IT Vendor Manager (ITVM-M/ETS)

Salary: $109,512.00 - $147,264.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-08597
Department: Health Care Authority
Division: ETS
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 10/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
IT Vendor Manager
This is a full-time hybrid position. This position will be required to be onsite at least 1-2 days a week and will be required to be onsite more frequently to support implementation efforts and business needs.
This project position is funded through 06/30/2027. The program has requested funding to continue implementation efforts in state fiscal year 2028/29, which is dependent on legislative approvals.
All HCA employees are required to be Washington state residents upon their first day of employment.
The Opportunity
This position manages vendor relationships and their contracts with Epic and ~50 other vendors for the Health Care Management and Coordination System (HCMACS) Enterprise EHR being implemented in Washington, which is one of the first states to launch such a program. This is an innovative project that will have real positive change on health care across the state, so we are in search of a candidate who will find this opportunity as exciting as we do!
Key Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with key leadership and program management staff that spans multiple state agencies.
• Manage and develop relationships with enterprise EHR vendors such as Epic and all third-party application vendors.
• Manage IT vendors and IT professional services vendor contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), reporting, and warranties.
• Provide senior management, leadership, and expertise to ensure contracted services are in place and managed effectively for the enterprise multi-agency EHR solution.
• Build strong professional relationships with all program vendors that results in an efficient, collegial environment of shared responsibility for program success.
• Lead and support solicitation, procurement, and contract negotiations with potential vendors.
• Ensure compliance with all appropriate rules governing contract administration.
• Monitor, control, and report on all warranties, contract obligations, and deliverables for HCMACS Program leadership and external stakeholders.
• Manage and monitor IT vendor budgets in alignment with HCMACS budget and financial staff.
• Communicate and escalate contract and vendor issues and risks through the program management office

Why You'll Love This Role

• You will join a growing team early in its development, giving you the opportunity to further shape this work and its impact on Washingtonians.
• You will manage vendor relationships for an innovative enterprise electronic health records project across Washington state.
• You will work with partner agencies to develop, execute, and manage these contracts centrally housed in HCA.

What You Bring

• Experience with tech contracts: You have managed technology contracts, especially electronic health records (and preferably Epic).
• People skills: You have successfully worked with partners inside and outside of your organization to get complicated things done.
• Communication skills: You have strong communications skills to ensure expectations, risks, issues are clear while continuing to build solid relationships with vendors and teams.
• Contract management skills: You love negotiating and managing the details of contracts, which requires an attention to detail and requires a lot of back-and-forth communication with vendors and program teams.

Required Qualifications
Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and application.

• Proven experience in successfully managing vendors/third parties, including, but not limited to, policies, performance, vendor risk, relationships, contracts (including negotiations), and issue and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated experience and technical subject matter expertise in EHR, healthcare IT vendor contracting, and IT vendor management.

Qualifying candidates will satisfy one of the following requirement options:
Option 1:

• Nine (9) years of progressive professional IT experience in IT vendor management, and
• Two (2) or more years as a senior level supervisor.

Option 2:

• Associate degree or equivalent in a field that relates to information technology, contracting, management, or IT related field,
• Seven (7) years of progressive professional IT experience in IT vendor management, and
• Two (2) or more years as a senior level supervisor.

Option 3:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a field that relates to information technology, contracting, management, or IT related field,
• Five (5) years of progressive professional IT experience in IT vendor management, and
• Two (2) or more years as a senior level supervisor.

Option 4:

• Master's degree or equivalent in a field that relates to information technology, contracting, management, or IT related field,
• Three (3) years of progressive professional IT experience in IT vendor management, and
• Two (2) or more years as a senior level supervisor.

Option 5:

• Three (3) years as a senior level IT Vendor Management Supervisor in state government performing the experience listed above.

Required Competencies

• Equity lens - All HCA employees are required to consider equity in their decisions, processes, and day-to-day work, including how their work may affect the people and communities we serve.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow - You take action to learn and grow by seeking new perspectives, learning from experiences, and using what you've learned to continuously improve how you work and serve others.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others - You take action to meet the needs of others by listening, understanding different perspectives, and responding with care, respect, and solutions that support the people of the communities we serve.

Preferred Qualifications
While these are not required, having them may help you stand out as an applicant.

• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to understand key concepts and communicate effectively with vendors, technical staff, business stakeholders, and senior management.
• Proven ability to collaborate, build relationships, and influence individuals at all levels in a matrix-management environment (as well as external vendors and service providers) to ensure that segregation and overlapping roles are identified and coordinated.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a focus on managing to business outcomes through collaboration with multiple internal and external parties.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to perform under pressure, and management of multiple priorities and projects with competing demands for resources.
• Certifications including:
  • Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
  • Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
  • Certified Technology Procurement Executive (CTPE)
  • Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Demonstrated experience in Information Technology Information Library (ITIL) concepts and standards for managing IT services, development and operations.
• Understanding of the vendor life cycle (sourcing, procurement, vendor management), and how to manage internal and external stakeholders throughout the duration of vendor engagements.
• Broad knowledge of the IT industry and the products and services provided by technology vendors.

About the program
The Health Care Management & Coordination System (HCMACS) Program is under the leadership of Washington's Health and Human Services Enterprise Coalition (HHS Coalition), which includes the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Health Benefit Exchange (HBE), HCA, Department of Corrections (DOC) and Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech).
In 2024, Epic was selected as the Enterprise EHR System vendor. This comprehensive Epic solution, along with hosting services and over 50 individual third-party applications, will become the HCMACS Enterprise EHR System. HCMACS will be configured to meet needs across DOC, DSHS, and HCA to improve care coordination across the state. Successful implementation of this new program and service will have an unprecedented impact for those receiving health care services from Medicaid providers throughout the state, corrections facilities, and state hospitals. HCMACS resides within the HCA.
Supplemental Information
About the Washington State Health Care Authority
Better Health. Better Care. A Healthier Washington.
At HCA, we work to ensure people across Washington have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. As the State's largest health care purchaser and behavioral health authority, HCA serves nearly 3 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs, and behavioral health services. Through this work, HCA purchases and coordinated care coverage, supports behavioral health prevention, treatment, crisis response, and recovery and helps strengthen access to high -quality care across Washington.
More than a benefits package:
We want our employees to have the support, flexibility, and benefits they need to do their best work and build a career that works for their life. As a Washington State HCA employee, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits are designed to support you today while helping you plan for the future. Learn more about why HCA by visiting the and the section of our website.
Your total compensation is more than your paycheck:

• Remote work and flexible schedules
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PMFL)
• Retirement options to plan for the future
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs
• Learn more about

Work Location and Schedule
This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week hybrid position. You will report to the HCA office located in Olympia, WA for in-person work. Our standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with alternative work schedules considered based on business needs. When working in-person, you will work in a shared space, open office environment. In this role you'll regularly collaborate with colleagues, agency leaders, state and federal partners, and other external partners or customers. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or other business needs. All employees are required to report to our Olympia office on their first and final day of employment.
Our commitment to an inclusive workplace:
The Health Care Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees are respected, included, and supported in bringing their experiences, perspectives, and ideas to work.
Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in how we work together and serve the people of Washington. HCA also supports five voluntary employee led Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), which create opportunities for connection, community, learning, and professional growth.
Application Directions
To be considered, you must complete the online application in full and submit all required materials. Incomplete applications or applications missing required materials will not be considered. When completing your application, please include the following required materials:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• Three (3) professional references: References must be entered directly into the designated references section of your application. We require 3 professional references including at least one current or recent supervisor.

We encourage you to apply! If you meet the required qualifications for this position; we want to hear from you. Desired qualifications describe additional experience, knowledge or skills that may be helpful in the role, but they are not required to be considered for the position. We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.
Veterans
We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans' preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214 documentation to your application. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document.
Need accommodations or have questions? If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Jake Nelko, human resources consultant - recruiter, at and reference the recruitment title and job number in the subject line.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1- for technical support and login issues.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
I acknowledge that I have included at least three references, and that I have uploaded a cover letter and resume in the attachments section of my application.

• Yes
• No

02
I acknowledge that this position will be required to be onsite in Olympia, WA, at least 1-2 days a week and will be required to be onsite more frequently to support implementation efforts and business needs. I also acknowledge that telework is a privilege and may be revoked at any time.

• Yes
• No

03
If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents:

• Yes
• No

04
Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

05
Which of the following best describes your professional IT experience in IT vendor management?

• I do not have this experience.
• Less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years

06
If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above question, please explain how, where, and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see resume" or copy and paste that material. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
07
Which of the following best describes your professional work experience as a senior level supervisor?

