Contracting Officer 3

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra, America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, seeks a Contracting Officer 3 in Procurement Operations in Chicago. You will review, prepare, and execute complex contracts and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.

This role involves negotiating terms, managing bids and vendor relationships, monitoring performance, and guiding junior team members. A strong background in procurement and regulatory compliance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field is required.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating complex contracts.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations and vendor management best practices.

Responsibilities

• Review, prepare, and execute complex contracts and solicitation documents.
• Facilitate competitive procurements including bids, proposals, and RFQs.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contract language with vendors.
• Monitor contractor performance and manage contract close-outs.
• Guide junior team members and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Procurement ethics

Contract analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Contract management software

MS Excel

Procurement databases

Job description

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

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 otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions