Contracting Officer 1

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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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal 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.

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 four groups: Procurement, Materials & Services Procurement, Professional Services Procurement and Construction & Facility Maintenance.

Reporting to the Manager, Procurement, the Contracting Officer 1 will assist with various procurement processes and designated assignments; review and assist with the preparation of simple low risk procurement contracts and documents; research cost information; facilitate effective vendor relationships; and ensure procurement activities comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and the interests of the agency and its contractual relationships are safeguarded.

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: Assist with the review and preparation of simple low risk contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents for various goods and services to ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations and meet the agency's standards and policies. Gather information on market conditions, prices, and available vendor sources to support procurement decisions. Assist with contracting processes to recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms. Provide contract administration support; assist with monitoring contract performance, tracking progress, and project schedules to ensure timely completion; address contract issues that may arise; and provide dispute resolutions as appropriate. Communicate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and other relevant parties to support procurement processes; recommend procurement alternatives to enhance value; and participate in meetings to provide accurate, up-to-date information to ensure timely deliveries. 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 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, contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer, preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
2. Knowledge of basic contracting and procurement principles, practices, and procedures.
3. Familiar with laws regulating contract and procurement activities to ensure compliance.
4. Intermediate skills in the use of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document creation and tracking.
5. Familiar with the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, procurement and materials management programs, and solicitation and contract management applications.
6. Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact with internal stakeholders and vendors.
7. Good organization and analytical skills and attention to detail for reviewing and preparing contract documents.
8. Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently or in a team.
9. Ability to work under pressure in a demanding environment.
10. Ability to analyze data, evaluate proposals, and identify potential risks and issues.
11. Ability to maintain procurement process integrity and high ethical standards.

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.