Senior Contracting Officer – Public Transit Procurement

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

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Contracting Officer 2 in Chicago to manage moderately complex contracts and procurement for a major rail operations program. You will review, prepare, and administer contracts, solicitations, and bid documents, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal rules while maximizing value.

Reporting to the Manager of Procurement, you will mentor junior staff, analyze market conditions, negotiate terms, monitor performance, and drive timely close-outs, with a strong emphasis

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four years in procurement operations.
• Two years of procurement operations/contract administration experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare moderately complex contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents.
• Research market conditions and prices to ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Negotiate specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and terms for goods and services.
• Manage competitive procurements including bidding, proposals, and quotes; ensure lifecycle maintenance.
• Monitor contractor performance and close-out contracts as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Organization

Ethical standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration/Supply Chain/Materials Management/Industrial Distribution

Equivalent combination of education and experience (4+ years)

Tools

Microsoft 365

ERP systems

Job description

Metra is seeking a Contracting Officer 2 in Chicago to manage moderately complex contracts and procurement for a major rail operations program. You will review, prepare, and administer contracts, solicitations, and bid documents, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal rules while maximizing value.

Reporting to the Manager of Procurement, you will mentor junior staff, analyze market conditions, negotiate terms, monitor performance, and drive timely close-outs, with a strong emphasis