Senior Contract Negotiator

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority•Downers Grove, IL

About The Position

The Illinois Tollway’s Senior Contract Negotiator provides senior-level support to the Purchasing Services Manager and/or the Procurement and Construction Services Manager. The position is responsible for strategic negotiations for contracts and related instruments, and for handling complex construction and non-construction procurements, including Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Professional Services Bulletins (PSBs). The role also provides technical support and training to procurement staff, oversees and reviews their work, assists management with department activities and projects, and helps ensure procurement policies and procedures are followed by staff and vendors. The Illinois Tollway operates a user-fee highway system funded by toll and concession revenues rather than state or federal tax dollars. Its goals include collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, supporting the regional economy, maintaining financial integrity, fostering environmental responsibility and sustainability, maintaining system safety and efficiency, promoting transparency and accountability, enhancing customer service, and maintaining public trust.

Requirements

Some college-level coursework or equivalent work experience.
At least three years of purchasing experience, including contract development and contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

Negotiate contracts, renewals, amendments, change orders, supplements, terms and conditions, memoranda of understanding, and other contract instruments.
Handle and source complex procurements for goods and services, construction, engineering, architecture, land surveying, and other professional services.
Research and develop complex construction and non-construction IFBs, RFPs, and PSBs, and issue them in accordance with Tollway policies and procedures.
Lead the evaluation process for high-level RFPs and PSBs.
Oversee and assign work to Senior Buyers and Contract Analysts; review their work for completeness and accuracy and provide coaching and feedback.
Provide technical assistance and training on procurement processes, procedures, and systems to staff, user departments, and vendors.
Assist management with department work activities, reporting, and special projects.
Communicate and help ensure adherence to Tollway procurement policies and procedures among staff and outside vendors.
Perform data analysis and prepare complex reports requested by management.
Research procurement best practices and recommend procurement strategies.
Help resolve issues involving vendor Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest forms.
Develop training manuals and informational tools to help staff and vendors navigate procurement processes.
Analyze industry trends and conduct market research on emerging procurement technologies and efficiencies.
Lead vendor negotiation meetings, user department liaison meetings, bid openings, pre-bid and pre-proposal meetings, vendor debriefings, and other required meetings.
Guide resolution of outstanding protests, vendor disputes, and unresolved contractual issues.
Assist user departments with scopes of work, specifications, and selection of appropriate sourcing methods.
Oversee and assist with responses to potential audits.
Assist in reviewing contract and solicitation templates, vendor letters, and state-required forms.