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Small Business Contracting Manager

Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), Los Angeles, CA, United States


Position Title Position Title:

Small Business Contracting Manager

Compensation Salary Range:

$85,000 to $132,812.50 Annually plus excellent benefits

Position Status:

Full-time, exempt

Location:

On-site in our DTLA office

Organization Background PACE is a local community nonprofit organization founded in 1976. It provides services for communities in the greater Los Angeles area, including Business Development, Workforce Development, Early Childhood Education, Financial Education, Housing and Rehabilitation Services, Weatherization, and Affordable Housing Development. PACE serves more than 40,000 people each year and has over 350 staff. For more information, visit

https://pacela.org/ .

Program Summary PACE Business promotes the growth of diverse communities through business consultation, training, workshops, events, and access to capital. The Procurement Team helps small businesses secure contracts with government agencies, corporations, prime contractors, and other large buyers. The team administers the City’s ProcureLA program, connecting Los Angeles-based small businesses with contracting opportunities in sectors such as construction and sports & entertainment.

Key resources:

https://pacelabdc.org/ ,

https://www.procurela.com/

Position Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Small Business Contracting Manager with experience in public and/or private sector procurement. The Manager will lead a team that assists small businesses in identifying contracts, accessing capital, building capacity, and negotiating agreements. Strong people management and strategic skills are required to quickly ramp up and leverage existing relationships with government and private sector partners in Southern California. This role reports to the Director of PACE Business.

Key Responsibilities & Duties Business Development (40%)

Strategize and pursue new public and private sector opportunities to grow the Procurement Program.

Build and maintain relationships with federal, state, local agencies, corporations, prime contractors, and other major buyers in Southern California.

Develop relationships with other regional business resource providers.

Lead proposals for Notice of Interest, Request for Proposals, and other funding opportunities.

Program Implementation (40%)

Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the procurement program, including:

Pipeline.

Aggregation, analysis, and synthesis of client data for small businesses pursuing contracts.

Technical Assistance.

One‑on‑one counseling for navigating the contracting process, including registrations and capability statements.

Matchmaking.

Connecting small businesses directly with buyers based on eligibility and needs.

Events & Workshops.

Training and informational events for small businesses and key stakeholders.

Reporting.

Regular reports on key metrics, KPIs, and status updates for management, funders, and stakeholders.

Serve as day‑to‑day point of contact for grantors and funders.

Manage government contracts at local, county, state, and federal levels, ensuring contractual metrics are met or exceeded.

Identify, prioritize, and serve experienced small business clients pursuing larger contracts.

Collaborate with other PACE Business teams for client referrals and cross‑teaming opportunities.

Coordinate with internal and external auditors for reviews.

People Management (20%)

Supervise and manage direct reports and vendor consultants/subcontractors.

Provide procurement training to build departmental capacity and develop training curricula as needed.

Education, Experience, and Skills Education and Experience

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, or related field, or equivalent with at least 5 years of professional experience in small business contracting and/or technical assistance.

Minimum three years of experience providing technical assistance for small businesses pursuing contracts.

Minimum three years of supervisory experience within the most recent five years.

Direct involvement as a small business owner or employee with contracting experience (e.g., vendor identification, bidding, negotiations) in Los Angeles County, highly desirable.

Experience overseeing or managing government contracts, highly desirable.

Experience in small business‑related events, workshops, and training, highly desirable.

Familiarity with registrations and online government systems for contracting opportunities.

Skills and Abilities

Effective collaboration with staff to build an inclusive organizational culture.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to work with low‑income individuals and multi‑background groups.

Strong multitasking and fast‑paced office management skills.

Excellent organizational and management abilities.

Effective problem‑solving and mediation skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media, and online marketing.

Experience with CRM systems, especially Salesforce.

Bilingual skills preferred but not required.

Additional Requirements

Reliable transportation, valid California driver’s license, vehicle registration, and adequate automobile insurance.

Successful background and employment/reference checks.

COVID vaccination required (two‑dose Pfizer or Moderna, or single‑dose Johnson & Johnson). Exemptions may be requested separately.

On‑site in DTLA office with local travel as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay range: $85,000 to $132,812.50 annually, depending on experience.

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employee and family with generous employer contributions.

Robust 401(k) retirement plan.

Generous paid holidays and personal leave.

Physical Demands The role requires speaking, hearing, sitting, using hands, standing, walking, reaching, and carrying up to 30 lbs. Vision and close vision needed.

Equal Opportunity Statement PACE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

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