Assistant Director – Contracts and Procurement

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Assistant Director – Contracts and Procurement

Salary

$124,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annually

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

15021

Department

Engineering Department

Opening Date

05/14/2025

Closing Date

6/30/2025 11:59 PM Central

Position Description


Position Overview

Under general direction, the Assistant Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of procurement and contracting processes. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and local procurement regulations, policies, and associated procedures. The Assistant Director leads procurement planning, solicitation, contract negotiation, and compliance activities while supervising a team of procurement professionals. This role is integral to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility in the acquisition of goods, services, and construction.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage the procurement and contract lifecycle, including planning, solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, award, administration, and compliance.
  • Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to procurement staff to ensure adherence to policies and high-quality service delivery.
  • Oversee the procurement of goods, professional services, and construction contracts, ensuring timely and compliant execution.
  • Conduct and oversee vendor negotiations, including renegotiations and contract terminations when necessary.
  • Review and improve procurement policies, procedures, and systems to increase efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Supervise procurement operations and personnel, including hiring, evaluating, coaching, and disciplining staff as needed.
  • Coordinate outreach programs and ensure inclusive procurement practices that provide equitable opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
  • Monitor and support departmental procurement liaisons; deliver training and guidance as needed.
  • Prepare, review, and approve solicitation documents, evaluations, and contract award recommendations.
  • Research, write, evaluate, and approve complex bid proposals, contracts, and specifications for the purchase of high-tech and capital equipment, materials, and services.
  • Maintain effective communication and collaboration with departments, vendors, and community stakeholders.
  • Represent the department in high-level meetings and support executive leadership in strategic planning and decision-making.
  • Interface with vendors to resolve conflicts; investigate claims where vendors fail to provide services or materials as specified and recommend appropriate actions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the smooth operation of the department.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.


Experience:

  • Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in procurement, contract management, and compliance.
  • At least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity in procurement of Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) contracts

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

  • Comprehensive knowledge of procurement and contract management principles, including solicitation, vendor negotiations, and compliance practices.
  • Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing procurement.
  • Strong knowledge of small, minority-, and women-owned business enterprise policies and practices.
  • Proficient in using procurement and contract management systems and software.
  • Ability to interpret financial, cost, and legal data related to contracts and procurement.
  • Ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with staff, vendors, elected officials, and the public.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF).

Employee is responsible for sustaining MEF and operations during emergency events and is expected to report to the appropriate work location even when a "temporary closure" has been issued for the County.


NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education:

  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Experience

  • Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in procurement, contract management, and compliance.
  • At least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.


Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

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: 


  • Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic and four-wheel drive controls.
  • Frequent standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods of time. 
  • Frequent stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items up to 10 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
  • Extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor).
  • Occasional sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents, books, files, materials, and equipment.
  • Frequent standing and walking on rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces and ground during field visits.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time:

  • Approximately 90% of duties will be performed indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions, and noise levels. 
  • Approximately 10% of duties will be performed outdoors, where there will be exposure to heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, wind, and dust. 
  • Must be willing to work in various weather and working conditions when visiting a field location. 


FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunity.

Flexible spending account.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).




Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.  


Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

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HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.


The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:


Health & Wellness Benefits

  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance 
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan


The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan) 
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by department.


In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.


For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.
  • High School or GED diploma
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher
  • None of the above
02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?
  • Business Administration
  • Public Administration
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Other related field
  • Unrelated field
  • N/A; No degree
03
This position requires possession of a valid Texas-issued driver's license. Do you currently have this required licensure? Please include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.
  • Yes, I have a valid Texas Driver's License
  • No, but I will commit to obtaining a valid Texas Driver's License prior to start date if hired
  • No, I am ineligible and/or decline to obtain this type of licensure
04
How many years of experience do you have in procurement, contract management, and compliance?
  • less than 5 years
  • 5 - 6 years
  • 6 - 7 years
  • 7- 8 years
  • 8 or 8 + years
05
How many years of experience do you have in a supervisory capacity in procurement of Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) contracts?
  • less than a year
  • 1 - 2 years
  • 2 - 3 years
  • 3 or 3+ years
06
Do you have a comprehensive knowledge of procurement and contract management principles, including solicitation, vendor negotiations, and compliance practices?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer
Harris County
Address
1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone
713-274-5445