• I do not have this experience.
• Less than 2 years
• More than 2 years

08
Which of the following best describes your professional experience as a senior level IT Vendor Management Supervisor in state government?

• I do not have this experience.
• Less than 3 years
• More than 3 years

09
How would you describe your expertise in EHR, healthcare IT vendor contracting, and IT vendor management?

• a. None: I have little or no knowledge or experience in this area.
• b. Basic Understanding: I have foundational knowledge and some experience in this area.
• c. Expertise: I have substantial knowledge and experience and can effectively apply my expertise in this area.
• d. Advanced Expertise: I have advanced, specialized knowledge and extensive experience and can apply my expertise in complex situations and serve as a resource to others.

10
How would you describe your experience in EHR, healthcare IT vendor contracting, and IT vendor management?

• a. No Experience: I have little to no experience performing this work and have not applied it as part of my job responsibilities.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited exposure to this work and may have performed related tasks occasionally or as part of a broader role but have not developed substantial hands-on experience.
• c. Experienced: I have substantial, hands-on experience performing the work as a regular part of my job responsibilities and I have developed the practical knowledge and skills needed to apply them effectively in a variety of work situations.
• d. Advanced Experience: I have extensive experience leading, directing, improving, or providing strategic oversight for this work, including influencing decisions, mentoring others, or guiding complex or high-impact initiatives, as appropriate to the position.

11
How would you describe your proven experience in successfully managing vendors/third parties, including, but not limited to, policies, performance, vendor risk, relationships, contracts (including negotiations), and issue and dispute resolution?

• a. No Experience: I have little to no experience performing this work and have not applied it as part of my job responsibilities.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited exposure to this work and may have performed related tasks occasionally or as part of a broader role but have not developed substantial hands-on experience.
• c. Experienced: I have substantial, hands-on experience performing the work as a regular part of my job responsibilities and I have developed the practical knowledge and skills needed to apply them effectively in a variety of work situations.
• d. Advanced Experience: I have extensive experience leading, directing, improving, or providing strategic oversight for this work, including influencing decisions, mentoring others, or guiding complex or high-impact initiatives, as appropriate to the position.

12
How would you rate your problem-solving ability with a focus on managing to business outcomes through collaboration with multiple internal and external parties?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

13
How would you rate your proven ability to collaborate, build relationships, and influence individuals at all levels in a matrix-management environment (as well as external vendors and service providers) to ensure that segregation and overlapping roles are identified and coordinated?

• a. None: I do not have the ability to perform this task.
• b. Basic Familiarity: I have limited ability to perform this task. I can complete limited or basic aspects of the work with close guidance and would need additional support to perform more complex or unfamiliar assignments successfully.
• c. Able and Capable: I have the ability to successfully perform this task in a variety of routine and moderately complex work situations with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Ability: I have a high level of ability and can successfully perform this task in routine, complex, or unfamiliar situations. I can adapt my approach to address challenging circumstances, solve difficult problems, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

14
How would you describe your communication proficiency, with a proven ability to understand key concepts and communicate effectively with vendors, technical staff, business stakeholders, and senior management?

• a. None: I have little to no proficiency in this skill or area.
• b. Basic Understanding: I have a limited understanding of the fundamental concepts and would require close guidance or reference materials when performing work.
• c. Proficient: I have developed practical knowledge and skill through regular application and can effectively use this knowledge or skill to perform a range of routine and moderately complex work with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Proficiency: I have extensive knowledge and skill developed through significant practical application. I can effectively apply this knowledge or skill in complex or unfamiliar situations, adapt to changing circumstances, troubleshoot difficult issues, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

15
How would you describe your organizational proficiency, the ability to perform under pressure, and management of multiple priorities and projects with competing demands for resources?

• a. None: I have little to no proficiency in this skill or area.
• b. Basic Understanding: I have a limited understanding of the fundamental concepts and would require close guidance or reference materials when performing work.
• c. Proficient: I have developed practical knowledge and skill through regular application and can effectively use this knowledge or skill to perform a range of routine and moderately complex work with minimal guidance.
• d. Advanced Proficiency: I have extensive knowledge and skill developed through significant practical application. I can effectively apply this knowledge or skill in complex or unfamiliar situations, adapt to changing circumstances, troubleshoot difficult issues, and serve as a resource to others when needed.

Required Question