Contracting & Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Title Contracting & Procurement Specialist Agency 978 OKLAHOMA TURNPIKE AUTHORITY Supervisory Organization Controller Administration–Neal A McCaleb Transportation Building Job Posting End Date Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank. Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above. Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank) Full/Part-Time Full time Job Type Regular Compensation Job Description Why join the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority? The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has been serving Oklahomans since 1947, managing and maintaining a modern, safe, and efficient turnpike system across the state. With a commitment to customer service and innovation, OTA plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and reliable travel for millions of motorists each year. As a part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. OTA offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for growth, making it an excellent choice to build your career in public service. Position Overview This is a full-time, in-office position located in Oklahoma City, OK. The Contracting and Procurement Specialist is responsible for managing and supporting the full procurement lifecycle, including requisition review, sourcing, solicitation development, evaluation, contract award, and vendor management, while ensuring compliance with the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, administrative rules, agency policies, and established procurement procedures. This role collaborates with leadership, vendors, and internal stakeholders to develop specifications, scopes of work, and evaluation criteria; administer competitive bidding processes; leverage statewide and cooperative contracts; resolve contract and vendor performance issues; and provide training on procurement processes and systems such as Oracle Fusion. The position also focuses on building strong vendor relationships, improving procurement efficiency, identifying process gaps, and implementing continuous improvements to reduce delays and support organizational goals. Compensation This position pays $29.95 per hour ($62,300 annually). Primary Duties and Responsibilities Daily duties and support of the full procurement lifecycle, including requisition review, sourcing strategy, solicitation development, evaluation, and award. Assist in the competitive bidding processes (RFQ, ITB, RFP) in accordance with Oklahoma statutes and agency policy and thresholds. Work with leadership to interpret and apply the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and related administrative rules. Follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for procurement functions. Train staff and end-users on procurement processes and system usage (e.g., ERP systems like Oracle Fusion). Leverage statewide and cooperative contracts when appropriate to maximize efficiency. Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define scope of work, specifications, and evaluation criteria. Assist in the resolution of vendor performance issues, disputes, and contract discrepancies. Train and guide internal stakeholders on procurement processes to improve efficiency and reduce rework. Identify process gaps and implement improvements to reduce delays in procurement cycles that could impact operations. Supports the agency P-card program, including cardholder applications, account maintenance, spending-limit changes, and card cancellation, subject to required approvals. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Physical Demands and Work Environment This position works in a comfortable office setting with a computer for a large percentage of the workday. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild. Minimum Qualifications Education and experience requirements consist of a bachelor's degree (preferably in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or related field) plus two years of professional experience in purchasing/procurement, or at least 5 years of professional experience in purchasing/procurement. Preferred Qualifications Certified Procurement Officer (CPO) II. Candidates who do not currently hold the certification must obtain it within the timeframe established by the Agency. Demonstrated experience with competitive bidding processes and contract management Strong knowledge of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and OMES procurement procedures Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle Fusion, PeopleSoft, or similar) Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Exceptional organizational, communication, and time management skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with team members, leadership and external stakeholders. Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities. Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and common sense in decision-making. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of contracting methods pertaining to the procurement of a wide variety of goods and services; of state purchasing laws and regulations; of assigned commodities or services; of sources of supply; and of recent developments, trends and economic factors affecting procurements. Ability is required to write and review purchase specifications and requisitions; to evaluate bids and award contracts; to identify sources of supply; to monitor contract performance; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Benefits Highlights OTA is proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support eligible employees and their eligible dependents: Generous Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,934 to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families. Comprehensive Insurance Plans: A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Retirement Savings Plans: Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%). OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November 1, 2015. Paid Leave: 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service. 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service. 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service. 25 days annually for over 20 years of service. Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year. Paid Maternity leave for eligible employees. Holidays: Eleven paid holidays annually. Employee Discounts: Special rates with various vendors and companies. Longevity Payment: Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure. Thrive: Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being. OTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub . If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information: Agency Contact