Contracting Officer 3

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail is seeking a Contracting Officer 3 in Procurement Operations. This role focuses on reviewing and executing complex contracts, achieving cost-effective procurement, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

You will work with vendors, internal stakeholders, and project teams to deliver high-value contracts across projects. The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, strong negotiation skills, and extensive knowledge of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business or Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or Industrial Distribution; or equivalent four years' experience.
• Four years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management.
• Strong knowledge of contract and procurement principles, practices, and procedures for transit/public agencies.
• Knowledge of procurement processes including specification/Proposal preparation and procurement methods.
• Familiarity with FTA/IDOT/RTA regulations governing public procurement.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 for document creation and tracking.
• Experience with ERP systems and procurement software.
• Strong written and verbal communication and stakeholder management.
• Analytical skills and attention to detail for contract documents.
• Ability to manage projects and negotiate contracts for services and goods.
• Ability to adhere to regulatory requirements and exercise good judgment.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare complex contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents for construction and other goods/services.
• Research market conditions and identify vendors to maximize value.
• Negotiate specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms.
• Manage competitive procurements including bidding, RFPs, and quotes.
• Monitor contractor performance and close out contracts as required.
• Coordinate day-to-day team activities and provide guidance/training.
• Promote safe work practices and a safe work environment.
• Address contract issues promptly and ensure compliance with laws.

Skills

Contract and procurement knowledge

Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint

ERP systems experience

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration (or 4 years experience in lieu)

Four years procurement operations experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

ERP systems

Procurement/contract management software

Job 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.

Salary Range

$78,627.00 - $117,941.00

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.

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 3 is responsible for various procurement processes and designated assignments; the review, preparation, and execution of 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 complex contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents including boiler plate specifications for construction and other 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 in support of 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. 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.

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, contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer, preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
• In addition to #1, have four (4) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer, preferable in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of contract and procurement principles, practices, and procedures as they apply to the transit industry or public agencies.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes including specification and proposal preparation, solicitation methodologies, and formulation of 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, contracts, and procurement activities.
• 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 contract-related problems 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, evaluate proposals, and identify potential risks and issues.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.

Preferred

• 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.

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.