Manager Procurement

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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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 Director, Procurement, the Manager, Procurement will manage the day-to-day activities of the assigned team responsible for acquiring products, goods, and services for the agency from initial needs assessment to final payment ensuring cost effectiveness and quality; and develop and implement sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships in line with agency goals and compliance requirements.

This position is covered by the "Revolving Door" prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which prohibits certain Metra employees (or their spouse or immediate family member) from accepting employment or compensation from a non-Metra employer for one year from the date of separation, if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the award of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer or if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the fiscal administration of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer.

The primary duties include: Provide guidance, direction, and support to assigned team responsible for sourcing, contracting, and purchasing products, goods, and services; establish priorities; assign work; ensure training needs are met; and duties are performed in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and standards to achieve program objectives. Review and approve contracts, change orders, amendments, and other procurement-related documents; adjudicate contract claims and disputes, bid protests, and suspend or debar individuals or vendors for cause precluding further consideration for contract awards. Manage the development, implementation, and maintenance of contracts and supply networks; collaborate on the development of procurement policies, procedures, cooperative purchasing processes, quality control, and training; and present staff reports senior leadership consideration. Contribute to the formulation and evaluation of short- and long-term procurement strategies; recommend cost-saving methods to maximize buying power and meet operational needs while improving efficiencies; and standardize applications to provide discounts, superior goods and services, and value analyses. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure procurement processes align with strategic objectives, adhere to regulatory requirements, and the integrity of public procurement processes, business practices, performance, and transparency is maintained. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. 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 preferably in Business or Public Administration, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or Industrial Distribution OR in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in procurement operations or contract administration or management, or as a senior buyer preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
2. In addition to #1, have six (6) years of experience in procurement operations, materials management, contract administration or management, project management, or as a senior buyer, preferably in a government, railroad, public transportation, or manufacturing industry.
3. Have three (3) years of team lead or progressively responsible supervisory experience in the day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, discipline and/or termination.
4. Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, policies, and procedures related to procurement and contract administration and negotiation, sourcing, strategic procurement planning, materials management, and inventory control as it applies to the transit industry and public agencies.
5. Considerable knowledge of the procurement processes, including specification and proposal preparation, methods for administering solicitations, and formulation of contract documents.
6. Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal agencies governing regulations of public sector purchasing programs, i.e., the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
7. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Access) with the ability to use ERP systems, procurement and materials management programs, and solicitation and contract management applications.
8. Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to negotiate, manage projects and programs, and effectively deal with all persons in a fair and equitable manner.
9. Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
10. Ability to prioritize, multi-task and work under pressure in a demanding environment.
11. Ability to prepare complex reports, manage budgets, conduct studies, analyze data, and recommend and implement procedural changes and solutions.
12. Ability to execute complex technical contracts, interpret applicable government laws and regulations, and administer agency policies related to procurement operations.
13. Ability to develop and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
14. Ability to provide leadership and direction, clearly define objectives, and motivate individuals and teams.
15. Ability to use appropriate judgment, discretion, and initiative when in making recommendations and resolving problems that are highly complex and sensitive in nature.
16. Ability to make difficult decisions and award contracts impartially and objectively.
17. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
18. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) or similar.

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 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.