Business Relationship Manager

State of Washington$82K — $135K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in customer account management and enterprise technology services for public sector organizations.
  • Ability to develop and present tailored service recommendations based on customer needs.
  • Proficiency in using service performance metrics and customer feedback to enhance IT services.
  • Knowledge of IT governance structures and advising business partners on service adoption and cost-efficiency strategies.
  • Experience navigating complex public-sector environments and supporting cross-agency coordination.
  • Skills in managing customer relationships as a primary contact for technology services.
  • Relevant education or professional certifications (e.g., PMP, ITIL) are advantageous.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the primary liaison to assigned customers, fostering relationships with key decision-makers.
  • Engage proactively with agency leadership to shape and align IT roadmaps with strategic objectives.
  • Coordinate statewide IT initiatives, tracking progress, and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Facilitate enterprise governance engagement and interpret IT policies for agency leaders.
  • Provide guidance on IT budget requests to align with broader statewide strategies.
  • Collaborate with customer IT leaders to develop comprehensive technology roadmaps.
  • Promote service adoption strategies that support WaTech's enterprise solutions and standards.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance options for employees and their families.
  • Flexible telework options with occasional in-person presence required.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution and deferred compensation program.
  • Paid leave and holidays for work-life balance support.
  • Employee assistance program promoting health and well-being.
Full Job Description
Salary: $82,000.00 - $135,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-WaTech-0250-04979
Department: Washington Technology Solutions
Division: SMD ESO
Opening Date: 07/17/2025
Closing Date: 8/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Business Relationship Manager (EMS 3)
WaTech: Leading the way in technology!

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is a national leader in adopting new, innovative technologies that transform the way Washingtonians receive state services. As a member of WaTech's team, you will help other state agencies deliver critical services to millions of Washingtonians every day. WaTech operates the state's core technology services and helps the government function more efficiently, safely, and securely.
About the position

WaTech's Strategy & Management Division (SMD) leads the state's (IT) strategy and planning. This includes setting IT policies, managing statewide technology investments, and supporting the use of best practices like IT service management and Lean. The team also oversees large IT projects and tracks progress toward the state's technology goals. SMD reports both to the governor's office and WaTech leadership. This role is part of the Business Relationship Management (BRM) team and reports to the Enterprise Strategy Manager. It works closely with the IT Enterprise Governance team.
The Business Relationship Manager builds strong relationships with state agencies and helps connect their needs with WaTech's services and statewide IT policies. This person acts as a trusted advisor, helping agencies plan their IT efforts, understand when they must use WaTech services or follow state requirements, and stay aligned with enterprise goals. The BRM uses their expertise to guide agencies, improve how IT services are used across the state, and support better customer satisfaction. This work can also lead to greater use of WaTech's services.

Duties
Some of what to expect with this role:
  • Main Point of Contact: Serve as the primary liaison for assigned customers, building strong relationships with CIOs, deputy directors, and senior IT and business leaders.
  • Strategic Engagement: Proactively meet regularly with agency leadership to shape IT roadmaps, support agency and statewide goals, and promote use of enterprise solutions and WaTech services.
  • Support for Statewide Initiatives: Lead coordination efforts with customers on statewide IT initiatives and assist in rolling out strategic plans, tracking progress and identifying improvements.
  • Governance and Policy Alignment: Help agency leaders engage in enterprise governance and interpret IT policies and standards to ensure alignment with statewide objectives.
  • Decision Package Guidance: Advise agencies on IT budget requests to align with statewide strategy, reduce duplication, and encourage shared service investments.
  • Technology Roadmap Leadership: Work with customer IT leaders to build long-range technology roadmaps that support modernization, interoperability, and strategic service adoption.
  • Service Adoption Strategy: Align agency needs with WaTech services to improve operations and promote use of statewide standards and increased use of WaTech services.
  • Innovation and Strategic Influence: Identify and share promising technologies or practices that support Statewide goals. Advocate for customer needs while promoting policy compliance and standard service use.
  • Customer Account Oversight: Maintain a broad, strategic view of each customer's agency-wide IT portfolio.

