Merchandise Buyer Assistant, Sr. jobs in Palatine, IL

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 Senior Buyer is responsible for the execution of large, complex contracts for materials, services, fuel, equipment, non-revenue vehicles, and information technology procurements, includes managing the bidding process, contract creation, administration, and maintenance throughout contract lifecycle.

The primary duties include: Research products, issue contracts and purchase orders, review requisitions for final approval, select vendors; obtain materials and services from suppliers; expedite orders; and ensure contract requirements are met.

Collaborate with departments to determine contract type, contracting method, and sourcing strategies; assist in the development of procurement specifications and cost estimates.

Develop and issue solicitations, perform bid evaluations, price and cost analyses; conduct pre-bid and site visits; serve as liaison between user departments and contractors to resolve contractual problems, disputes, and invoice discrepancies.

Ensure contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders reflect all relevant information, including project numbers, budget accounts, descriptions, NAICS codes, and are in compliance internal policies and procedures, and local, state, federal guidelines and regulations and data is reflected appropriately and accurately in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Review and approve contracts and change orders; verify purchase requests meet established requirements; acquire justification letters to ensure reasons are sufficient to meet the agency's policies and procedures; negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing on sole source and single bid contracts; and manage the award process.

Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor.

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 in Business Administration OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years of experience in contracting and procurement services.

2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in contracting, procurement services, including preparing cost and price analyses, or project management.

3. Comprehensive knowledge of procurement and contract administration principles and practices and project management techniques.

4. Working knowledge of various:

• local, state, and federal procurement regulations (e.g. Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), etc.).
• contract types (e.g. fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ), time and materials, etc.).

5. Knowledge of government procurement requirements such as sealed bids, advertising requirements, and diversity spend targets.

6. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel) and knowledge of MS Dynamics ERP system usage or other purchasing applications or procurement-related software.

7. Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving.

8. Excellent:

• verbal and written communications skills.
• negotiation and persuasion skills.
• interpersonal and customer service skills.
• organizational skills and attention to detail.

9. Ability to:

• understand, interpret, and communicate policies, procedures, contract terms and conditions, and regulatory requirements.
• study market trends, interview vendors, and recommend sources of supply.
• analyze quotations, select or recommend suppliers, and schedule deliveries.
• address and resolve complex issues and resolve problems or disputes.
• work collaboratively both independently and on a team.
• meet deadlines and work in an environment with shifting priorities, demands, and time lines.

10. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region

Preferences

• Experience working in a public or transportation industry.

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.