Lead Contracting Officer

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Procurement Operations is headed by the Sr. Division Director, and divided into five groups: Construction & Facilities Maintenance Procurement, Contract Administration, Materials & Services Procurement, Materials Contract Management, and Professional Services Procurement.

Reporting to the Director Procurement, the Lead Contracting Officer will provide overall support in procurement operations division on designated projects; lead, coach and mentor staff on processes and procedures; and uphold the mission to provide quality goods and services efficiently and at the best value.

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 a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer or if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the fiscal administration of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer.

The primary duties include: Prepare complex technical specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents including related research and value analyses; assist in the recommendation, negotiation, and approval of specifications, scopes of work, prices, and contract terms and conditions for all goods and services; and establish schedules to complete projects on a timely basis. Prepare and analyze competitive sealed bids and proposals and requests for quotations and statements of qualifications in accordance with the agency's policies and procedures and in compliance with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Research market sources; identify procurement strategies and potential vendors offering the most cost effective and competitive pricing of supplies and services; and recommend delivery methods to ensure purchasing practices are consistent, open, and designed to encourage maximum competition and best value procurements. Implement complex technical projects; interpret and properly apply governmental regulations to ensure regulatory compliance and advise agency personnel and vendors of policies related to procurement operations; and make objective and impartial award recommendations to departments. Provide subject matter expertise in support of the division as lead; coach and mentor procurement staff; and participate in their development, technical guidance, and training. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, Industrial Distribution OR in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years procurement operations or contracting.
2. In addition to #1, must have seven (7) years of experience in procurement or materials management preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices, policies, and procedures related to contract administration, sourcing, strategic procurement planning, materials management or inventory control, and contract negotiation as it applies preferably to the transit industry or public agencies.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement process, including specification and proposal preparation, methods for administering contracts, and formulation of contract documents.
5. Knowledge of the regulations of local, state, and federal agencies i.e., the IDOT, FTA, FAR, RTA and other regulations related to public sector purchasing program requirements.
6. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel).
7. Familiar with the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, and solicitation and contract management applications.
8. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to develop effective working relationships with staff, consultants, vendors and other key stakeholders.
9. Strong organizational and analytical skills to analyze commodity requirements, interpret market prices and trends with attention to details and some negotiation skills.
10. Ability to use sound judgment, discretion, and initiative while conducting business and making recommendations to resolve problems and conflicts that may be complex and sensitive in nature and refer only the most complex issues to higher-level staff.
11. Ability to uphold professional integrity and the highest ethical standards while adhering to public procurement processes. Demonstrate legal and ethical compliance, ensuring fairness, inclusion, and transparency for all in business practices and performance.
12. Ability to negotiate contracts for professional and non-professional services, construction, and supplies; perform contract administration and management work; and comprehend contract documents and terms accurately.
13. Ability to interpret and properly apply governmental regulations and statutes and agency policies and procedures to procurement issues and operations.
14. Ability to implement complex technical projects, prioritize work, and work under pressure in a demanding environment.
15. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously individually or in a team environment.
16. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred:

1. Team lead or supervisory experience.
2. Certification (CPP, CPPB, CPPM) from an accredited procurement program such as the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) or certification from another similar program.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' 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 for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.