Contracts and Procurement Manager at South Dakota Science and Technology – Lead, South Dakota

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Contracts and Procurement Manager leads the Contracts and Procurement Department and directs management of SDSTA contracts, grants and procurement activities. The Department works in close coordination with the Finance Office and all departments in formation and administration of contracts, grants, and procurements to support timely execution of SDSTA activities. The Manager is responsible for managing and leading the planning and execution of the Department’s activities and interfaces directly with SDSTA federal and international partner organizations for the successful formation and administration of contracts and grants related to United States government and internationally-funded work.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following reflects SDSTA’s definition of essential functions for this position and does not restrict other tasks that may be assigned. SDSTA retains the right to re-evaluate the duties of the position when considering a reasonable accommodation or at other appropriate times. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Leads the development, management, and training of SDSTA’s contracts and procurement-related objectives, policies, and procedures including negotiation with staff and collaborators to support the execution of SDSTA activities.
• Serves as the direct supervisor for contracts and procurement staff. This includes the management of staff assignments, performance management, staff planning, hiring, goal setting and reviews, assigning and directing work, and resolving problems.
• Leads the establishment of policies, processes, procedures, and forms required to support department operations. Provides training to the SDSTA staff on contracting and procurement policies and procedures.
• Leads the establishment, oversight and administration of SDSTA contracts, agreements and procurements. Ensures that SDSTA contracts, grants, and procurements are well formed and managed and adhere to applicable rules, regulations, and policies and are well coordinated with financial management, legal staff and project controls functions.
• Ensures SDSTA requests for proposals (RFPs), contracts and grants satisfy insurance and safety requirements of the Property Donation Agreement (PDA) with Barrick (fka Homestake Mining Company).
• Develops and manages Department budgets and schedules and provides weekly and monthly reporting, as required.

Other Essential Functions

• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to contracts administration and management, staff planning, administration, or management is required.
• Significant directly related experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.

Certifications and Licenses

• N/A.

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a field related to contracts administration is desired.
• A minimum of 5 year’s supervisory experience.
• Experience in establishing and administering federal government-related contracts and grants including an understanding of contracts under the United States government’s Federal Acquisition Regulation (and agency specific supplements) and/or federal financial assistance agreements such as cooperative agreements is required. The SDSTA deals with DOE-related contracts and cooperative agreements and experience related to DOE contracts is desired.
• Proficiency in the use of office computer systems including software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills

• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands and work independently to solve problems and keep management informed of progress and status. Ability to accept criticism from review panels tactfully and to adjust plans as appropriate.
• Attention to Detail—Ability to maintain constant awareness of surroundings and ensure tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Communication—Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both oral and written form. Ability to present complex topics simply and appropriately to review panels, scientists, and senior agency officials.
• Decision Making—Assesses situations, evaluates options, chooses most appropriate course of action, and effectively communicate decisions to staff.
• Influence—Ability to gain acceptance or support for ideas, projects and solutions.
• Initiative—Persists despite difficult conditions and makes suggestions for improvements.
• Mentoring—Advises and instructs staff in the development of their skills to assist in furthering their abilities as members of the team.
• Organization—Plans ahead and works in a systematic, organized way. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time and meet deadlines.
• Team Building—Ability to build an effective team and provide focus and leadership to instill a strong team environment to successfully lead the team.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• Perform work in a typical office environment which includes individual workstations, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas such as a break room and kitchen.
• The noise level is generally low to moderate, typical of an office setting, with occasional background noise from office equipment and conversations.
• The office is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting to ensure a comfortable working environment.
• The office maintains a controlled temperature environment, with heating and air conditioning systems to ensure comfort throughout the year.
• Ergonomic office furniture and equipment are provided to support employee health and well-being.
• The company is committed to providing a safe working environment and adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Employees are expected to comply with SDSTA’s ESH Manual safety program.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety Standards protocols are mandatory.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.

Mental and Physical Demands

• Regular interaction with team members, supervisors, and other departments and collaborators.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer
• Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
• Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones.
• Perform occasional physical labor and light lifting up to 20 pounds
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks
• Ability to travel as needed.

Job Information

Supervisory Duties: Yes

Direct Reports: Senior Contracts Specialist; Contracts Specialist; Procurement Specialist

Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Hours: M-F; 7AM - 4PM

Travel Required: 10%

Mission/Vision/Core Values

Mission: We advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.

Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education.

Core Values:

• Safety Focused: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment.
• Care for Others: We embrace and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We listen knowing everyone has something to offer and to learn.
• Professional: What we do is important to our community and the world. We sweat the details to achieve big things. Our behavior and ethics exemplify our best.
• Team Players: We provide unmatched service. We are respectful and deliver for our customers and partners. We build trust not barriers.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.