University of Maryland Baltimore is currently seeking a Specialties Contracting Specialist to work within the Department of Strategic Sourcing & Acquisition Services.  The selected candidate performs procurement and contract management activities of the most complex nature including all aspects of transactions from client needs analysis, design of procurement methodology, determination of successful vendor criteria, negotiations, contract administration and closing of the contract. Items procured may be specialized in nature giving rise to unique situations with complex specifications, limited market sources, and close price competition.  T he Department is responsible for procurement and contract management activities for the University including its seven professional schools and construction services for its sister campuses in the Baltimore region with annual contracting volume of over $300 million.  The major focus of this position is the procurement of auxiliary services, conference services, printing services, consulting services, real property leases and other specialty procurements.  The Contracting Specialist is a senior professional position, which will handle all aspects of the planning and execution of procurements as well as managing the resulting contracts.

BENEFITS:

UMB offers a generous benefits package that includes 22 vacation days, 14 floating and holidays, 15 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any of the University System of Maryland schools.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Researches end user's needs and provides solutions that may include developing a complex request for proposal, determining if sole sources or new sources are appropriate or the use of novel approaches such as e-procurement.
• Serves as liaison between campus and vendor community, supplying end users with information on sources, discounts, pricing and delivery provisions. Strategizes on-going contract administration issues such as renewal periods and terms and conditions.
• Where responsibilities include oversight of a procurement program: drafts campus practices that conform to University and State policy, trains client end users, oversees and analyzes effective use of program capabilities.
• Communicates on and negotiates differences on critical points and specific contractual provisions. Designs procurement methodology, determines successful vendor criteria and closes the contract.
• Coaches internal clients on the effective use of modern tools and distributed systems like vendor web-sites, e-procurement and the procurement card.
• May serve as a lead over Buyers or administrative staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.