Manager, Rail Contract Administration

Metra•Chicago, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rail Contracts & Special Projects Division within the ADEDA Department performs the management and periodic renegotiation of operating contracts with other railroads; acts as a resource within the agency regarding contractual rights and responsibilities; and manages special projects of agency significance including employee engagement-related functions. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Rail Contract Administration, the position will help manage and lead the department in making, maintaining, and enforcing agreements and amendments regarding the shared use of Metra's rail facilities. The position will be responsible for administration of moderately complex railroad operating contracts and ensure they are monitored for accuracy, efficiency, and effective implementation. The position will work with stakeholders throughout Metra to ensure compliance with agency policies, contract terms, and applicable regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in contract management, economics, business, or public administration or a related field, or in lieu of a specified degree any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years of experience in contract administration, development, or management.
Six (6) years of experience negotiating and/or administering operating contracts preferably in the transportation or railroad industry.
Comprehensive knowledge of contract administration methods, processes, and procedures.
Good knowledge of government procurement regulations.
Good knowledge of Purchase of Service Agreements, Trackage Rights Agreements, Joint Facility Agreements, and Fixed Facility Agreements.
Knowledge of railroad operations and maintenance.
Good organizational, analytical skills, and math skills.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Good negotiation skills.
Good supervisory skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites, specifically Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Proficient working with an ERP System similar to Microsoft AX.
Ability to draft accurate railroad operating agreements.
Ability to monitor multiple projects and ensure the timely completion of those projects.
Ability to read and interpret complex contracts.
Roadway Worker Certification will be required for this position. Applicant may become certified within 90 days of position acceptance.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Manage projects: conduct research to assess needs, options, and alternatives to address problems; define project scope, objectives, and budgets; develop plans and schedules; and establish milestone to monitor project performance.
Plan, direct, and review the work of staff; assign work activities and projects; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; and meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Participate in the hiring and disciplining of staff.
Manage and participate in the development and implementation of departmental and divisional objectives (e.g., dates for agreements to be updated, employee training, records retention), goals, policies, procedures, and priorities.
Direct the administration of existing operating agreements, including Purchase of Service, Trackage Rights, Joint Facility, and Fixed Facility Agreements ensuring all parties are following the terms of each agreement.
Act as a point-of-contact for Metra with other railroads, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), and Amtrak regarding contractual issues, billings, payments, and correspondence to ensure contracts are administered properly and issues are handled expeditiously; and to resolve sensitive and controversial matters.
Approve invoices from other parties on an "As needed" basis.
Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
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.