Contracting Officer

Salary Range

$64,981.00 - $97,471.00

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 2 supports a variety of procurement activities that help Metra deliver safe, reliable service to the communities we serve. This role contributes to the review, preparation, and execution of moderately complex procurement contracts and documents; helps maintain positive and effective vendor relationships; research pricing and market information; and ensures all procurement processes follow local, state, and federal requirements while protecting the agency's interests.

• Review and prepare moderately complex contracts, specifications, and solicitation documents for a range of goods and services; ensure all work meets agency policies as well as local, state, federal, and funding partner requirements.
• Research market conditions, products, and pricing; conduct value analyses to support competitive and cost-effective procurement decisions.
• Identify vendor options and recommend procurement strategies and delivery methods that strengthen project outcomes.
• Recommend, negotiate, and approve specifications, scopes of work, pricing, and contract terms; offer support and guidance to junior team members as needed.
• Lead competitive procurements including bids, proposals, requests for quotes, and statements of qualifications; support contract creation, administration, and documentation throughout the full contract lifecycle.
• Monitor contractor performance, track project progress, and complete closeouts related to delivery schedules, payments, and other contract requirements.
• Review contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project needs; help resolve contract issues and support dispute resolution.
• Promote safe work practices and help maintain an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• Perform additional duties as needed to meet the ongoing 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 State Officials and Employees Act "Revolving Door" prohibition (5 ILCS 430/545), which restricts certain Metra employees (or their spouse or immediate family member) from accepting employment or compensation from an non-Metra employer for one year following separation if they were personally and substantially involved in awarding or administering a contract of $25,000 or more with that employer.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, Industrial Distribution, or related field or a combination of education and experience totaling four (4) years in procurement operations, contract administration/management, or senior buying, preferably within government, public transportation, rail, or manufacturing.
• Two (2) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration/management, or senior buying, preferably in government, rail, public transit, or manufacturing settings.
• Working knowledge of procurement and contract principles, processes, and best practices within public sector or transit environments.
• Experience preparing specifications, proposals, and moderately complex solicitation and contract documents.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations including FTA, IDOT, and RTA requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and tracking.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, procurement software, materials management systems, or solicitation/contract management applications.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build cooperative working relationships with colleagues, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail when preparing and reviewing contract documents.
• Ability…