Contract Specialist I

At H. J. Russell & Company, we know that exception outcomes start with the right people. We believe that work should be challenging, and the challenge should be fun. We also believe that exceptional outcomes are more likely to occur with a respectful, satisfying, and empowering company. We value and respect our employees – their experience and expertise as well as their energy, passion, and diversity – and their innovative approach to work and life. If you believe that this is the job for you, then why not come and work for a company that’s here to help you move in the direction you want to go, and one that has been named by our team members as “Top Workplace”, a recognition we are proud to have.  Russell is based in Atlanta, GA. 

SUMMARY

Responsible for all contract procurement actions from preparation of solicitations, through contract administration and closeout of the contract.  Responsible for the preparation of contract documents generally classified as basic or standard contracts, for bid solicitation, proposal, and quotation. Works closely with higher level Contract Specialist in the review and sign off of all documents associated with each assigned contract to make sure MARTA is in compliance with internal, federal and state guidelines. Prepares and issues Notices of Award, contracts, and purchase orders.

Maintains liaison and ongoing relationship with the Department’s subject matter expert(s) to ensure contractors perform in accordance with terms, condition and specification of the contract or purchase order. Works with senior level Contract Specialist in the evaluation, tracking and documentation of all modifications/changes to assigned contracts.  Under direct supervision ensures the modifications/changes are completed within established guidelines.  Maintains an official contracts administration file for each assigned contract.  Performs all tasks associated with the documentation of the closeout of the contract and submits to the Contract Control branch for filing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Responsible for all procurement actions from preparation of solicitations, through contract administration and closeout of the contract.  Prepares notices to bidders/proposals, conducts pre-bid/pre-proposal, conferences, and prepares and issues Notice of Awards, contracts, and purchase orders.

Responsible for the preparation of contract documents generally classified as basic or standard contracts, for bid solicitation, proposal, and quotation. Works closely with higher level Contract Specialist in the review and sign off of all documents associated with each assigned contract to make sure MARTA is in compliance with internal, federal and state guidelines.

Works closely with MARTA Departments in the administration of assigned contracts.  Maintains liaison and ongoing relationship with the Department’s subject matter expert(s) to ensure contractors perform in accordance with terms, conditions and specification of the contract or purchase order.

Works with senior level Contract Specialist in the evaluation, tracking and documentation of all modifications/changes to assigned contracts.  Under direct supervision ensures the modifications/changes are completed within established guidelines.

Completes all tasks associated with the documentation of the closeout of the contract and submits to the Contract Control branch for filing.

Performs work in a safe manner and actively encourage others to comply with safety rules and regulations, including wearing of personal protective devices.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, or related field is required.  Two years of progressively responsible professional experience in the development, procurement and administration of public contracts is required.

Must have basic knowledge of principles of competitive purchasing, bidding, and negotiation.

Must demonstrate ability to organize and prioritize work and pay close attention to detail.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills are required.  Must be proficient in the use of personal computer and associated software packages. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and/or projections. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to analyze and solve problems, apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment and the noise level is usually moderate.