Contract Negotiator

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority•Downers Grove, IL

About The Position

The Illinois Tollway is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient highway system and a high level of customer service. It operates as a user-fee system funded by toll and concession revenues, without state or federal tax dollars supporting maintenance and operations. The Tollway’s goals include regional collaboration and economic development, financial integrity, environmental responsibility and sustainability, system safety and efficiency, transparency and accountability, customer service, and public trust. Under the guidance of the Senior Contract Negotiator and direction of the Purchasing Services Manager or Procurement and Construction Services Manager, the Contract Negotiator supports procurement and contract work. The role is responsible for negotiating contracts and related instruments and handling construction and non-construction solicitations, including Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Professional Services Bulletins (PSBs), and Small Purchase Requests for Quotes. Procurements may involve goods and services, construction, engineering, architecture, land surveying, and other professional services.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least one year of purchasing experience, including contract development and contract negotiations.

Nice To Haves

Some college-level coursework or equivalent work experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Negotiate contracts, renewals, amendments, change orders, supplements, terms and conditions, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and other contract instruments.
Handle and source procurements for goods and services, construction, engineering, architecture, land surveying, and other professional services.
Communicate Tollway procurement policies and procedures and ensure they are followed by staff and outside vendors.
Research and develop construction and non-construction IFBs, RFPs, PSBs, and Small Purchase Requests for Quotes.
Perform data analysis and prepare reports requested by management.
Research procurement best practices and recommend procurement strategies.
Help resolve vendor Financial Disclosure and Conflict of Interest form issues.
Analyze industry trends and conduct market research on emerging procurement technologies to improve efficiency.
Lead vendor negotiation meetings, user department liaison meetings, bid openings, pre-bid and pre-proposal meetings, vendor debriefings, and other meetings as required.
Provide guidance on resolving outstanding protests, vendor disputes, and unresolved contractual issues.
Assist user departments in developing scopes of work and specifications and selecting appropriate sourcing methods.
Assist with audits.
Review contract and solicitation templates, vendor letters, and state-required forms.
Issue construction and non-construction IFBs, RFPs, PSBs, and Small Purchase Requests for Quotes in accordance with Tollway policies and procedures.
Provide procurement and administrative support to Senior Contract Negotiators.