King County, WA
Summary
King County Information Technology (KCIT) is seeking an IT Contract Specialist III. The primary purpose of this role is to provide specialized subject matter expertise in sourcing, procurement development (formal & informal solicitations: RFIs, RFPs, ITBs, RFQs), contract negotiation, and ongoing contract management and administration of information technology software, services, equipment, and supplies that support KCIT operations and projects. This position plays a critical role in managing and mitigating the inherent risks associated with IT procurement and contracting, helping protect King County from potential litigation, public scrutiny, or unforeseen costs resulting from unclear or non‑compliant contractual terms. Job Duties
Lead the procurement of IT software, services, equipment, materials, and supplies to support KCIT operations and projects. Manage the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, execution, performance monitoring, and closeout. Identify and mitigate financial, technical, and compliance risks associated with IT contracts to safeguard County interests. Ensure all contracting activities adhere to applicable IT and procurement policies, regulations, and County and State laws. Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with vendors to protect the County and achieve optimal outcomes. Work closely with internal stakeholders—including KCIT staff, project managers, technical leads, business analysts, legal counsel, and Procurement—as well as external partners such as vendors and contractors. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, business law, commerce, economics, or a closely related field AND a minimum of seven years of hands‑on experience in IT contract drafting, negotiation, administration, and vendor relationship management, including extensive experience managing complex or high‑value contracts OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Minimum of five years of experience in IT sourcing, including software, hardware, and services, through formal advertised bidding processes; experience drafting technical scopes of work and related documentation. Proficient in drafting various contractual documents such as Statements of Work, pricing exhibits, change orders, and amendments; strong understanding of contract law, industry best practices, principles, and the contract lifecycle. Exceptional negotiation skills with the ability to influence, persuade, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective engagement with internal stakeholders, legal teams, and external vendors. Ability to interpret complex contract language, evaluate proposals, identify and mitigate risks, and resolve contractual issues. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal teams. Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment. Understanding of budget processes and their impact on procurement decisions; financial acumen is a valued asset. Desired Qualifications
10+ years of experience in IT contract negotiation and compliance, including knowledge of procurement laws, regulations, and related policies. Prior experience in the public sector. Experience using data analysis and business intelligence tools to gather, interpret, and leverage data for strategic decision‑making in the procurement process. Experience driving process improvement initiatives within procurement and contracting functions. Strong knowledge of procurement policies, laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Experience with Oracle E‑Business Suite (EBS) and/or Oracle Procurement Cloud. Experience applying LEAN principles to optimize workflows and reduce waste within sourcing and contracting functions. Technical Proficiency
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint) is essential. Familiarity with procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa is required. Supplemental Information
Hybrid work: The Business & Finance Team within KCIT works as a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is the Chinook Building 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County‑issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Classification
Contract Specialist III - 224001 Union
This position is not represented by a union. Work Schedule
The normal work week for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedules may be considered. This position is FLSA Exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay. Benefits
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs EEO Statement
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
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King County Information Technology (KCIT) is seeking an IT Contract Specialist III. The primary purpose of this role is to provide specialized subject matter expertise in sourcing, procurement development (formal & informal solicitations: RFIs, RFPs, ITBs, RFQs), contract negotiation, and ongoing contract management and administration of information technology software, services, equipment, and supplies that support KCIT operations and projects. This position plays a critical role in managing and mitigating the inherent risks associated with IT procurement and contracting, helping protect King County from potential litigation, public scrutiny, or unforeseen costs resulting from unclear or non‑compliant contractual terms. Job Duties
Lead the procurement of IT software, services, equipment, materials, and supplies to support KCIT operations and projects. Manage the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, execution, performance monitoring, and closeout. Identify and mitigate financial, technical, and compliance risks associated with IT contracts to safeguard County interests. Ensure all contracting activities adhere to applicable IT and procurement policies, regulations, and County and State laws. Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with vendors to protect the County and achieve optimal outcomes. Work closely with internal stakeholders—including KCIT staff, project managers, technical leads, business analysts, legal counsel, and Procurement—as well as external partners such as vendors and contractors. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, business law, commerce, economics, or a closely related field AND a minimum of seven years of hands‑on experience in IT contract drafting, negotiation, administration, and vendor relationship management, including extensive experience managing complex or high‑value contracts OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Minimum of five years of experience in IT sourcing, including software, hardware, and services, through formal advertised bidding processes; experience drafting technical scopes of work and related documentation. Proficient in drafting various contractual documents such as Statements of Work, pricing exhibits, change orders, and amendments; strong understanding of contract law, industry best practices, principles, and the contract lifecycle. Exceptional negotiation skills with the ability to influence, persuade, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective engagement with internal stakeholders, legal teams, and external vendors. Ability to interpret complex contract language, evaluate proposals, identify and mitigate risks, and resolve contractual issues. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal teams. Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment. Understanding of budget processes and their impact on procurement decisions; financial acumen is a valued asset. Desired Qualifications
10+ years of experience in IT contract negotiation and compliance, including knowledge of procurement laws, regulations, and related policies. Prior experience in the public sector. Experience using data analysis and business intelligence tools to gather, interpret, and leverage data for strategic decision‑making in the procurement process. Experience driving process improvement initiatives within procurement and contracting functions. Strong knowledge of procurement policies, laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Experience with Oracle E‑Business Suite (EBS) and/or Oracle Procurement Cloud. Experience applying LEAN principles to optimize workflows and reduce waste within sourcing and contracting functions. Technical Proficiency
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint) is essential. Familiarity with procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa is required. Supplemental Information
Hybrid work: The Business & Finance Team within KCIT works as a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is the Chinook Building 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County‑issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Classification
Contract Specialist III - 224001 Union
This position is not represented by a union. Work Schedule
The normal work week for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedules may be considered. This position is FLSA Exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay. Benefits
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs EEO Statement
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
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