Contracting Officer 1

About the role

The Contracting Officer 1 position at Metra is a procurement role responsible for assisting with various procurement processes and designated assignments. Final salary will depend on qualifications, with those with 8+ years of experience potentially earning up to the midpoint of the salary range. Qualified veterans will receive outreach during the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the review and preparation of simple low risk contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents for various goods and services to ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations and meet agency standards and policies.
• Gather information on market conditions, prices, and available vendor sources to support procurement decisions.
• Aid in contracting processes to recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms.
• Provide contract administration support; assist with monitoring contract performance, tracking progress, and project schedules to ensure timely completion; address contract issues that may arise; and provide dispute resolutions as appropriate.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and other relevant parties to support procurement processes; recommend procurement alternatives to enhance value; and participate in meetings to provide accurate, up-to-date information to ensure timely deliveries.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Business or Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or Industrial Distribution OR any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in procurement operations, contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer, preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of basic contracting and procurement principles, practices, and procedures.
• Familiarity with laws regulating contract and procurement activities to ensure compliance.
• Intermediate skills in the use of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document creation and tracking.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, and solicitation and contract management applications.
• Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact with internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Good organization and analytical skills and attention to detail for reviewing and preparing contract documents.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently or in a team.
• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding environment.
• Ability to analyze data, evaluate proposals, and identify potential risks and issues.
• Ability to maintain procurement process integrity and high ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Benefits

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.