Contract Administrator

JOB TITLE: Contract Administrator

Location: North Fort Myers Service Center

Work Hours: M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm

Our benefits include:

• Company-wide annual incentive plan
• Medical, vision and dental insurance
• 401(k) plan with a generous 6% company match
• Company funded Pension Plan
• On-site wellness/medical facility
• Company paid Short & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Health Savings Account with an employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Wellness program with financial rewards
• Tuition reimbursement
• Group life insurance
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

LCEC provides reliable, cost-competitive electricity to more than 242,000 customers throughout a five-county service territory located in Southwest Florida. We employ approximately 425 skilled employees and are one of more than 900 electric distribution cooperatives located throughout the United States. LCEC has been recognized locally and statewide as an industry leader and continually receives acknowledgment for the work that our employees do in the community along with other civic, environmental and professional honors.

Position Summary: This position prepares contract documents for bidding of materials, services, and construction activities in support of LCEC procurement activities in the most fair, ethical, sound, and economical manner. The incumbent ensures all work is completed in accordance with LCEC Corporate Policies (including all purchasing policies/practices), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines. Performs supplier evaluation following product delivery, measuring adherence to the contract terms and conditions; adherence to goods and services specification, quality, and quantity; as well as on-time delivery and responsiveness. Work with the risk department and outside legal service to ensure all contract documents are comp with LCEC requirements.

Position Responsibilities

• Serve as LCEC's primary source regarding all areas of the contracting process, including but not limited to; development of capital request for quotes (RFQ) and request for proposals (RFP), contract negotiation, contract management, correct knowledge/application of contractual terms and conditions regarding LCEC risk and legal protections, and high efficiency in procuring goods and services at terms favorable to LCEC.
• Administer all aspects of assigned contracts for goods and services. This includes but not limited to; the coordination of the pre-bid meetings and bid review, negotiation within budgetary, statement of work, performance warranties, liquidated damages, payment terms, award of contracts, monitoring contractor performance, change orders and amendments, and assisting with the development of required contract approval, amendments, and closeouts. Manages the coordination and approval process for contracting documents, ensures proper signatures, and archives executed contracts.
• Manage all internal and external communications regarding lifecycle of contract amendments and assignments; escalate delays and negotiations challenges, risk and roadblocks to management.
• Performs analysis and consults with risk management/legal services to determine the best type of contract with applicable terms and conditions to meet the needs of LCEC and compliance requirements.
• Obtain understanding of each assigned project and milestones to support the project coordinator/manager in development of a well-defined scope of work during the initial phase.
• Develop and maintain reports and metrics to regularly report out on contract status.
• Conduct initial conferences with the contractor to provide information and clarify standard and special provision of the contract.
• Facilitate contract close-out and ensure all necessary documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Perform analysis and uses risk management techniques to establish a plan for monitoring contract performance and to provide appropriate insight to selected contractor systems or procedures.
• Determine eligibility and verify evidence of contractor's progress for approval of contract financing, progress payments, and performance-based payment, reviews, and makes recommendations on pricing reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve business processes with respect to contract review and other legal functions; devise plans to implement such changes.
• Remain abreast of market trends and relevant purchasing and contractual procedures and practices.
• Ensure activities are properly documented in the (CLM) Contract Lifecyle Management system.
• Obtain understanding of each assigned project and milestones to support the project coordinator/manger in development of a well-defined scope of work during the initial planning.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as may be required to support the department, division and LCEC.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or Paralegal or related field. (Required)
• Master's Degree In Business Administration and coursework in business or contract law. (Preferred)

Work Experience

• 5+ to 10 Years experience and knowledge of contract management methodologies/concepts. (Required)
• 5+ to 10 Years related experience in the procurement of goods and services through contract agreements. (Required)
• Prior work experience in IT, Construction or Utility industry contract procurement experience. (Preferred)
• Experience reviewing and negotiating software license agreements preferred. (Preferred)
• Prior work experience as a paralegal. (Preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of commercial contract terms and conditions. (Highly Required)
• Demonstrated ability in negotiation and influencing skills. (Required)
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office suite. (Highly Required)
• Understanding and experience with document management systems and contract management software. (Required)
• Excellent written and verbal communication, time management and interpersonal skills. (Highly Required)
• Strong presentation skills. (Highly Required)
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact cross functionally with multiple levels of the organization. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, prioritize and problem solve. (Required)
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative environment and using interactive skills to build effective and positive relationships. (Required)
• Ability to handle extremely sensitive and confidential information and maintain strict confidentiality. (Required)
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to multitask. (Highly Required)
• Strong work ethic. (Highly Required)

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Paralegal (Preferred)
• Purchasing or Supply Management certification. (Preferred)
• Purchasing or Supply Management certification. Upon Hire (Preferred)

Physical Demands and Working Environment: The physical demands and working environment characteristics described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Standing Occasionally,
  Walking Occasionally,
  Sitting Constantly,
  Lifting Rarely,
  Carrying Rarely,
  Pushing Rarely,
  Pulling Rarely,
  Climbing Rarely,
  Balancing Rarely,
  Stooping Rarely,
  Kneeling Rarely,
  Crouching Rarely,
  Crawling Rarely,
  Reaching Rarely,
  Handling Occasionally,
  Grasping Occasionally,
  Feeling Rarely,
  Talking Constantly,
  Hearing Constantly,
  Repetitive Motions Frequently,
  Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently,

• Working Environment: Constantly Air-conditioned office environment, Rarely Extreme cold, Rarely Extreme heat, Rarely Humidity, Rarely Wet, Occasionally Noise, Rarely Hazards, Rarely Temperature Change, Rarely Atmospheric Conditions, Rarely Vibration.

STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS.... Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment: LCEC provides critical services to our community during an emergency. Employees are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our LCEC members. Employees are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's guidelines and procedures.

Please note that at the time a candidate is made a job offer, the candidate will be subject to a background check and a drug screening.