Lead Contract Specialist

NJ TRANSIT; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Family Health Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Leave

Tuition Assistance

401(k) with up to 3% company match

401(a) with 6% employer contribution

Job summary

NJ TRANSIT is seeking a skilled procurement leader to oversee activities in procurement and logistics. The role involves managing significant contracts, developing procurement strategies, and ensuring compliance with various regulations.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree, possess at least 8 years of relevant experience, and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other procurement systems. Great communication skills and the ability to negotiate effectively are essential.

Qualifications

• 8 years of procurement experience; government sector experience preferred.
• Proficient in procurement tools and systems required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement projects and provide professional service.
• Develop procurement category strategies.
• Conduct bid processes and negotiate contracts.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with contract terms.

Skills

Communication

Cost Analysis

Strategic Sourcing

Contract Writing

Negotiations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Law, Engineering, Economics, IT or related

Master’s Degree or Professional License

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Oracle ERP

Adobe

Kronos

Job description

Move Forward with us! At NJ TRANSIT, you’ll join us in transforming the third‑largest transportation agency in North America. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable service that gets our customers to their destinations on time and are looking to hire talented folks with a commitment to excellence.

Summary

Leads and executes procurements under the direction of Procurement & Logistics Department management. Interacts professionally with executive level stakeholders and management.

Solicitation Management Responsibilities

• Solicitations assigned to Lead Contract Specialists typically are large sized procurements; very large volume procurements across a category; category-wide solicitations; or significant activities within a mega-project solicitation.
• Works with stakeholders to develop procurement category strategies for more routine type procurements.
• Researches and conforms specifications for services, goods, or equipment for Solicitations (Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations for Bids (IFBs)).
• Reviews the proposed specifications, contract awards, change orders and amendments including justification memoranda for conformance with applicable regulations and consistency with procurement process of other contract specialists on the team. Coordinates review of IFB and RFP packages by appropriate departments, advises project manager of review results.
• Conducts bid and proposal processes. Establishes and maintains procurement schedules. Performs prequalification appraisals. Coordinates technical evaluation committees. Distributes bid and proposal packages, and communicates with vendors, contractors and consultants. Tabulates bids and proposals.
• Reviews, analyzes, and appraises bids and proposals. Performs cost and price analyses. Negotiates scopes of service, direct and indirect costs, fees, and terms and conditions. Prepares Cost Analysis and Negotiation documentation and recommends contract award.
• Tracks procurements through the Board process to contract award. Prepares Procurement fact sheets for Board Liaison.
• Coordinates contract approval and execution process.
• Issues Purchase Orders (POs) against Requisitions in support of procurements or for stand‑alone small purchases.
• Assures that all required documents, representations, and certifications are properly executed and attached to POs and associated files as required.

Contract Management Responsibilities

• Tracks expiration dates of current contracts and updates specifications to re‑procure in a timely manner.
• Reviews, analyzes, and appraises contract changes, disputes and claims in accordance with Federal, State and NJTRANSIT procurement rules and regulations. Evaluates entitlement and conducts cost analyses. Negotiates change orders and claim settlements. Assembles and prepares justification documentation and recommends execution of contract amendments.
• Issues changes to POs against Requisitions in support of changes.
• Performs contract administration in conformance with FTA and State regulations. Interprets contract terms and conditions, maintains documentation, and coordinates issues with appropriate departments. Monitors contract performance and compliance with terms and conditions. Performs closeout of contracts.
• Tracks change orders through the Board process to execution.

Systems of Record Responsibilities

• Performs all duties within the currently approved systems of record or, where manual processes are employed, properly maintains documents in conformance with document control policies.
• Provides feedback and input on planned or new systems.

Training Responsibilities

• Remain current on all required training.
• Create a development plan for your career.
• Seek out and gain training to increase proficiency in procurement, procurement categories, or other appropriate topics.
• Coach and advise others in the conduct of procurements and subsequent contract administration.

Leadership

• Develop expertise in the requirements of one or more procurement categories such as IT, capital project, professional services and/or rolling stock purchase or rolling stock spare parts.
• Supervise others’ work in the execution of certain larger procurements.
• Provide advice to the leadership of the Procurement & Logistics Department within the areas of expertise and assignment.
• Have experience interacting with executive leadership.

Other Responsibilities

• Plan, track, and report on work activities with the end result being professional, transparent, efficient execution of duties.
• Provide both proactive and prompt responsive customer service to client departments on their procurements.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with key business partners to fully understand business needs, plan for future work, advise on engagement with procurement, and mitigate interdepartmental problems.
• Lead and organize customer service meetings for clients within the team’s portfolios. Run reports to track the team’s progress in order to ensure deliverables and timelines are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Procurement Leadership.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience. One year of closely related work experience can be substituted for each year of education required. Master’s Degree, Professional License, or Certification. The degree(s) must be in Business, Public Administration, Law, Engineering, Economics, IT or related degree. 3 years of experience within the procurement category identified for this position if applicable. Government Sector Experience Preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Technology – Must be able to work proficiently in the following Systems of Record: ECMS, Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Access Databases, Excel Spreadsheets, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Teams), Adobe, Oracle ERP, Kronos, Bid Express, and other systems in use or under development. Systems may change over time.

Communication

• Must be able to understand active listening and have excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must be able to develop and deliver professional presentations.

Procurement

• Must be able to adhere to KPIs.
• Must have experience with scheduling and cost analysis.
• Must have experience with Strategic Sourcing or Supplier Relationship Management or government procurement.
• Must be experienced in Contract Writing and Negotiations.
• Must understand the regulatory and statutory basis for public procurements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Family Health Insurance – Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Pre‑Tax Commuter Benefits Plan
• Retirement Plans
  • 401(a) – Retirement plan with a 6% employer contribution
  • 401(k) – Retirement saving plan with up to a 3% company match
  • 457(b) – Deferred Savings Plan

Equal Opportunity Employer.