter expert to department staff on procurement policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Develop and manage the procurement process for public works and alternative public works projects. This includes establishing the procurement schedule, advertisement, pre-submittal/bid meeting, project site visit, evaluation, selection, negotiation, award, and execution while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies and procedures.
• Guide and assist project teams in the development of project scope, selection criteria, and scoring. Review and recommend changes to technical specifications to ensure compliance with federal, state laws, rules, regulations and internal policies and procedures.
• Analyze contract requirements, special provisions, terms and conditions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and policies and procedures.
• Conduct responsive/responsibility reviews and use professional judgement in determining responsiveness.
• Manage the negotiation process for alternative public works including developing negotiation strategies, performing cost/price analyses, and negotiating contract terms and conditions.
• Ensure contracts include agreed upon terms, conditions, costs, and other required items and execute between all parties. Ensure contract files include all essential documentation and the file is accurate and complete for audit purposes.
• Debrief unsuccessful submitters and respond to all protests and public disclosure requests.
• Provide guidance to project team members and the contractor or consultant on contractual terms and conditions, applicable federal, state, and local requirements, and internal policies and procedures.
• Resolve minor contractual disputes and contribute to the resolution of major contractual disputes between Sound Transit and the consultant or contractor.
• Ensure change orders comply with all federal and state regulations as well as internal policies and procedures. Attend change management meetings.
• Ensure invoices are compliant with contract terms and conditions prior to payment.
• Manage contract close out functions in accordance with contractual requirements and state law.
• Demonstrate Sound Transit Values in every interaction: Collaboration, Passenger Focus, Inclusion & Respect, Safety, Integrity, and Quality.
• Lead or assist with the creation or revision of contract documents, forms, processes, and procedures.
• Create or modify training materials and assist with the training of internal and external departments and stakeholders.
• Ensure internal database information is current, accurate, and updated in a timely manner.
• Create, prepare, review, and present reports as requested.
• Provide support to the division on matters as directed.
• Serve on internal and external committees, attend and participate in professional group meetings, and maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to the Procurement and Contracts Division.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, Construction or closely related field and five years of experience in purchasing/contract services for public works construction. Experience and knowledge of procurement and contract administration for projects using alternative delivery methods, specifically design-build and Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) . Federal contracting experience desirable; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• CPPB or other equivalent procurement certification.
• DBIA Associate or professional certification.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of Design-Build, General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) and Design-Bid-Build procurement practices, documentation, processes, regulations, and contract administration practices. for projects,.
• Understanding of the federal and state laws, rules and regulations for the procurement and administration of public works for capital expansion and operational improvement projects.
• Excellent customer service, training and coaching skills.
• Ability to work within multiple teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Communication skills are critically important, as positions are required to communicate with not only internal departments but also outside agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public through presentations, outreach events, conferences, and other events.
• Ability to use independent judgment and creativity to resolve issues while performing all functions independently.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office and field environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.