*Mission:* Every day,*Montana Department of Justice*employees are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and rights of the people of our great state. The Department of Justice does the right thing for the right reason. If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of a team that builds a culture of character and excellence, demonstrates collaboration and selfless public service, and upholds the law while pursuing public safety, the Department of Justice may have a career for you! *About Us:* Hello! We’re the Justice Information Technology Services (JITS) team at the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ). We serve the Montana Attorney General providing vital Information Technology (IT) infrastructure which Montanan’s rely upon to support state and local law enforcement. Our team is dynamic and collaborative, and we have a big impact. We manage the IT systems, services, and interfaces to support approximately 900 DOJ employees, and over 3,000 Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) customers across the state working together to make a difference. JITS supports DOJ staff involved with legal cases concerning the State and its people, Montana missing persons, victim services, children’s justice, consumer protection, criminal investigations, highway safety, motor vehicle operations, gambling control, criminal history information, and forensic laboratory services. This is a long list of vital services but if you enjoy diversity, this challenging, exciting, and rewarding position may be what you are looking for. *The Role:* We are looking for a skilled Contracts Manager who will be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of the procurement lifecycle within DOJ. This includes support and assistance in the development of the scope and specifications, drafts and reviews Invitation for Bids (IFB) and Requests for Proposal (RFP), reviews, and compares vendor documents; evaluates proposals and bids; drafts, edits, negotiates, reviews, interprets and clarifies contract provisions, legal requirements, terms, conditions, specifications, and quotations; recommends contracts for award; supports divisions in monitoring contracts/agreements for statutory and terms compliance; responds to inquiries in regards to contract management. This position is also responsible for ensuring that all contracts comply with the organization's internal policies and procedures. The Contracts Manager works closely with various groups within the organization, including IT, legal, procurement, and finance, to ensure that contracts are aligned with the organization's strategic objectives and budgetary constraints. Overall, the Contracts Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that contracts are executed effectively and efficiently, while also managing the organization's contractual relationships with external vendors and service providers. *What You’ll Do:* * Analyze and research goods and services to determine reasonable prices. * Research and collaborate with agency staff to obtain and maintain a working technical knowledge about goods and services in order to develop specifications and contract terms. * Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, to determine need for contract modification and recommend appropriate remedies for non-compliance. * Ensure compliance with laws, rules, policy, and processes related to procurement. * Prepare purchase orders, contracts, solicit bid and proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services for restrictive requirements. * Ensure compliance with conditions of grants by monitoring and analyzing agreements, contracts, expenses, and activities. * Supports and assists the planning, creation, writing, and negotiating for hardware, software licensing, and service level agreements. * Support divisions in monitoring IT contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, to determine need for contract modification and recommend appropriate remedies for non-compliance. * Ensures contract compliance with internal and external requirements and supports negotiations on needed amendments or change orders *What We’re Looking For:* * You’ll be the main contact for contracts and procurement for the department, this role bridges the gap between all teams within the agency and the State Procurement Division. * DOJ has a lot of Information Technology procurements, knowledge in this area is a bonus. * This role is perfect for someone who loves rolling up their sleeves and getting things done, while also keeping an eye on the big picture. * */Note/*/: Don’t quite meet all of the requirements, but still confident you could crush it as a Contracts and Warranted Procurement Officer? Show us. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered./ *Why Join Us?* * Awesome Benefits: Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, health, dental, vision coverage, and retirement plans. * Student Loan Forgiveness: Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. * Fun Work Environment: Be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. *Ready to Apply?* Submit your resume and cover letter electronically. This is a permanent full-time position and located in Helena, Montana. *Minimum Qualifications:* * **Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, communication, or related field. * Two years of purchasing, technical writing, project management, contract administration, or other applicable experience * Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted. *Special Instructions*: The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the cover letter, resume, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks. Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered. Successful applicant(s) will be subject to: * Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check * Driving History *HOW TO APPLY: * */_To be considered for this position, you must attach a cover letter and resume at the time of application_/**_._* Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a “Relevant File”. _Your Resume_: Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job. A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume to be considered for this position. Failure to attach resume will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson atTerese.Christianson@mt.govviaFile Transfer Service. To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office. Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous**State of Montana Benefits. * Medical, dental and vision coverage * Retirement plans * Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays * Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts * Employee Assistance Program State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This Organization Participates inE-Verify. Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply. This position is/may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA). **Title:** *Contracts Manager* **Location:** *Helena* **Requisition ID:** *25140067*