Sr Contracting Officer

Responsibilities

The primary duties include: provide contract expertise and related assistance on the preparation of complex technical specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents, including boilerplate specifications for construction and other goods and services for the implementation of large technical projects; ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, agency policies and standards, and funding agency requirements; research market conditions and products; perform value analyses to ensure cost‑effective and competitive pricing;

identify available vendor sources; recommend procurement strategies and delivery methods that maximize value; recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms for goods and services, and alternatives to enhance value; provide assistance and guidance to junior level team members; administer competitive procurements including receipt of offers; prepare and analyze sealed bids, proposals, requests for quotes, statements of qualifications;

create, administer, and maintain contracts throughout the contract lifecycle; monitor contractor performance, track project progress, and perform final close‑outs for delivery schedules, payment provisions, and other contract requirements; review contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders; coordinate team’s day‑to‑day activities, assign tasks, and monitor performance; promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment; and perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

This position is covered by the “Revolving Door” prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which prohibits certain Metra employees (or their spouse or immediate family member) from accepting employment or compensation from a non‑Metra employer for one year from the date of separation, if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the award of, or in the fiscal administration of, a contract of $25,000 or more to that non‑Metra employer.

• 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 or contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
• In addition to #1, have five (5) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management, project management, or as a senior buyer, preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of procurement, contract administration or management, materials management, or inventory control as they apply to the transit industry or public agencies.
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes including specification and proposal preparation, solicitation administration methodologies and formulation of contract documents.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations of local, state, and federal agencies that govern public sector purchasing programs, contracts, and procurement activities, i.e., the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document creation and tracking.
• Skilled in the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, or solicitation and contract management applications.
• Strong 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.
• Strong 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…