Senior Contracting Officer - Public Procurement

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

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago seeks a Contracting Officer 2 to manage moderately complex procurement contracts for a range of goods and services across rail operations. You will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and provide guidance to junior team members throughout the contract lifecycle.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in procurement, contract administration, and ERP systems, with the ability to negotiate terms, analyze proposals, and coordinate with internal and

Qualifications

• 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., FTA, IDOT, and 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare moderately complex contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents for various goods and services for the implementation of projects.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, agency policies and standards, and funding requirements.
• Research market conditions and products; perform value analyses to ensure cost-effective pricing.
• Identify vendor sources; recommend procurement strategies and delivery methods.
• Negotiate specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms; guide junior staff.
• Manage competitive procurements including bidding, bids, proposals, and RFQs.
• Monitor contractor performance, track progress, and perform final close-outs.
• Review contracts and purchase orders to reflect relevant information for timely completion.
• Address contract issues and provide dispute resolutions.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.

Skills

Microsoft 365

ERP systems

Negotiation

Contract management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration/Supply Chain

Tools

ERP software

Procurement software

Job description

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago seeks a Contracting Officer 2 to manage moderately complex procurement contracts for a range of goods and services across rail operations. You will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and provide guidance to junior team members throughout the contract lifecycle.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in procurement, contract administration, and ERP systems, with the ability to negotiate terms, analyze proposals, and coordinate with internal and