Senior Manager, Contracts and Operations Support Services (OCERS)

Job Description:

Senior Manager, Contracts and Operations Support Services (OCERS)

Description

CAREER DESCRIPTION

SENIOR MANAGER, CONTRACTS AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES

Open to the Public

This position is an OCERS position and is based in Santa Ana, CA.

The application period will close at the end of the day on May 17, 2026.

OCERS offers a competitive benefits package, a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, annual leave, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

DESCRIPTION:
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our team! We are now accepting online applications to fill the position of Senior Manager, Contracts and Operations Support Services.

WHO WE ARE:
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $28 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here .

Mission:
OCERS mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision:
OCERS vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.

Values:

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY:
OCERS is seeking a Senior Manager, Contracts and Operations Support Services to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the agency’s procurement, contract management, and operational support functions. Reporting to the Deputy CEO, this senior management role manages the full contract lifecycle - from developing and issuing competitive solicitations (RFPs/RFQs) and evaluating bids, to negotiating agreements, monitoring performance, and ensuring timely close-out - all while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. In addition to procurement and vendor management, the Senior Manager will oversee facilities management, property and liability insurance administration, mail processing, records management, and space planning. The Senior Manager serves as a hands-on, work-producing manager while providing leadership and oversight for the team. This role is also charged with leveraging modern technology, including AI and machine learning tools, to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and achieve cost savings. As OCERS’ principal contracting authority and a key advisor to executive leadership, the Senior Manager will lead a multifunctional team, develop agency-wide procurement policies, and drive innovation to meet evolving operational needs.

PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES:

Performance in this role requires a combination of technical expertise and strong leadership attributes:

• Strategic Leadership: Provides direction and vision for procurement and support services; anticipates agency needs and drives improvements in contracting processes.
• Analytical Judgment: Uses critical thinking to interpret complex legal, financial, and technical information and to make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Communication: Clearly and persuasively communicates complex information to diverse audiences, ensuring understanding and alignment across the organization.
• Integrity and Ethics: Upholds the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and accountability in contracting and office management practices.
• Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills: Forges partnerships across teams and with external stakeholders to deliver on strategic goals; guides and motivates staff; fosters a positive team environment.
• Adaptability: Remains flexible and resilient in response to changing priorities, tight deadlines, and evolving regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited university or college with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Contract Management, or a closely related field.
  

AND

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in procurement and contract management including supervisory responsibilities.
  

Special Notes, Licenses, or Requirements:

• A valid California class C driver’s license or the ability to arrange for timely transportation is required.
  
• Successful completion of a background investigation.
  

Highly Desirables:

• Proficiency with contract management software, ERP systems and emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML tools).
  
• Designation as a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), and/or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO).
  
• Experience in local government, public-sector retirement systems or a regulated environment.
  

KEY COMPETENCIES AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:

The Senior Manager, Contracts and Operations Support Services is expected to demonstrate the following competencies and leadership attributes to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of this position:

• Strategic Vision and Innovation: Anticipates organizational needs in procurement, contracting, and operations support; identifies opportunities to improve processes and outcomes through innovative approaches and emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning solutions.
• Operational Excellence: Ensures that procurement, contracting, facilities, and support service operations are executed efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with applicable regulations and policies. Establishes clear performance metrics and continuously evaluates results to ensure optimal use of resources. Responsible for both managerial oversight and hands-on execution of core departmental functions.
• Technology Leadership: Champions the integration of technology tools to streamline workflows, strengthen vendor oversight, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve internal and external customer experiences.
• Ethics and Accountability: Maintains the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and stewardship in all procurement and operational support activities; models integrity and sound judgment in decision-making.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Evaluates complex data, contract terms, and operational needs to make evidence-based decisions that mitigate risk and advance organizational goals.
• Change Leadership: Leads teams through organizational, regulatory, or technological changes with clarity, engagement, and a focus on long-term success.
• Collaborative Influence: Builds and maintains strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, contractors, and external partners; facilitates cooperation across functions to achieve shared objectives.
• Talent Development: Provides clear direction, coaching, and professional development opportunities to staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Results Orientation: Focuses on achieving measurable results in cost savings, operational efficiency, compliance, and service delivery; consistently meets or exceeds organizational objectives.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Please click here for additional details about the Senior Manager, Contracts and Operations Support Services classification.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Sample of KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

• Procurement and Contracting Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of public-sector procurement principles, competitive bidding processes, negotiation strategies and applicable laws.
• Contract Administration: Skilled in drafting, reviewing, and managing complex contracts; experienced in cost/price analysis and compliance oversight.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong ability to interpret and apply data, identify trends and develop actionable solutions.
• Leadership and Interpersonal: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams; skilled in fostering collaboration across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise with standard office applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and proven track record of adopting and integrating AI/ML solutions to improve efficiency, accuracy and decision-making.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively, while maintaining attention to detail.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Speak and hear well enough to communicate in English clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in small groups.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, write, and use a calculator.
• Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, participating employers, peers, and retirement system members.
• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor.
• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist, to access a standard office environment.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods-of-time.
• Subject to standing for extended periods-of-time, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, reaching, kneeling, and climbing ladders and stairs, crawling, and occasional lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Conditions

• The primary workplace is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment.
• Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet to moderate noise level.
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups, and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs.
• Out of area travel may be required to attend professional conferences and meetings.
• Occasional exposure to inclement weather and varying temperatures, subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Subject to working at heights and below ground, exposure to dust, pollen, noise, balancing on high or narrow places, working in excavations, and general hazards associated with construction sites.
• Subject to exposure to dirt, weeds, potentially hazardous materials, rodents, and insects.

BENEFITS:
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

For additional information and details about the OCERS pension and benefits offered, please click here .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE:

OCERS' Human Resources Department will screen all application materials to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified via e-mail of all further procedures applicable to their application status.
Applications Appraisal Panel (AAP) | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer):
A panel of job knowledge experts will screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related education and experience as described above. Please be thorough in your responses to supplemental questions as each will be evaluated and rated accordingly. Additionally, please be thorough in aligning your education and work experience to the competencies and qualifications listed in this bulletin. Clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will also be considered in the evaluation. This is a competitive process and only the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step.

Qualifications Appraisal Panel | Oral Interview:
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified, and all affected candidates will be notified.

HOW TO APPLY:
You may apply to this position online via the OCERS Job Board . Only online applications with completed supplemental questions will be accepted.

It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your online application. For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact John Nguyen at (714) 569-4855 or email jtnguyen @ocers.org .

Please do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification throughout the recruitment process. Please ensure that you include your correct email address in the application and that you use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocers.org." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

EEO INFORMATION

OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Administrative Management Benefits

Administrative Management employees enjoy a comprehensive selection of enhanced benefits, including:

• Retirement: Participation in the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), a defined benefit pension plan. Learn more about OCERS plans and pension benefits here: OCERS Active Member Information.
• Optional Benefit Plan (OBP): An annual amount of $3,500, which may be received in the form of lump sum payment (taxable) or other available benefit choices.
• Paid Leave
  • 12 paid holidays per year
  • Accrued annual leave
• Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts: Flexible spending accounts to help cover eligible medical and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Dental Insurance: Provided to team members and eligible dependents at no cost.
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: $100,000 AD&D coverage, with the option to purchase additional coverage including dependent coverage.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance programs are provided at no cost to employees.
• 457 Defined Contribution Program: Voluntary retirement savings program with tax-deferred contributions.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $10,000 maximum annually.

For a complete overview of our benefits, please visit the OCERS Benefits Page.

Closing Date/Time: 5/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$126,244.00 - $195,677.00 Annually