Sr Manager Rail Contract Administration

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.

Contracts & Special Projects: The Contracts & Special Projects Division within the ADEDA Department performs the management and periodic renegotiation of operating contracts with other railroads; acts as a resource within the agency regarding contractual rights and responsibilities; and manages special projects of agency significance including employee engagement-related functions.

Reporting to the Director Rail Contract Management & Special Projects, the Senior Manager Rail Contract Administration will manage an assigned team of contract administrators; oversee the administration of all aspects of rail contracts and associated invoicing, including lead negotiation strategies; and ensure compliance with legal, financial, and corporate protocols.

The primary duties include: Manage the day-to-day activities of the assigned team of contract administrators responsible for the administration of a wide range of new and existing rail related agreements, projects, and compliance activities; ensuring the agency's interests are protected; and all parties comply with the terms of each agreement. Monitor team work to ensure schedules are met; duties and tasks are performed in accordance with procedures; and the team is trained and equipped to respond thoroughly, accurately, and timely to requests for contract information from various departments. Negotiate, draft, and administer contracts to support the agency's capital program and public and private partnerships with peer railroads, charter operators, and others; oversee the preparation of scope of work, specifications, terms, and conditions for new contracts; and serve as subject matter expert on railroad agreements as well as the main point of contact for freight carriers and peer railroads. Collaborate with leaders in various departments to develop contract terms and conditions that protect the agency's financial and operating interests; coordinate and facilitate various internal cross-functional meetings to ensure divisional strategies align with agency goals and objectives to ensure consistency in contract management processes and compliance. Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders within the agency, external organizations, and vendors to facilitate contract management; coordinate the review of change orders, modifications, and payments; and resolve complex contract performance issues. 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 in contract management, economics, business or public administration or a related field, or in lieu of a specified degree any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years of experience in contract administration, development, or management.
2. In addition to #1, have a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in contract administration, development, or management, preferably in the railroad or transit industry.
3. Experience drafting, revising, and negotiating contracts is required.
4. Have three (3) years of supervisory experience in one or more of the following: assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training hiring, performance evaluations and improvement, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
5. Considerable knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of contract administration and negotiation techniques for public agencies.
6. Considerable knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing public procurement and contract administration processes.
7. Knowledge of budget development and implementation, goal setting techniques, and cost and price analysis.
8. Knowledge of project management principles and techniques relating to scope, budget, and schedule management.
9. Familiar with railroad operations and maintenance topics.
10. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat) and mapping software such as Google Earth.
11. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact and work collaboratively with various levels of employees, outside representatives, and vendors.
12. Strong organizational, analytical, math skills and detail-orientation.
13. Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
14. Ability to lead negotiations for complex contractual issues, representing the organization in discussions with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to secure favorable terms.
15. Ability to develop and achieve goals, think strategically, and identify appropriate stakeholders to engage when faced with new challenges or tasks.
16. Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
17. Ability to apply problem analysis and problem-solving skills on a technical and interpersonal level.
18. Ability to bring together employees from different departments or disciplines to collaborate on a common goal or project to leverage diverse skills and perspectives to enhance problem-solving and innovation.
19. Ability to lead, manage, train, and develop a team of professionals and enforce agency standards.
20. Ability to standardize practices and institutionalize knowledge through the development of tools, procedures, templates, and guidance documents.
21. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred:

1. Experience negotiating, managing, and revising railroad agreements.

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.