Procurement Contracting Officer I

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail is seeking a Contracting Officer I in Procurement to assist with simple low‑risk contracts and documentation. You will help gather market information, support negotiation, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The role involves contract administration, stakeholder communication, and timely delivery of procurements, with emphasis on accuracy, ethics, and collaboration in a demanding rail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or Industrial Distribution, or in lieu of a degree, four years in procurement operations/contract administration/management.
• Knowledge of contracting and procurement principles, practices, and procedures.
• Familiar with laws regulating contract and procurement activities to ensure compliance.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document creation and tracking.
• Familiar with ERP systems, procurement and materials management programs, and solicitation/contract management applications.
• Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good organization and analytical skills and attention to detail for reviewing and preparing contract documents.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently or in a team.
• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding environment.
• Ability to analyze data, evaluate proposals, and identify potential risks and issues.
• Ability to maintain procurement process integrity and high ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the review and preparation of simple low risk contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents; ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Gather information on market conditions, prices, and vendor sources to support procurement decisions.
• Assist with contracting processes to recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms.
• Provide contract administration support; monitor contract performance, track progress, and project schedules; address issues and provide dispute resolutions as appropriate.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and others to support procurement processes; recommend procurement alternatives to enhance value.
• Participate in meetings to provide accurate information for timely deliveries.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties to meet organizational needs.

Skills

Contracting principles

Procurement

Vendor relations

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration/related

Tools

Microsoft 365

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

Metra Commuter Rail is seeking a Contracting Officer I in Procurement to assist with simple low‑risk contracts and documentation. You will help gather market information, support negotiation, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The role involves contract administration, stakeholder communication, and timely delivery of procurements, with emphasis on accuracy, ethics, and collaboration in a demanding rail environment.