Contracting Officer 1

Metra•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service. Procurement Operations is headed by the Sr. Division Director, and divided into four groups: Procurement, Materials & Services Procurement, Professional Services Procurement and Construction & Facility Maintenance. Reporting to the Manager, Procurement, the Contracting Officer 1 will assist with various procurement processes and designated assignments; review and assist with the preparation of simple low risk procurement contracts and documents; research cost information; facilitate effective vendor relationships; and ensure procurement activities comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and the interests of the agency and its contractual relationships are safeguarded. 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.

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, 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.
Familiar 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.
Familiar with the use of 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.

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 the agency's standards and policies.
Gather information on market conditions, prices, and available vendor sources to support procurement decisions.
Assist with 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 and foster a safe work environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.