Principal Contract Administrator

The Procurement Department in the Metropolitan Council's Regional Administration Division has up to one (1) vacancy for a Principal Contract Administrator.

This position is eligible for a hybrid, both remote [3 days] and onsite [2 days] per week telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area, providing regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. For more information about us, please visit our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Procurement Department supports internal Council units in purchasing the goods and services necessary to conduct Council business. In carrying out this purpose, the department complies with Council policies and procedures, as well as the laws of federal, state, and local governments, and the requirements of grants the Council receives.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Principal Contract Administrator provides oversight in the development of solicitations for Specifications for Invitation for Bid (IFB) and Request for Proposal (RFP) documents. They run solicitations publicly, formally, and informally, manage bid openings, and facilitate evaluation panels for RFPs. Additionally, they award and execute contracts, prepare and negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Types of contracts include architecture and engineering, major construction, small-scale construction, non-construction/general services, professional/technical services, and goods. This position is also responsible for administering Council contract procurement policies, procedures, and state and federal laws for all contracts.

This position does not manage contracts once executed and is not responsible for construction site management.

This position requires the ability and willingness to travel to multiple locations in the seven (7) county metropolitan area, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation.

• Administer contract procurement procedures for service contracts in the areas of construction, goods, architectural/engineering, and professional/technical contracts.
• Work with project managers to understand project needs and provide information on procurement procedures required to comply with Council policy, procedures, and laws.
• Coordinate the review of contracts and proposed changes with the Contract Negotiators, Office of the General Counsel, Information Services, Risk Management, and Office of Equal Opportunity.
• Facilitate contract negotiations, including interviews, requests for classifications, demonstrations, best and final offers, and modifications to standard contract language.
• Create and document proposal evaluation criteria, including multi-phase evaluations.
• Organize and facilitate pre-proposal and bid meetings, as well as proposal evaluation meetings, where evaluation committee members may include community representatives.
• Create contract procurement process documents such as Statement of Qualification (SOQ) for pre-qualification of contractors, Scope of Work (SOW) for Request for Proposal (RFP), Specifications for Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Quotes (RFQ), Request for Information (RFI), proposal evaluation forms, bid documentation, and draft contracts.
• Manage bid openings and bid tabulations, and prepare correspondence documenting contract awards.
• Facilitate evaluation panel trainings and consensus meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in business, finance, public administration, or a closely related field) and experience (in contract administration):

• Bachelor's degree or higher with five (5) years of experience
• Associate degree with seven (7) years of experience
• High school diploma/GED with nine (9) years of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Contract development project management or procurement experience with a government entity or in a large complex private company where regulations were applicable.
• Experience working with federal or state regulations.
• Experience in the development of procurement and contracting solicitation documents.
• Certification as a Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or Purchasing Manager (CPM), or National Institute Government Procurement-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), or Project Manager Development Program (PMDP).
• Experience in procuring technology, Software as a Service (SaaS) projects.
• Experience collaborating and outreach during project solicitations with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Targeted Group Business (TGB).
• Professional experience working with small business inclusion programs, equity, diversity, affirmative action, equal opportunity, legal, community outreach, contract administration, and contract compliance implementation.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of contract and/or procurement services, which includes purchasing goods and services in accordance with procurement procedures and contract specifications.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Word and Excel, Electronic Calendar, and Internet.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from diverse groups of customers or clients.
• Ability to calculate figures in amounts such as discounts, interest, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of introductory algebra and geometry.
• Ability to work under high-pressure situations with all levels of the organization while adhering to procurement policies and procedures.
• Skilled in project management and the ability to lead teams and communicate effectively both written and orally.
• Organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Skilled in dealing with others, both inside and outside of the department. Interactions with others generally require influencing, instructing, and negotiating with individuals to gain their understanding, cooperation, and action.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check, which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are job-related and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages individuals from underrepresented groups, including persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans, to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.