Senior Contracts Administrator

JOB SUMMARY: 

This position completes all activities associated with procurement of materials and supplies including bids and RFPs in compliance with necessary Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”), State and County regulations.  This position also acts as backup for the department Director and provides training and guidance for newer staff as needed.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Creates, issues, manages, and awards a variety of bids and large RFPs annually.  This includes:
   1. Negotiation of RFP pricing with input from Departments
   2. Conducting pre-bid meetings with potential contractors, documenting discussions, preparing contract award recommendation, and completing all file documentation.
   3. Coordinating with department on developing on specifications and making recommendations for improvements upon review when needed.         
2. Drafts and reviews contracts, renewals, extensions, and amendments using company templates.  
3. Co-lead an initiative that implements and integrates contract administration into the day-to-day procurement process. Assists and advises departments on monitoring existing contracts for compliance.  Collaborates with Department stakeholders to resolve contract issues as they arise
4. Maintains a working knowledge of FTA, State and County regulations related to procurement.
5. Supports procurement needs of departments through issuance of Purchase Orders, Bids, and related items to secure purchases as assigned.  This includes: 
   1. Meeting both the needs of MCTS and applicable regulations 
   2. Assessing vendors for quality, reliability, and price 
   3. Establishing lead times for products, monitoring deliveries 
   4. Negotiating changes when needed 
6. Monitors blanket contract spreadsheet assignments for their area(s) and assures that assigned contracts do not lapse.  
7. Manages B2G functions and keep MTS contracts current within the B2G system. 
8. Acts as primary backup for Director of Procurement 
9. Provides direction and training to newer staff as needed or requested. 
10. Assists with negotiations for the settlement of significant contract disputes 
11. Ongoing monitoring of systems for continuous process improvement. 
12. Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required. Substantial experience in procurement with demonstrated progression of greater responsibility and depth over time may be considered in lieu of degree requirements. J.D or Master’s degree desirable.
2. Minimum of 6 years of professional purchasing and contract management experience required.  
3. Experience in government structure required, public transportation desirable.
4. Demonstrated experience in interpreting and applying State or Federal regulations required.  Experience with Milwaukee County Ordinances, State of Wisconsin and/or Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”) procurement ordinances, laws and regulations preferred. 
5. Demonstrated experience with contract negotiations.
6. Demonstrated experience with issuing, managing and awarding RFP’s and bids that have resulted in multi-million-dollar purchases is required.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

1. Ability to read, comprehend and interpret contract language, terms, and regulations.
2. Excellent analytical, organizational, and practical judgement skills with the ability to perform in an environment involving strict attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
4. Skilled in public purchasing procedures and best practices. Familiarity with FTA CFR 4220.1F, 2 CFR, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and County Targeted Business Enterprise (“TBE”) program desirable.
5. Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in electronic procurement systems, such as Bonfire and Microsoft Dynamics platform.
6. Skilled and motivated in continuous learning through diverse modalities, such as  reading, videos, and trainings. 
7. Skilled in computer operations, including spreadsheet, word processing and procurement software.
8. Ability to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships.
9. A flexible self-starter with the ability to think critically, handle multiple tasks, and work independently.
10. Demonstrated ability in continuous process improvement. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: 

1. Work is frequently conducted in an office or similar indoor environment relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. 
2. Physical requirements are those described as sedentary work, which includes exerting ten (10) pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently and/or constantly having to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.