Contracts Administrator, Senior - Orange County Transportation Authority

Why OCTA

Discover work that moves you in a dynamic and innovative setting. Be part of a team delivering Orange County’s transportation network of today and creating a vision for the future.

OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs.

We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. 

Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Overview:

Under general direction, assigned to a wide range of highly complex technology, construction, rolling stock, professional, architectural, or engineering projects, administers all phases of procurement process for goods and services, including planning, budgeting, and procurement.  Confers with project managers to determine vendor performance and determine and implement changes to contractual terms.  Resolves highly complex contract performance issues. 

This is an exempt position in Salary Grade R: Min $90,147.20 – Mid $107,452.80 – Max $124,758.40 annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this job.

• Ensures contracts protect agency’s interests and uphold policies and procedures.
• Develops understanding of internal customers’ budgeting needs and procedures; provides procurement strategies for all major projects; reviews requisitions for funding availability and account code accuracy.
• Assists project managers in developing scopes of work and develops and issues Request for Proposals for highly complex procurements; determines appropriate procurement methods.
• Confers with project managers to prepare presentation materials and conduct pre-proposal/bid conferences and site visits.
• Evaluates bids, proposals, and quotations; conducts cost and price analysis; chairs evaluation committee meetings and conducts vendor interviews; determines consultant/contractor selection recommendations.
• Leads negotiations, creates, prepares, and issues contracts and purchase orders for highly complex procurements.
• Confers with project manager to ensure contract compliance and conformance to applicable laws.  Reviews and approves invoices for major projects.  Oversees the review, documentation, and approval of claims and invoices submitted against contracts.
• Prepares complex contract amendments, revisions, terminations, and close-outs.  Negotiates settlement of contract disputes.
• Analyzes, compiles and prepares comprehensive summaries of procurement processes and results for presentation of awards, amendments, and other contract changes to agency’s executive management team, Board of Directors, and Board committees.
• Interprets and applies contracting principles, applicable laws, regulations, and policies and procedures.
• Prepares or directs the preparation of various periodic and special reports; assists in providing training and mentoring to lower level staff; makes recommendations for improving operating procedures and policies.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, or closely related field and a minimum of five years of experience in the development and administration of contracts.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices used in the development of contracts, contract administration, contract law, and accounting
• Legal language and terminology.
• Methods and techniques of negotiation.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including contract law and Uniform Commercial Code.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Negotiate contracts and contract changes.
• Resolve contractual disputes.
• Prepare and compose contracts, change orders, bid documents, and specifications.
• Effectively represent the agency to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.
• Design and implement administrative communication and reporting systems.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Present contractual information to staff, executive management, Board of Directors, and vendor presentation.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities:

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. OCTA provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

Positions in this class typically require:

• Work may be performed in a stressful, fast-paced office environment, depending upon assignment.
• Requires ability to understand verbal communication and to respond effectively.
• Positions in this class typically require: Reaching, Finger Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing, and Repetitive Motions in computer use.

Compensation and Benefits:

OCTA offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision health insurance programs, flex time (may be available), paid sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement, deferred compensation plan, educational reimbursement, excellent in-house training programs, free transportation passes for the employee and dependents, wellness and ergonomic programs, and much more. OCTA has a hybrid remote work program. Eligibility is dependent on manager’s approval.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.