Senior Contract Specialist

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 will report to the Contracts & Procurement Manager.

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