Role Description

WSDOT is seeking a Technology Vendor Management Specialist to support the agency’s continuous modernization efforts by coordinating third-party technology services, contracts, and vendor relationships that deliver reliable and compliant Information and Operational Technology solutions. This role will assist with vendor management projects, monitor contract and procurement activities, support technology acquisitions from planning through implementation, and collaborate with internal teams, leadership, and external partners to ensure services align with agency standards, policies, and business needs.

Working under the guidance of senior staff, the position will contribute to research, analysis, reporting, and process improvement while helping manage RFx activities and enterprise IT contracts across the organization. A strong candidate will demonstrate foundational knowledge of IT and procurement practices, analytical and organizational skills, customer service orientation, and the ability to manage priorities and build effective working relationships.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Technology Vendor Management Specialist will:

• Support WSDOT IT vendor management activities in compliance with strategic, tactical, and operational plans.
• Research available technologies, analyze for fit within the existing environment, and identify proper technical criteria and requirements for selection.
• Collaborate with internal partners including project and business resources, sourcing, and procurement to develop criteria and best practices for vendor selection.
• Serve as an internal and external contact regarding system and service requirements, coordinate issues across multiple technology disciplines and report findings to Technology Vendor Management team.
• Maintain effective processes for vendor contractual obligations to ensure their efficacy in meeting customer needs.
• Implement and administer the Technology Vendor Management (TVM) Applications.
• Support the TVM Application and provide training, support and troubleshooting for users.

Qualifications

• Proficient in managing the technology vendor management lifecycle of monitoring contractual obligations of technology vendors including market research, vendor selection and onboarding, performance and end-of-life processes.
• Ability to improve stakeholder and vendor education and establish processes to ensure alignment with agency-wide technology strategies and vendor management goals.
• Demonstrated experience formulating and defining vendor management systems scope and objectives through research and fact-finding, develop or modify moderately complex information systems.
• Skilled in researching different technology and providing technical consultation to internal stakeholders, advising on IT solutions that meet functional, operational, and strategic needs.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to non-technical users.
• Working knowledge and proficiency of hardware and software technologies commonly used in enterprise environments, such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Power BI, and Azure DevOps, including their functions and support needs.
• Demonstrated proficiency in identifying issues, inconsistencies, or risks in technical specifications and contract documents.
• Skilled in reviewing and editing vendor management documentation and contracts to identify and correct errors, omissions, and inconsistencies.
• Ability to assess technical and contractual documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to complete assignments within established timelines and monitor priorities across concurrent projects and vendor engagements.
• Skilled in working independently and proactively to ensure high-quality outcomes in dynamic, deadline-driven environments.
• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of information technology systems, data management practices, and enterprise environments, with the ability to support vendor coordination, monitor service performance, and assist in issue resolution, typically obtained through formal education, extensive experience and/or relevant certifications.
• A broad knowledge base spanning multiple technology and business disciplines and an understanding of technology systems, applications, and infrastructure.
• Ability to support the implementation of IT systems, applications, and vendor solutions by applying an understanding of enterprise-level processes, infrastructure, and technology alignment.
• Experience analyzing technical business processes, managing data and databases, and producing accurate information to support decision-making and operational improvements.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance – Flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year.
• Tuition Assistance – Options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – Comprehensive benefits package including a variety of healthcare options and state retirement programs.