Contracting Officer 2

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail is seeking a Contracting Officer 2 in Chicago to review and prepare contracts, solicitations, and procurement documents. You will ensure regulatory compliance, research market conditions, and advise on cost-effective pricing strategies.

The role involves managing competitive procurements, contract administration, and close-out activities, with emphasis on vendor relationships and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in procurement operations or contract management.
• Two years of procurement operations, materials management, or contract management experience.
• Working knowledge of procurement principles and public sector regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication and negotiation abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare moderately complex contracts and solicitation documents.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and funding requirements.
• Research market conditions and advise on cost-effective pricing and vendor sourcing.
• Recommend, negotiate, and approve contract terms and scopes of work.
• Manage competitive procurements including bidding processes and contract administration.
• Monitor contractor performance and perform close-outs for delivery and payment terms.
• Promote safe work practices and support team members.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Contract administration

Vendor negotiation

Public procurement

ERP systems

Microsoft 365

Data analysis

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Salary Range

$64,981.00 - $97,471.00

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

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 2 is responsible for various procurement processes and designated assignments; the review, preparation, and execution of moderately complex 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.

The primary duties include: Review and prepare moderately complex contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents for various goods and services for the implementation of various 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 provide assistance and guidance to junior level team members. Manage competitive procurements including the bidding process; 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 they reflect all relevant information for timely completion and to address contract issues that may arise; and provide dispute resolutions. 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.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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.
• In addition to #1, have two (2) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer, preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
• Working knowledge of contract and procurement principles, practices, and procedures as they apply to the transit industry and public agencies.
• Working knowledge of procurement processes including specification and proposal preparation, solicitation methodologies, and formulation of moderately complex contract documents.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal agencies i.e., the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the laws and regulations that govern public sector purchasing programs as well as contract and procurement activities to ensure compliance.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document creation and tracking.
• Familiar with use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, or solicitation and contract management applications.
• Good 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.
• Good 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 contract-related problems that are moderately complex and sensitive in nature.
• Ability to maintain professional integrity and the highest ethical standards while adhering to public procurement processes.
• Ability to manage and negotiate contracts for professional and non-professional services, materials, and supplies.
• 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, evaluate proposals, and identify potential risks and issues.

Preferred

• Certification (CPP, CPPB, CPPM) from an accredited procurement program such as the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) or certification from another similar program.