Contract Management Specialist (Computer Services Officer 3)

About Us

At CSDS, we prioritize people—both within our team and in the communities we serve. Our mission is to redefine how Nova Scotians engage with government by creating accessible, reliable digital solutions centered around user needs.

In today’s tech-driven world, CSDS empowers government departments with essential digital solutions to meet Nova Scotians’ expectations. As a trusted partner across government, we enable departments to fulfill their mandates with secure, user-friendly services. From healthcare and education to public safety, we collaborate to transform how services are designed and delivered.

We don’t just implement technology; we modernize outdated systems and reimagine processes. Our agile, data-driven approach ensures that digital services are both efficient and adaptable to Nova Scotia’s evolving needs.

Joining CSDS means contributing to work that makes a real difference. From providing vital tech support to healthcare professionals to strengthening cybersecurity and developing scalable digital platforms, you’ll play a key role in building a more inclusive, responsive government for Nova Scotians.

Together, we’re setting new standards for digital public service, delivering resilient solutions that meet today’s needs—and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.

About Our Opportunity

As the Contract Management Specialist, you will report to the Manager, IT Contract Management. In this role, you are responsible for leading the end-to-end management of contracts through their full lifecycle, from acquisition and negotiation, through execution, compliance, renewal and closeout. This role works closely with internal stakeholders, legal counsel, procurement, finance and vendors to ensure contracts are commercially sound, compliant with policy and aligned with the Province’s objectives. This role also includes partnering with Senior IT Contract Managers, for a team approach to their complex RFP’s.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you will lead projects and support the team within IT Contract Management. You will work independently, to manage your projects in a timely manner, as well as within working groups, on complex RFP lifecycles. These responsibilities may include:

• Lead the end to end management of IT contracts, including software, hardware, cloud services, telecommunications, managed services, and professional services 
• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer IT contracts and amendments.
• Manage IT procurement processes, including RFPs, RFIs, RFSQs, and standing offers for technology solutions 
• Work with business owners, subject matter experts and key partners to draft and develop tendering documents to acquire IT software, hardware and solutions.
• Ensure contracts align with IT architecture, security, privacy, and data protection requirements 
• Manage vendor relationships with major IT and telecom suppliers, including issue resolution and contract interpretation 
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks related to cybersecurity, data residency, licensing, intellectual property, and service continuity 
• Collaborate with IT, legal, procurement, finance, and security teams to ensure contracts support operational and strategic technology goals 
• Provide advice on contract implications for system changes, upgrades, and new technology implementations 
• Maintain accurate IT contract records and reporting within contract management systems 
• Support continuous improvement of IT contract management practices, templates, and governance 
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

As the ideal candidate, you will have a bachelor’s degree plus three (3) years related experience working with procurement and acquisition procedures and policies; or graduation from a recognized Information Technology Program plus 3 years 6 months related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. In addition, you possess the following qualities:

• Proven project management skills, managing multiple projects with current methodologies and techniques 
• Proven experience managing the full lifecycle of contracts, including drafting, negotiation, through to renewals.
• Strong knowledge of contract principles and commercial terms related to technology contracts
• Experience supporting competitive procurement processes (i.e. RFPs, RFIs, RSO,s RFSQs)
• Experience in developing tender documents, including the writing of RFX documents, developing technical, business and contractual requirements. Navigating the full procurement lifecycle from drafting to posting and contract award. 
• Proven ability to interpret and apply complex contractual terms and conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, including ability to draft clear contractual documents.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  
  

The following would be considered an asset:

• PSPP (Public Sector Procurement Program) Diploma
• Project Management designation; or proven experience

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.