Contracting Agent

San Diego, CA

TITLE: Contracting Agent
REPORTS TO: Procurement Manager – U.S.
DEPARTMENT: Global Procurement
EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt/Non Exempt
JOBCODE: G32085

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Manages all contracting related activities and processes associated with the acquisition of materials and services, which may include construction services, technical services, information technology and professional services to support the project operational needs of the company's natural gas storage, liquefied natural gas, and generation business. This includes: requirements gathering, sourcing, creating and issuing Request for Proposal (RFP), proposal evaluation contract negotiations, contract drafting and administration. Seeks assistance from other company departments as necessary to support the client's needs. Functionally responsible for ensuring compliance with Company Procurement policy, ethical and legal business practices, and lowest total cost procurement.

RESPONSIBILITES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Leads the development and implementation of necessary strategies to support completion of major projects. (15%)
• Manages the planning, scoping, bidding, contract execution, contract management and contract close-out, etc. for clients. (15%)
• Develops and leads cross-functional teams comprised of business managers, Legal, Engineering Services, Operations Support, Risk Management and other impacted organizations to coordinate Company contracting activities. (15%)
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining a collaborative relationship within these teams and with contractors to reduce overall costs; identifying opportunities for greater use of industry specifications, identifying alternate service applications, and securing reliable, cost effective sources for contracting services. (10%)
• Structures contracts as to pricing, performance measures, and breach of contract remedies and/or termination options. (15%)
• Identifies contractor alliance opportunities and leads the development and implementation of same. (10%)
• Identifies the need for and implements system-wide and Region-wide blanket contracts. (10%)
• Trains business managers in formal training settings and informally through ongoing contact in good contract management and contracting principles. (10%)

SUPERVISION of DIRECT REPORTS:

May act in a lead capacity with other procurement personnel.

Experience – Solid background in supply management, procurement, or project management with an emphasis on contracts management with 10+ years experience. Demonstrated experience purchasing materials and services for major projects in a fast paced, commercial environment. Experience in Energy or Energy Services industries highly desirable.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities –

• Must have a thorough understanding of contracting principles and laws.
• Must have strong leadership and team building skills to integrate and motivate people from different organizations to work together in achieving process objectives and project goals.
• Provides work direction to other cross-functional team members.
• Must be adept at communicating with consultants/contractors and internal clients directly to establish and maintain credibility for the contracting function, while increasing service to clients and improving the quality and performance levels of contractors to achieve the lowest total cost to the Company.
• Must be skilled in negotiations, such that the best interest of the Company is paramount in reaching win-win agreements.
• Must be able to develop, coordinate and control multiple process and or projects, achieving on time contracting services to satisfy the operating requirements of the Company.
• Must be able to work well within a matrix organization.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral communication skills to convey technical information to both internal and external sources, including non-technical audiences.
• Must have excellent written communication skills to effectively and accurately convey detailed and complex information regarding contract specifications, policies and procedures to consultants/contractors and internal clients.
• Must have experience in effectively establishing procurement strategy and decision criteria and in bringing decisions to closure while demonstrating business acumen and good judgment.
• Computer skills should include proficiency in MS Office including: Word, Excel, VISIO, Access and Power Point. Experience working with Great Plains (GL, AP and PO), Maximo Enterprise Suite, and Document Imaging systems is also desired.
• Excellent communications skills; Ability to communicate clearly and concisely by telephone, email and by direct contact.
• Must be able to maintain a high level of customer service in a work environment of numerous competing demands.
• Ability to convey technical information in a clear and concise manner to other less technically oriented customers and employees.
• Able to act in a lead capacity and/or provide work direction to others.
• Able to comfortably interface with all levels, inside & outside the organization.
• Bilingual Spanish strongly desired.
  

Email resumes to: corantes@sempraglobal.com

April 18, 2008