Director, 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.

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 Director, Procurement will set the direction and oversee the operations of the procurement division; monitor the deployment of activities related to procurement functions; effectively allocate resources for assigned programs; ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal procurement related regulations and adherence to agency policies, procedures, and quality standards; and uphold the department's mission to provide quality goods and services efficiently and at the best value.

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: Review and approve contracts, change and task orders, amendments and other procurement related documents; and adjudicate contract claims and disputes, bid protests, and suspend or debar individuals or vendors for cause precluding consideration for contract awards.

Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of contracts and automated supply networks; collaborate on the development of procurement policies, procedures, cooperative purchasing processes, quality control, and training.

Formulate and evaluate short- and long-term procurement strategies and approaches in collaboration with senior leadership; 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 analysis.

Ensure the integrity of public procurement processes; and adhere to local, state, and federal regulations governing business practices, performance, and transparency.

Provide subject matter expertise and interpretation of policies and procedures; represent the division on various committees; present staff reports for senior leadership consideration; and participate in various financial, operational, and external audits.

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.

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 or public administration, supply chain or materials management, or industrial distribution OR in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years of procurement experience.

2. In addition to #1, must have ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement services, contract administration, or materials management preferably in a government, public transportation, railroad or manufacturing industry.

3. Five (5) years of 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:

• procurement principles, practices, and procedures with the ability to research, analyze, recommend, select and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• the procurement processes, specifications and proposal preparation, and methods for administering solicitations and formulating contract documents.
• strategic planning, sourcing, contract administration and negotiation, materials management, and inventory control.

5. Knowledge of spend analysis tools, supplier relationship management (SRM) systems, contract management platforms, electronic sourcing tools, or electronic invoicing systems or other procurement, materials management, solicitation, or contract management related applications and software.

6. Familiar with local, state, and federal agencies, e.g., the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), etc., and regulations related to use of public funds and tax laws for procurement purposes and ensure the purchasing program is in compliance.

7. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access).

8. Familiar with cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems e.g. Microsoft D365 or similar ERP systems or procurement software systems with streamlined automated workflows, real-time visibility and status, and electronic document repository.

9. Strong:

• written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact with employees and vendors at all levels in a fair and equitable manner.
• leadership, organizational, and analytical skills.

10. Ability to:

• provide strong leadership and direction with clearly defined objectives, oversee implementation of complex projects, and be a trusted source of information.
• develop effective and cooperative working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders; and foster a collaborative work environment that values diverse opinions, continuous process improvements, and promotes innovative thinking.
• use sound judgment and discretion in matters of significance necessary for recommending solutions to problems that are complex and sensitive in nature and awarding contracts impartially and objectively.
• prioritize, multi-task, and work under pressure in a demanding environment, make difficult decisions
• prepare and administer budgets, conduct studies, analyze data, and recommend and implement procedural changes and solutions.

11. Must be:

• able to operate a vehicle and be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

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

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 pre-employment 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.

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.