Procurement Specialist 2 - Operations Procurement

***This position is represented by the Transportation Communications Union (TCU)***

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary:

Assist the Category Acquisition Manager in support of the Operations Procurement subgroup by providing Metro-North Railroad with the management of contracts required for material, parts, and equipment in a timely and efficient manner.  Monitors and manages the procurement commitments for adequate vendor performance in support of ongoing operational needs.

Responsibilities:

• Administration and maintenance of high volume of ongoing contracts:
  • Represent Metro-North at project meetings and has the ability to deal effectively with proper decision- making levels, both within and outside Metro-North. Make decisions exercising independent judgment requiring immediate solutions.
  • Responsible for Metro-North’s contractual and business interests.
  • Clarifies contract terms, conditions, and intent for all contractual parties as well as our internal customers.
  • Ensures Metro-North, contractors, and subcontractors' compliance with all contractual terms and conditions.
  • Negotiates change orders and evaluates contractor and vendor claims and submits for approval.
  • Institutes, negotiates, documents, and executes any Railroad claim against a contractor.
  • Develop and maintain necessary contract files such as certified payrolls, monthly submissions, change order requests, liquidated damages, and other files as necessary.
  • Interface with: Maintenance of Equipment, Track & Structures and Communications and Signal.
  • Perform all other related work.
• Actively seek joint procurement initiatives with all MTA agencies to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service quality while offering potential for recurring financial benefits. Participate in requirements planning, strategic procurement planning and development, and coordinating with material planners and internal customers on material needs to meet production schedules in order to reduce no-stocks, material costs, and overall maintenance program completion times. Perform proactive analysis in support of MNR’s Strategic Procurement Initiative that includes market surveys to verify option pricing, use of indices and market trends to justify price increases or decreases, and vendor interviews to validate market observations. 
• Evaluate bids and quotations for responsiveness and responsibility in accordance with MNR’s Operating Procedures and the MTA All-Agency Procurement and All-Agency Responsibility Guidelines.  Coordinate and chair the Consultant Selection Committee for operating procurements.  Negotiate terms, conditions, and costs as applicable and as required.   Prepare final justification and recommendation for award.
• Performs cost/price analysis of various proposals and bids, evaluates proposals and bids for responsiveness and responsibility, coordinates selection activities and recommends award of contracts.
• Provides support and assistance during the training of junior staff.
• Ensure the terms and conditions, technical specifications and drawings (the contract document) is a consistent whole and that it represents completely and correctly the work required by Metro-North Railroad.
• Prior to negotiating contracts, substantial change orders, supplements, or equitable adjustments, must use the tools of cost/price analysis and cost/benefit analysis together with good judgment to develop negotiating objectives.
• Confer regarding the requisitioner needs; work jointly toward the creation of a Design Build document which will best meet the needs of the Railroad.  Provide advice in specific areas of expertise as part of review of the contract documents.
• Provide assistance with requisitioning department’s development of work scopes and selection criteria and monitoring contractor performance in accordance with Metro-North Railroad standard operating procedure and Federal & State statutes.
• Maintain working relationships with vendors and contractors, which will result in near and long-term benefit to Metro-North Railroad
• Adhere to Metro-North Railroad’s policy and procedures with regard to the procurement of goods and services.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of products and materials, procurement principles, terms and conditions, and contract law.
• Ability to learn public sector purchasing (i.e., MTA Agency, NYS, NYC) and governmental regulations (FAR, FTA), and NYS contracting provisions.
• Strong ability to evaluate contract terms and conditions.
• Knowledge of procurement and accounting principles.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong oral, written, and communication skills.
• Strong ability to interact with internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and/or comparable applications.
• Negotiation skills including planning and implementing negotiation strategies.
• Strong ability to manage multiple service contract requests and a large volume of contracts on an ongoing basis.

Required Education and Experience:

• B.S./B.A. Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Management, Transportation, Public Administration or an associated field with specialized procurement/contract administration training.  Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum three years of progressive business experience in the area of design and engineering, construction, procurement of goods and services, and contract administration with a strong emphasis on the solicitation, negotiation, and award of contracts.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Familiarity with All-Agency Procurement Guidelines.
• Familiarity with Operations procurements, public works, and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) master contracts, i.e., railcar, track, wheels/axles, parts and inspection, and signals.
• In-depth knowledge of MNR policies and procedures.

Special Requirements:

• This is a performance based position.  Performance objectives and indicators have been designed to measure the successful candidate’s achievements on a quarterly basis.  The employee must meet or exceed these detailed goals as a condition of employment.
• Ensure the terms and conditions, technical specifications and drawings (the contract document) is a consistent whole and that it represents completely and correctly the work required by Metro-North Railroad.
• Prior to negotiating contracts, substantial change orders, supplements, or equitable adjustments, must use the tools of cost/price analysis and cost/benefit analysis together with good judgment to develop negotiating objectives.
• Confer regarding the requisitioner needs; work jointly toward the creation of a Design Build document which will best meet the needs of the Railroad.  Provide advice in specific areas of expertise as part of review of the contract documents.
• Provide assistance with requisitioning department’s development of work scopes and selection criteria and monitoring contractor performance in accordance with Metro-North Railroad standard operating procedure and Federal & State statutes.
• Maintain working relationships with vendors and contractors, which will result in near and long-term benefit to Metro-North Railroad
• Adhere to Metro-North Railroad’s policy and procedures with regard to the procurement of goods and services.
• Must adhere to MNR and departmental attendance policies

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.