Contracting Officer 2

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 theManagerofProcurement, theContracting Officer 2supports 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; helpsmaintainpositive and effective vendor relationships;researchpricing and market information; and ensures all procurement processes follow local, state, and federal requirements while protecting the agency's interests.

WhatYou'llDo

• 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, andfundingpartnerrequirements.

• Research market conditions, products, and pricing; conduct value analyses to support competitive andcost-effectiveprocurement decisions.

• Identifyvendor 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 helpmaintainan inclusive and supportive work environment.

• Performadditionalduties 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.

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 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 anon-Metraemployer 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 fieldOR 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 publicsect.orortransit environments.

• Experience preparing specifications, proposals, and moderately complex solicitation and contract documents.

• Knowledge ofpublicsectorprocurement regulations including FTA, IDOT, and RTA requirements.

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

• Familiarity with ERP systems, procurement software, materials management systems, or solicitation/contract management applications.

• Strong communicationand 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 to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and initiative when making impartial award recommendations and resolving moderately complex contract issues.

• Commitment tomaintaininghigh ethical standards and following public procurement requirements.

• Ability to manage and negotiate contracts across a variety of service, material, and supply categories.

• Ability to clearly interpret and explain policies, procedures, and contractterms;and consistently follow local, state, and federal compliance requirements.

• Ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiple deadlines, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to analyze data, evaluate proposals, andidentifypotential risks or concerns.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional procurementcertificationsuch as CPP, CPPB, CPPM (NIGP or similar).

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 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.