Sr Contracting Officer

About the role

The Sr. Contracting Officer is responsible for various procurement processes and designated assignments, including the review, preparation, and execution of large complex technical procurement contracts and documents; the facilitation of effective vendor relationships; researching cost information; and ensuring procurement activities comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide contract expertise and related assistance on the preparation of complex technical specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents, including boiler plate specifications for construction and other goods and services, for the implementation of large technical projects;
• Ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, agency policies and standards, and funding agency requirements.
• Research market conditions and products; perform value analyses to ensure cost-effective and competitive pricing; identify available vendor sources; and recommend procurement strategies and delivery methods that maximize value to support procurement decisions.
• Recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms for goods and services, and alternatives to enhance value;
• Provide assistance and guidance to junior level team members.
• Administer competitive procurements including receipt of offers; prepare and analyze sealed bids, proposals, requests for quotes, statements of qualifications, including contract creation, administration, and maintenance throughout the contract lifecycle;
• Ensure processes follow local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Monitor contractor performance, track project progress, and perform final close-outs for delivery schedules, payment provisions, and other contract requirements;
• Review contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders ensuring all relevant information for timely project completion is included;
• Address issues that may arise.
• Coverage of projects and negotiations for professional and non-professional services, materials, supplies, construction, and information technology.
• Analyze data, commodity requirements, evaluate proposals, identify potential risks and issues, interpret market prices and trends, and apply interpretations to procurement matters.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Business or Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or Industrial Distribution OR in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in procurement operations or contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
• In addition to #1, have five (5) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management, project management, or as a senior buyer, preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of procurement, contract administration or management, materials management, or inventory control as they apply to the transit industry or public agencies.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes including specification and proposal preparation, solicitation administration methodologies and formulation of contract documents.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations of local, state, and federal agencies that govern public sector purchasing programs, contracts, and procurement activities, i.e., the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document creation and tracking.
• Skilled in the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, or solicitation and contract management applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for negotiating, developing effective and cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and vendors, and customer service.
• Strong organization and analytical skills and attention to detail for reviewing and preparing contract documents.
• Able to use sound judgment, discretion, and initiative when making impartial and objective award recommendations and resolving problems, issues, and disputes that are complex and sensitive in nature.
• Able to maintain professional integrity and the highest ethical standards while adhering to public procurement processes.
• Able to manage projects and negotiate contracts for professional and non-professional services, materials, supplies, construction, and information technology.
• Able to understand, interpret, and communicate policies, procedures, contract terms and conditions to others, and adhere to local, state, and federal regulatory requirements governing business practices, performance, and transparency.
• Able to prioritize, multi-task, and work under pressure independently or on a team.
• Able to analyze data, commodity requirements, evaluate proposals, identify potential risks and issues, interpret market prices and trends, and apply interpretations to procurement matters.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.

Qualifications

Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.

Skills

• Contract administration or management
• Procurement processes
• Market research
• Vendor relationship management
• Compliance with regulations
• Document preparation
• Project management
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Analysis and evaluation
• Attention to detail
• Sound judgment and initiative
• Professional integrity and ethics
• Project and contract negotiation
• Data analysis
• Commodity requirements
• Market price interpretation
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Travel and flexibility

Benefits

Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential. Click here to learn more about our benefits!

Pay

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Schedule

This position is covered by the “Revolving Door” prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which prohibits certain Metra employees (or their spouse or immediate family member) from accepting employment or compensation from a non-Metra employer for one year from the date of separation, if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the award of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer or if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the fiscal administration of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer.

Team Lead or Supervisory Experience

Preferred Team lead or supervisory experience.

Certification

Preferred Certification (CPP, CPPB, CPPM) from an accredited procurement program such as the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) or certification from another similar program.