Qualifications
Here's what we're looking for:
  • Demonstrated experience in customer account management and marketing of enterprise technology services, such as computing, networking, security, cloud and storage in a public-sector or similarly complex environment. This includes:
    • Experience developing and presenting service recommendations or solutions that align with customer needs and agency strategic goals.
    • Experience using service performance metrics, customer feedback, or business intelligence to improve IT services and drive value.
    • Experience working within IT governance structures or advising business partners on service adoption, cost models or service portfolios.
    • Experience navigating public-sector organizations and working across teams or agencies to support enterprise service coordination. Applicants must demonstrate the competencies required to perform the role.
    • Experience managing customer relationships and acting as a primary point of contact between business units and technology service providers.
  • Relevant education, professional certifications (e.g., PMP, ITIL) or equivalent work experience will be considered. A degree is not required.

Preference may be granted to applicants with the following:
  • Experience engaging diverse customer groups and applying equity-centered practices in service planning or delivery.
  • Experience contributing to enterprise strategic planning, customer experience improvement or digital transformation efforts.
  • Experience facilitating discussions with executive leaders, resolving service issues and influencing IT investment or prioritization decisions.
  • Lived or personal experience that demonstrates cultural competency and an understanding of systemic barriers to access.

Supplemental Information
Telework:

This position is eligible for telework. Occasional in-person presence in Olympia is required, on average one to two times per month.

We value diversity and different perspectives:

WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity.
What WaTech offers:

As an employee of WaTech, you'll have access to an outstanding that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more.
While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country's most , we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work life balance.
To learn more about WaTech, and what our employees enjoy about working here, please .
How to apply:

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large "apply" button at the top of this announcement. You may need to create a profile and account in Washington state's automated application system. We invite you to include your name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.
To be considered for this position you will need to:
  • Submit a complete Online Application.
  • Answer all required Supplemental Questions.
  • Attach a Letter of Interest that addresses how your experience qualifies you for this role.
  • Attach a Resume that clearly documents the work history, training, and education that makes you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.
  • Attach a separate document with at least Three Professional References. This should include: Reference name, nature of the relationship (i.e. company and supervisor, coworker, etc.), phone number, and email. References should be individuals you have worked with in the past five years, if possible, and include at least one current, or most recent supervisor. *We will not conduct reference checks without your signed release.

Note:Applications without the requested information identified above or containing supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may lead to your application being disqualified from consideration.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. (Please redact any personally identifiable data such as social security number prior to submittal.)
Conditions of employment:

This position requires a background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment.
Recruitment process:

First round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or .Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. WaTech complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022
01

Do you have demonstrated experience in customer account management and marketing of enterprise technology services, such as computing, networking, security, cloud and storage in a public-sector or similarly complex environment?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Please explain in detail where and how you gained the experience in question #1, If this does not apply, type N/A.
03

Please list any relevant education and/or professional certifications (e.g., PMP, ITIL) that you have?
04

Which of the following do you have experience with? (Select all that apply)
  • Managing customer relationships and acting as a primary point of contact between business units and technology service providers.
  • Using service performance metrics, customer feedback, or business intelligence to improve IT services and drive value.
  • Working within IT governance structures or advising business partners on service adoption, cost models, or service portfolios.
  • Navigating public-sector organizations and working across teams or agencies to support enterprise service coordination
  • I do not have experience with any of these, but I am willing to learn.

05

For each of the areas you selected in question #4, explain in detail where and how you gained the experience. If this does not apply, type N/A.
06

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT etc.)?
  • Yes
  • No

07

How did you learn about this WaTech opportunity? Select all that apply.
  • Business Resource Group (BRG)
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • Public job sites (e.g., Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, etc.)
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • WaTech employee
  • WaTech website
  • WorkSource
  • Other

Required Question

About State of Washington

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