SSE - Senior Procurement Contract Administrator

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, operator of the METROLINK Commuter Rail System, is seeking a temporary Senior Procurement Contract Administrator who will perform professional and complex contract administration, and ensure compliance by assisting SCRRA departments with the development and evaluation of contract proposals, and providing guidance in the ongoing administration and compliance of a variety of existing contracts. The selected candidate will assist on the preparation of comprehensive reports, specifications, procedures, correspondence, RFP's and IFB's.
 
The ideal candidate for the position will be an effective communicator, proactive, organized and discreet to handle highly confidential information. The candidate should demonstrate strong time management skills to balance multiple initiatives and meet deadlines in a fast paced and dynamic work environment.
 
TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all- inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Prepare, review and negotiate various agreements for SCRRA track, signals and communications services;
• Provide answers to contractors' questions regarding the bid process and other compliance issues in the contract;
• Prepare packages for advertising, printing and distribution;
• Conduct pre-bid and pre-proposal meetings to present scope of work, manage changes and set schedules;
• Establish contractors' performance evaluation criteria and assist Project Managers in monitoring their performance;
• Negotiate and process change orders, and contract amendments;
• Coordinate license and escrow agreements;
• Investigate and research information in response to vendor complaints/allegations/protests including discrimination, or other concerns;
• Develop and present training sessions for SCRRA staff, industry and other organizations on purchasing related procedures, policies and other rules and regulations as required by the Federal Transportation Administration;
• Enforce county, state and federal regulations, laws and ordinances, and recommend corrective actions in cases of non-compliance;
• Communicate and act as a liaison between vendors and department users to develop compromises and resolve contractual problems or complaints;
• Organize, direct and lead negotiating teams in evaluating and negotiating contracts;
• Receive bids and proposals, evaluate and recommend contract awards;
• Respond to bid and proposal protests;
• Participate in all contractor/consultant conferences during bid/proposal process;
• Review for compliance against terms & conditions of contract invoices and payment to contractors;
• Review and evaluate existing contractual agreements, Contract Task Orders (CTO's) and extensions for compliance;
• Review and evaluate responses to consultants' submittals for Requests for Proposal (RFP), and Invitations for Bid (IFB);
• Assist in developing strategies designed to avoid claims such as damage assessment and effect on time schedules;
• Work with the Legal Department and Protest Officer to evaluate merits of protests and make recommendations that the protest be upheld or denied;
• Collaborate with the project manager to perform on-site inspections of contractor's projects;
• Consult with Legal Department when necessary to recommend termination for convenience, non-performance, or other dispute resolution arising from non-compliance or breach of contract; 
• Perform quality control and conformity checks, and monitoring of the staff's purchasing and contract activity;
• Interface with SCRRA staff in reviewing contract administration and procurement processes;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business, or related field;
• Six years of work experience performing professional contract administration and compliance work, preferably in public transportation or the railroad industry;  
• Knowledge of public contracting principles, including proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract law and finance, California and Federal laws applicable to contracts by public agencies and familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations and/or Federal Transportation Administration Circular 4220.1F;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Oracle Financial modules;
• A Valid Class "C" California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than 3 moving violations and no DUI's within the last 3 years is required.  

• Normal office environment including sitting, standing, walking, reaching, grasping and the manual dexterity for operating a computer and using a telephone; 
• Speaking, hearing and listening;
• Ability to lift, hold and move objects up to 15 lbs.;
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds;
• Listen and express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words;
• Adjust visual focus;
• Work in normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates:
Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. If you believe you possess a disability that requires accommodation for the testing process, please provide notice with your application materials or call the Human Resources Division at (213) 452-0444. Proper supporting documentation may be requested by SCRRA in order to accommodate special needs.
 
The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA