Senior Manager of Contracts & Consultant Services

Title: Senior Manager of Contracts & Consultant Services

- Washington State Ferries

Location: King County United States

Job Description:

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel. 

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Senior Manager of Contracts & Consultant Services to serve as WSF's lead expert for contracting, procurement, and marine consultant agreements, supporting the Director of Finance and Administration. This role provides strategic guidance on contract risk, oversees key business initiatives, and partners with the Attorney General's Office and Executive Leadership to deliver timely, compliant, and cost-effective contracting. With broad purchasing and signature authority, this position is essential to delivering critical services, meeting legislative requirements, and supporting the infrastructure that enables reliable ferry service for the public.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate- and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Senior Manager of Contracts & Consultant Services will:

• Provide leadership and direction to the Contracts & Consultant Services Department and serve as WSF's senior advisor on contractual issues.
• Liaise with the Attorney General's Office (AGO) on contractual matters related to WSF capital and operating programs, and support representation in administrative proceedings.
• Develop strategic business guidance in procurement, contracting, and risk management; evaluate and analyze contract terms and conditions.
• Develop, modify, and implement policies, statutes, regulations, and procedures that support WSF's capital and operating programs, in coordination with the AGO, WSDOT, and WSF departments.
• Prepare and manage competitive bid/proposal packages, complex contracts, and interagency agreements for public works, vessel projects, consultant services, concessions, and federal/state funding programs.
• Provide senior oversight in contract development and administration for major WSF initiatives, including vessel construction, renovations, hybrid-electric conversions, and multimodal terminal projects.
• Manage contract security instruments, insurance coverage, and marine insurance program updates to limit liability and ensure appropriate property, casualty, and risk protection.
• Coordinate with internal departments, federal funding agencies, and the Office of Equity & Civil Rights to manage bid processes, support compliance, and resolve operational and financial contractual issues.
• Uphold WSF's strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF's culture through leadership actions.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

Knowledge/experience 

• Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity. 
• Experience in preparing contracts and agreements to meet regulatory requirements, policies and procedures. 
• Experience leading and managing complex, multi-disciplinary, high-risk government contract and consulting program. 
• Experience in making both strategic and tactical decisions with the ability to make independent and timely decisions. 
• Advanced Knowledge of government contracting with solid depth of understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Washington State statutes, and all relevant contract types. 
• Knowledge of project development processes and managing budgets and schedules. 
• Knowledge of engineering design of construction projects. 

Skills/Abilities 

• Ability to develop policy and set management goals for matters requiring comprehensive knowledge of contract development and administration. 
• Ability to frame, structure, prepare, and present analysis, findings, and recommendations in a clear, persuasive and objective manner consistent with established standards and practices. 
• Skilled at managing and providing functional directions to staff and other personnel; and providing effective liaison services to external organizations. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment and handle confidential and sensitive information. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others. 
• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth 
• Experience leading complex construction and contract development teams. 
• Ability to engender trust and remove business barriers, while maintaining high functioning relationships both internally and externally to WSDOT. 
• Knowledge of maritime laws, and marine risk analysis. 

Important Notes 

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-9W002 in the subject line.