Sr Contracting Officer

Metra•Chicago, IL

1d•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 Sr Contracting Officer is responsible for various procurement processes and designated assignments; the review, preparation, and execution of large complex technical procurement contracts and documents; the facilitation of effective vendor relationships; researching cost information; and ensuring 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. Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

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 or contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
Five (5) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management, project management, or as a senior buyer, preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of procurement, contract administration or management, materials management, or inventory control as they apply to the transit industry or public agencies.
Strong knowledge of procurement processes including specification and proposal preparation, solicitation administration methodologies and formulation of contract documents.
Knowledge of laws and regulations of local, state, and federal agencies that govern public sector purchasing programs, contracts, and procurement activities, i.e., the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document creation and tracking.
Skilled in the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, or solicitation and contract management applications.
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for negotiating, developing effective and cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and vendors, and customer service.
Strong organization and analytical skills and attention to detail for reviewing and preparing contract documents.
Ability to use sound judgment, discretion, and initiative when making impartial and objective award recommendations and resolving problems, issues, and disputes that are complex and sensitive in nature.
Ability to maintain professional integrity and the highest 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 to others, and adhere to local, state, and federal regulatory requirements governing business practices, performance, and transparency.
Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work under pressure independently or on a team.
Ability to analyze data, commodity requirements, evaluate proposals, identify potential risks and issues, interpret market prices and trends, and apply interpretations to procurement matters.
Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, 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 another similar program.

Responsibilities

Provide contract expertise and related assistance on the preparation of complex technical specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents, including boiler plate specifications for construction and other goods and services, for the implementation of large technical projects; and ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, agency policies and standards, and funding agency requirements.
Research market conditions and products; perform value analyses to ensure cost-effective and competitive pricing; identify available vendor sources; and recommend procurement strategies and delivery methods that maximize value to support procurement decisions.
Recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms for goods and services, and alternatives to enhance value; and provide assistance and guidance to junior level team members.
Administer competitive procurements including receipt of offers; prepare and analyze sealed bids, proposals, requests for quotes, statements of qualifications, including contract creation, administration, and maintenance throughout the contract lifecycle; and ensure processes follow local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and requirements.
Monitor contractor performance, track project progress, and perform final close-outs for delivery schedules, payment provisions, and other contract requirements; review contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders ensuring all relevant information for timely project completion is included; and address issues that may arise.
Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor.
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.