Contract Specialist

Position Description

Coordinate and Manage Procurement of complex and highly technical materials, equipment, and services on a competitive basis, and create contract specifications and standards for the department. Confers with the department’s engineering, operations, maintenance, and other technical personnel to develop detailed and technical specifications.  Researches and recommends the type and quality of materials, services, supplies, and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Harris County Purchasing Agents to procure contracts for different divisions.
• Researches, writes, reviews, and evaluates purchase orders, contracts, and bid specifications for complex and highly technical materials, equipment, and services, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with County and departmental policies and procedures.
• Develop or assist with solicitations (RFPs, RFQs), including writing specifications, evaluating bids, working with procurement teams, and ensuring competitive procurement practices.
• Researches vendors and evaluates their ability to provide and the availability of quality materials, equipment, and services.
• Administer contract amendments, renewals, extensions, terminations, or closeouts.
• Ensure all modifications follow policy and are properly documented.
• Maintain contract files, records, and data systems; prepare internal and external reports on contract status, contractor performance, risks, and financials.
• Serve as a liaison between legal, finance, programming teams, procurement, and vendors. Address questions, resolve contract-related issues, and ensure alignment with programmatic goals.
• Develop or contribute to policies, procedures, and best practices related to contract management to ensure consistency, compliance, and efficiency.
• Participates in long-range purchase planning and needs analysis to simplify and standardize service and commodity types and reduce costs.
• Provide technical assistance.
• Perform duties as assigned.