Sr Buyer

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in transportation is seeking a qualified professional for contracting and procurement services. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and at least five years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include preparing cost analyses, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. Strong analytical and negotiation skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft 365 and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in contracting and procurement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of procurement principles and practices.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex policies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost and price analyses for procurement projects.
• Analyze quotations and select suppliers.
• Resolve complex issues and disputes related to contracts.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft 365

MS Dynamics ERP

Job description

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration OR, in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years of experience in contracting and procurement services.

2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in contracting, procurement services, including preparing cost and price analyses, or project management.

3. Comprehensive knowledge of procurement and contract administration principles and practices and project management techniques.

4. Working knowledge of various:

• local, state, and federal procurement regulations (e.g., Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), etc.).
• contract types (e.g., fixed price, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity (IDIQ), time and materials, etc.).

5. Knowledge of government procurement requirements such as sealed bids, advertising requirements, and diversity spend targets.

6. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel) and knowledgeable of MS Dynamics ERP system usage or other purchasing applications or procurement-related software.

7. Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.

8. Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, and communicate policies, procedures, contract terms and conditions, and regulatory requirements.
• Study market trends, interview vendors, and recommend sources of supply.
• Analyze quotations, select or recommend suppliers, and schedule deliveries.
• Address and resolve complex issues and disputes.
• Work collaboratively both independently and on a team.
• Meet deadlines and work in an environment with shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.

9. Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.

Preferences

• Experience working in a public or transportation industry.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees from use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC, for any reason during preemployment screening, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.