University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is currently seeking a Lead Contracting Specialist to join Strategic Sourcing & Acquisition Services (SASS). SSAS strives to provide excellent customer service through the procurement of quality goods and services for the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community. Through the competitive procurement process, we look to develop strategic and diverse supplier business relationships and implement cost-effective contracts that produce significant savings and value to the University. * *BENEFITS (Exempt Regular): UMB offers a comprehensivebenefits packagethat prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous paid leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job). /UMB is Ranked Among the Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes 2022 & 2023./ * *PRIMARY DUTIES • Lead contracting activities for goods and services purchases in all commodity groups(non-construction), specifically focusing on information technology and other highly complex commodities, such as scientific and auxiliary services. • Facilitates procurement and contract management activities of the most complex nature, including information technology or other highly technical commodities, including auxiliary services commodities, library subscription services, bookstore operations, food services and insurance. • Independently executes solicitations and awards contracts up to the simplified acquisition limit (currently $200,000). • Administers solicitations and awards contracts exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold with approval from Assistant VP SSAS or Associate Director SSAS. • Serve on the department's leadership team. • Drafts solicitation documents for procurements in accordance with University of Maryland, Baltimore and USM Procurement Policies and Procedures. • Applies appropriate procurement methods, determines award criteria and issues solicitations. • Evaluates proposals, negotiates contractual provisions and awards contracts. Reviews draft specifications and scope of work (SOW) with campus customers prior to publication or distribution to vendors. • Prepares well written and concise documentation (RFQ, IFB and RFP, determinations and findings, justifications and approvals, award determination) to support procurement decisions. • Awards solicitations and issues purchase orders and contracts. • Builds relationships with internal clients and external parties to ensure the ability to meet long-term client needs. • Situations and items procured may be specialized in nature, giving rise to unique situations with complex specifications, on-going programmatic (or “maintenance”)responsibilities, limited market sources, and close price competition. • Researches end user’s needs and provides appropriate procurement solutions. • 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. • Coaches internal clients on the effective use of procurement processes and systems. • Supervise a team of contract specialists, senior buyers and buyers. • Espouse the core values of UMB and incorporate them in daily work. • Promote Equity, Inclusion and Diversity in procurement and management actions. • Implement Service Excellence strategies to deliver outstanding service with every transaction. • Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Education: *Bachelor's degree. Master's degree preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements. * *Experience: *Four (4) years of materials management, purchasing, or procurement experience including at least one (1) year procuring information technology or other highly complex technical commodities. * *Supervisory Experience: Supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership experience preferred. * Certification/Licensure: Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or other similar national recognized procurement certification preferred. * Other: Financial disclosure reporting required by State of Maryland Ethics Committee. * *KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES * Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery. * *Hiring Range:$95,000 - $105,000 per year (Commensurate with education and experience) UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department atHRJobs@umaryland.edu. If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit aUMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contactHRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Job: Reg or CII Exempt Staff* *Organization: Strategic Sourcing & Acquisition Services *Title: *Lead Contracting Specialist Location: null Requisition ID: 240000JS