Sr Contract Administrator

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.

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.

Procurement Operations is headed by the Sr. Division Director, and divided into four groups: Procurement, Materials & Services Procurement, Professional Services Procurement and Construction & Facility Maintenance.

Reporting to the Sr Division Director Procurement Operations, the Sr Contract Administrator will perform work to enable contract administration and management and effective sourcing in support of the division's strategies 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: Collaborate with vendors and user departments to identify and resolve supplier and contractor performance issues; and interpret complex contract terms, change orders, contract modifications, quality assurance, disputes, and warranties. 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. Perform activities throughout the contract life cycle from proposal to close-out on all assigned contracts; and conduct closeout actions upon contract completion, including monitoring procure-to-pay compliance. Generate procurement and vendor key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, benchmarks, and other reports for submission to the senior leadership. 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. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

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

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, or related discipline OR in lieu of the specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in contract administration or management.
2. In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of experience in contract administration or management.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of contract administration and management techniques for public agencies.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations governing public procurement and complex professional services or construction contract administration processes.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of bidding and contract compliance procedures.
6. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook); and familiar with the use of ERP systems such as Microsoft D365 or similar programs.  
7. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to develop effective working relationships and interact with internal and external key stakeholders.
8. Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify problems and recommend solutions.
9. Ability to perform contract administration and management work; with the ability to read and comprehend contract documents and terms accurately and concisely.
10. Ability to prepare reports, contracts, specifications, correspondence, RFPs, and IFBs.
11. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously individually or in a team environment.  
12. Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and handle confidential information.
13. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
14. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
15. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

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

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.