Contracting Officer 3

Metra is one of the nation's largest and most dynamic commuter rail systems, proudly serving riders across Cook, DuPage,Will,Lake, Kane, and McHenry counties. Every day, our team plays an essential role in connecting communities by delivering safe, dependable, and efficient service.

Our Procurement Operations division,guided by the Sr. Division Director,includes fourcollaborative teams: Procurement, Materials & Services Procurement, Professional Services Procurement, and Construction & Facility Maintenance. We work together to ensure Metra has the resources it needs to keep the region moving.

Reporting to the ManagerofProcurement,theContractingOfficer 3supports a variety of procurement activities and assigned projects. This role contributes to the review, preparation, and execution of complex procurement contracts and documents; helps build andmaintainpositive vendor relationships;researchescost and market information; and ensures procurement actions align with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements while safeguarding the interests of the agency and its contractual partners.

WhatYou'llDo

• Review and prepare complex contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents,including boilerplate specifications for construction and other goods and services,to support a wide range of agency projects; and ensure all work meets local, state, and federal requirements as well as agency policies and funding partner guidelines.

• Research market conditions and products; conduct valueanalysisto supportcost,effectiveand competitive procurement decisions;identifysupplier options; and recommend procurement strategies and delivery methods that strengthen project outcomes.

• Recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms for goods and services; and offer guidance and support to junior team members.

• Manage competitive procurements, including bids, proposals, requests for quotes, and statements of qualifications; lead contract creation, administration, and maintenance throughout the contract lifecycle; and ensure all processes follow applicable laws and regulations.

• Monitor contractor performance, track project milestones, support issue resolution, and complete contractcloseouts,review contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders for completeness and accuracy.

• Coordinateday-to-dayteam activities, assign tasks andprojects, and provide training and support (nonsupervisory). Promote safe work practices and help sustain a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.

• Perform other related duties as needed to support the evolving needs of the organization.

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.

Clickhereto learn more about our benefits!

Qualified veterans who meet theminimumrequirements will receive outreach during the recruitment processin accordance withFederal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

This position is covered by the "Revolving Door" prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5,45), which restricts certain Metra employees (or their spouse or immediate family member) from accepting employment or compensation from a non-Metra employer for one year following separation if they were personally and substantially involved in awarding or fiscally administering a contract of $25,000 or more to that employer.

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Business or Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or Industrial DistributionOR, in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in procurement operations, contract administration or management, or senior buying, preferably within government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing settings.

• In addition to #1, four (4) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management, or senior buying, ideally in government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing environments.

• Strong knowledge of procurement and contract principles, practices, and procedures relevant to transit or public-sector organizations.

• Strong understanding of procurement processes including specification and proposal preparation, solicitation methodologies, and development of complex contract documents.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal agencies (FTA, IDOT, RTA) and the regulations that guide public-sector purchasing, contracting, and procurement programs.

• Proficiencywith Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document preparation and tracking.

• Skilledin the use of ERP systems, procurement and materials management software, or solicitation and contract management applications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build cooperative working relationships with colleagues, vendors, and stakeholders while offering strong customer service.

• Strong organizational and analytical abilities, with careful attention to detail when reviewing and preparing contract documents.

• Ability to use sound judgment, discretion, and initiative when making fair award recommendations and resolving sensitive or complex contract issues.

• Commitment tomaintainingprofessional integrity and high ethical standards while following established public procurement processes.

• Ability to manage projects and negotiate contracts for a wide range of services, materials, supplies, construction, and information technology.

• Ability to understand, interpret, and clearly communicate policies, procedures, and contract terms and conditions; and adhere to all regulatory requirements related to business practices, performance, and transparency.

• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, manage multiple deadlines, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to analyze data, evaluate proposals, andidentifyrisks or potential issues.
  Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Team lead or supervisory experience.

• Certification (CPP, CPPB, CPPM) from an accredited procurement program such as the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) or a similar organization.

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

Metra employees in an active review period under the currentdisciplinepolicy 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 oraccessing 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 toRAC@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.