Sr Contract Administrator

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Manager, Engineering Budgets & Administration, the Sr Contract Administrator will perform work to enable contract administration and management which includes monitoring contracts for accuracy, efficiency, and relevant language; and working with key stakeholders to ensure compliance and conformance with terms, agency policies and procedures, and applicable governmental rules and regulations.

The primary duties include: Advise key stakeholders on the development and revision of contract specifications, cost estimates, and to ensure all changes, market adjustments, and improved estimated quantities for new solicitations are included in the revised document.

Collaborate with vendors and Engineering staff to identify and resolve supplier and contractor performance issues; and interpret complex contract terms, change orders, contract modifications, quality assurance, disputes, and warranties.

Develop estimated quantity and pricing trends for recurring purchases based on market data, actual purchases, usage, and upcoming projects; and advise management on opportunities for strategic sourcing.

Perform activities throughout the contract life cycle from proposal to close-out on all assigned contracts; and conduct closeout actions upon contract completion; monitoring procure-to-pay compliance including auditing and reporting vendor deliverables for seamless invoicing.

Provide guidance, assistance, training, and mentoring to new or junior level Contract Administrators; assist in managing their work.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree preferably in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, or related discipline OR in lieu of specified degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four years in contract administration or procurement services.

2. In addition to #1, must have five years of contract administration or contract management experience.

3. Comprehensive knowledge of:

• theories, principles, and practices of contract administration and contract management techniques for public agencies.
• applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing public procurement and complex professional services or construction contract administration processes.
• bidding and contract compliance procedures.

4. Strong:

• written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to develop effective working relationships and interact with internal and external key stakeholders.
• organizational, analytical ,and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify problems and recommend solutions.

5. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook); and familiar with the use of ERP systems such as Microsoft D365 or similar programs.

6. Ability to:

• read and comprehend contract documents and terms accurately and concisely.
• prepare reports, contracts, specifications, correspondence, RFPs, and IFBs.
• work on multiple projects simultaneously individually or in a team environment.
• exercise discretion and good judgment and handle confidential information.

7. Must be able to operate a vehicle and be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

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 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.