Lead Contract Administrator

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.

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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 & Facility Maintenance Procurement, Contract Administration, Materials & Services Procurement, Materials Contract Management, and Professional Services Procurement.

Reporting to the Director Procurement Contract Administration, the Lead Contract Administrator is responsible for supporting the acquisition of goods and services by means of contracts and purchase orders; will supervise contract administration activities including performing advanced level work in writing, negotiating, awarding, monitoring, and administering complex contracts in compliance with procurement related regulatory requirements; and ensure resulting contracts achieve the best value for the agency.

The primary duties include: Engage in pre-procurement planning with client departments; advise on contractual rights, obligations, and expectations; assist in the preparation of complex technical specifications with regards to requirements, project milestones, quality, quantity, and delivery to ensure accuracy and completeness; and recommend alternatives that result in greater value.

Develop and manage post-award contract administration plans; review, analyze, and interpret complex technical specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents; and assist with the facilitation of post-award conferences, site visits and inspections, and provide project status or activity reports.

Administer and manage contracts and provide effective sourcing in support of the division's strategies and management's goals, policies, and procedures; monitor complex contracts for accuracy, efficiency, and relevant language; and assure all clarifications and amendments of negotiations are incorporated into the final contract.

Monitor contractor performance and adherence to contract administration plans; identify potential risks and mitigations; review documents to ensure compliance with contract terms, necessary procedural controls exist; provide support with dispute resolutions; and assist with contract closeout.

Interpret and properly apply governmental regulations to ensure compliance and advise agency personnel and vendors of policies related to procurement operations.

Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.

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 in procurement operations or contract administration.

2. In addition to #1, must have seven (7) years of experience in procurement, contract administration, 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.
• the procurement process, including specification and proposal preparation, methods for administering contracts, and formulation of contract documents.

4. Knowledge of the regulations of local, state, and federal agencies i.e., the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and other regulations related to public sector purchasing program requirements.

5. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel).

6. Familiar with the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, and solicitation and contract management applications.

7. Strong:

• written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to develop effective working relationships with staff, consultants, vendors and other key stakeholders.
• organizational and analytical skills to analyze commodity requirements, interpret market prices and trends with attention to details.

8. 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.
• perform contract administration and management work; with the ability to read and comprehend contract documents and terms accurately.
• interpret and properly apply governmental regulations and statutes and agency policies and procedures to procurement issues and operations.
• implement complex technical projects, prioritize work, and work under pressure in a demanding environment.
• work on multiple projects simultaneously individually or in a team environment.

9. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred:

• Team lead or supervisory experience.
• 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 preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.

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.