Contracting Officer

Overview

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 four collaborative 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 Manager of Procurement, the Contracting Officer 3 supports 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 and maintain positive vendor relationships; researches cost 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.

• 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; ensure all work meets local, state, and federal requirements as well as agency policies and funding partner guidelines.
• Research market conditions and products; conduct value analyses to support cost, effective and competitive procurement decisions; identify supplier 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; 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; ensure all processes follow applicable laws and regulations.
• Monitor contractor performance, track project milestones, support issue resolution, and complete contract closeouts; review contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders for completeness and accuracy.
• Coordinate day-to-day team activities, assign tasks and projects, 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.

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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.

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.

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.

• 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 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…