Contract Specialist

Summary

The Vendor Contracts group, part of the Project Controls department, serves as a crucial business liaison between stakeholders and the Strategic Supply Management (SSM) department. Our mission is to ensure the effective and efficient management of vendor contracts, supporting NYPA’s and NYS Canals Corporation’s VISION2030 initiatives and beyond. We uphold NYPA values, ethics, and guidelines, enabling the achievement of organizational goals through strategic partnerships with business stakeholders.

The Contract Specialist will develop purchase requisitions, support Procurement Contracts and Bid Administration efforts from an end-user perspective, and manage the Supplier Contract portfolio to ensure funds are available for anticipated work and continuity of service. This includes working with SSM to extend contracts or add funds based on Trustee limits, and transferring ongoing work to new contracts as needed. The Analyst will gather supporting documentation to assist with issuing contract change orders to modify terms and conditions as necessary. Additionally, the role involves communicating and engaging with suppliers regarding department procedural changes, coordinating specific project trainings, and assisting with contract questions or concerns in conjunction with SSM and Legal. #LI-VB1

Responsibilities

• Execute the development requisition packages for Operations, ensuring alignment with procurement policies and contract awards.
• Review and analyze memos and proposals, ensuring they align with NYPA protocols and provide actionable insights to project managers.
• Coordinate deliverables and advise project managers on contracting procedures including extensions and the RFP process.
• Proactively understand each department’s procedure to effectively guide project managers and streamline their contracting process.
• Facilitate and document meetings with contractors and/or business partners.
• Troubleshoot and resolve procurement-related issues, working closely with project managers and other departments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with Utility industry, accounting procedures, and procurement policies. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, proficient in organizing and presenting information, effective with various stakeholders.
• Capability to handle projects independently, solving complex contract-related issues, and developing multiple solutions.
• Good project management skills, adept at coordinating among various parties, managing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Recognizes issues during analysis, capable of working independently, providing alternatives to supervisors.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements