Sr Contracting Officer

Job Description

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 Senior Contracting Officer plays a key role in shaping thoughtful, compliant, and value, driven procurement strategies.

What You’ll Do

• Building strong, professional vendor partnerships

• Leading the preparation, review, and administration of complex technical procurement documents

• Supporting team members with guidance and subject, matter expertise

• Ensuring every decision supports Metra’s mission and follows local, state, and federal regulations

• Partner with teams across Metra to develop clear, effective technical specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents for major projects.

• Conduct market research and value analyses to support cost, effective, competitive procurement decisions.

• Recommend procurement approaches and contract terms that support long, term value and project success.

• Lead the full lifecycle of competitive procurements, from bids and proposals through contract creation, administration, and closeout.

• Monitor contractor performance, track progress, and help resolve issues to keep projects on schedule.

• Review contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Support team coordination by assigning tasks, offering guidance, and helping newer team members grow (non, supervisory).

• Promote and maintain a safe and inclusive work environment.

• Perform additional duties as needed to support Metra’s mission.

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.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

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 a 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.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, Industrial Distribution, or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four (4) years in procurement operations, contract administration/management, or senior buying, ideally within government, transportation, or manufacturing.

• Five (5) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration/management, project management, or senior buying.

• Strong knowledge of procurement principles and contract administration within transit or public, sector environments.

• Familiarity with public, sector purchasing regulations (FTA, IDOT, RTA).

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ERP or contract management systems.

• Strong communication and relationships, building skills with internal partners and vendors.

• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to analyze complex data and documents.

• Sound judgment, integrity, and commitment to ethical procurement practices.

• Experience managing procurement for a variety of services, construction, technology, or materials.

• Ability to explain policies and contract terms clearly and collaboratively.

• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team in a fast, paced environment.

• Ability to travel within and outside Metra’s 6, county region.

• Availability to work flexible hours, including occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as a team lead or supervisor.

• Professional certifications such as CPP, CPPB, or CPPM (NIGP or similar programs).

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 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 [email protected].

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.