Sr Contracting Officer

Metra•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Sr Contracting Officer reports to the Manager, Procurement, and supports Procurement Operations. The role is responsible for procurement processes and designated assignments, including reviewing, preparing, and executing large, complex technical procurement contracts and documents; facilitating effective vendor relationships; researching cost information; and ensuring procurement activities comply with applicable regulations while protecting Metra’s interests and contractual relationships. The position provides contract expertise for complex technical specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents, including boilerplate specifications for construction and other goods and services supporting large technical projects. It researches markets and products, evaluates value and pricing, identifies vendors, recommends procurement strategies, and negotiates and approves specifications, scopes, pricing, and terms. It also administers competitive procurements and contracts throughout their lifecycle, monitors contractor and project performance, and coordinates day-to-day team activities, assignments, guidance, and training without serving as a supervisor. This position is subject to the State Officials and Employees Act “Revolving Door” prohibition. The role may require travel within and outside Metra’s six-county region and flexible hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends. Metra prohibits marijuana use or possession and detectable amounts in applicants’ bodies for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty or subject to duty, and on Metra property or in Metra work equipment and vehicles. Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and provides an accommodation contact for its application and selection process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or Industrial Distribution; alternatively, an education-and-experience combination equivalent to four years in procurement operations, contract administration or management, or senior buyer work may substitute for the degree.
Five years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management, project management, or as a senior buyer; government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry experience is preferred.
Comprehensive knowledge of procurement, contract administration or management, materials management, or inventory control principles and practices as applied to transit or public agencies.
Strong knowledge of procurement processes, including specification and proposal preparation, solicitation administration methodologies, and contract document formulation.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing public-sector procurement, including requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for creating and tracking documents.
Skill using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, or solicitation and contract management applications.
Strong written, verbal, communication, interpersonal, negotiation, relationship-building, and customer-service skills.
Strong organizational and analytical skills and attention to detail when reviewing and preparing contract documents.
Ability to use sound judgment, discretion, and initiative in impartial, objective award recommendations and in resolving complex, sensitive problems, issues, and disputes.
Ability to maintain professional integrity and high ethical standards while adhering to public procurement processes.
Ability to manage projects and negotiate contracts for professional and non-professional services, materials, supplies, construction, and information technology.
Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies, procedures, contract terms, and conditions, and comply with regulatory requirements governing business practices, performance, and transparency.
Ability to prioritize and multitask, and to work under pressure independently or as part of a team.
Ability to analyze data and commodity requirements, evaluate proposals, identify potential risks and issues, interpret market prices and trends, and apply those interpretations to procurement matters.
Must be willing to travel within and outside Metra’s six-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Team lead or supervisory experience.
Certification (CPP, CPPB, CPPM) from an accredited procurement program such as the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), or certification from a similar program.
Experience in government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industries.

Responsibilities

Provide expertise and assistance in preparing complex technical specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents, including boilerplate specifications for construction and other goods and services for large technical projects.
Ensure procurement documents and activities comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, agency policies and standards, and funding agency requirements.
Research market conditions and products, conduct value analyses, identify vendor sources, and recommend procurement strategies and delivery methods that maximize value.
Recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, contract terms, and alternatives that enhance value; provide guidance to junior team members.
Administer competitive procurements, including receipt and analysis of offers, sealed bids, proposals, requests for quotes, and statements of qualifications.
Create, administer, and maintain contracts throughout the contract lifecycle in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and requirements.
Monitor contractor performance and project progress, and complete contract close-outs covering delivery schedules, payment provisions, and other requirements.
Review contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders for information needed to complete projects on time, and address issues that arise.
Coordinate day-to-day team activities, assign tasks and projects, monitor performance, and provide guidance and training; this role is not a supervisor.
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.