Contracting Officer 2

Salary Range

$64,981.00 - $97,471.00

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 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.

What You’ll Do

• 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 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.

Requirements

• 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 publics ect. or 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 to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and initiative when making impartial award recommendations and resolving moderately complex contract issues.
• Commitment to maintaining high 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 contract terms; 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, and identify potential risks or concerns.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional procurement certification such 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 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.