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.

Rail Contracts & Special Projects: The Rail 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 Senior Manager, Rail Contract Administration, the position will help manage and lead the department in making, maintaining, and enforcing agreements and amendments regarding the shared use of Metra's rail facilities. The position will be responsible for administration of moderately complex railroad operating contracts and ensure they are monitored for accuracy, efficiency, and effective implementation. The position will work with stakeholders throughout Metra to ensure compliance with agency policies, contract terms, and applicable regulations.

The primary duties include: Manage projects: conduct research to assess needs, options, and alternatives to address problems; define project scope, objectives, and budgets; develop plans and schedules; and establish milestone to monitor project performance. Plan, direct, and review the work of staff; assign work activities and projects; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; and meet with staff to identify and resolve problems. The position will also participate in the hiring and disciplining of staff. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of departmental and divisional objectives (e.g., dates for agreements to be updated, employee training, records retention), goals, policies, procedures, and priorities. Direct the administration of existing operating agreements, including Purchase of Service, Trackage Rights, Joint Facility, and Fixed Facility Agreements ensuring all parties are following the terms of each agreement. Act as a point-of-contact for Metra with other railroads, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), and Amtrak regarding contractual issues, billings, payments, and correspondence to ensure contracts are administered properly and issues are handled expeditiously; and to resolve sensitive and controversial matters. Position approves invoices from other parties on an "As needed" basis. 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 otherrelated 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. Must have six (6) years of experience negotiating and/or administering operating contracts preferably in the transportation or railroad industry.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of contract administration methods, processes, and procedures.
4. Good knowledge of government procurement regulations.
5. Good knowledge of Purchase of Service Agreements, Trackage Rights Agreements, Joint Facility Agreements, and Fixed Facility Agreements.
6. Knowledge of railroad operations and maintenance.
7. Good organizational, analytical skills, and math skills.
8. Good verbal and written communication skills.
9. Good negotiation skills.
10. Good supervisory skills.
11. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites, specifically Word, Outlook, and Excel.
12. Proficient working with an ERP System similar to Microsoft AX.
13. Ability to draft accurate railroad operating agreements.
14. Ability to monitor multiple projects and ensure the timely completion of those projects.
15. Ability to read and interpret complex contracts.
16. Roadway Worker Certification will be required for this position. Applicant may become certified within 90 days of position acceptance.
17. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
18. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
19. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
20. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Supervisory experience.

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. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at 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.