Senior Contract Administrator or Contractor Administrator

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 and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

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

The Procurement Department assists internal Council units to purchase goods and services needed to conduct Council business. In carrying out this purpose, the department complies with Council policies and procedures, laws of federal, state, and local governments, and requirements of grants the Council receives.

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

The Senior Contract Administrator/Contract Administrator will be responsible for supporting contract management by focusing on contract administration, compliance monitoring and reviews, negotiating amendments, training, reporting, special projects as assigned, and support to the Council's project managers with the administration of their contracts. The position will also handle all amendment drafting, review, and negotiation. This role provides ongoing contract maintenance support to project managers ensuring insurance requirements are met and will update bonds as necessary when contracts amended. Other responsibilities include tracking and documenting vendor performance, working directly with vendors to resolve issues, assisting business units with training, completing vendor name changes/assignment agreements, reviewing price increase requests, executing contract terminations, and assisting project managers with invoice reviews.

Notes:
The Procurement department has two vacancies for a Senior Contract Administrator and/or a Contract Administrator.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Draft and administer contract amendments. Ensure amendments are drafted in compliance with all funding sources and applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Review contracts for compliance with terms, conditions, pricing, laws, rules, and procedures; identify potential contract breaches and risks, and take corrective or mitigating actions as necessary.
• Develop and maintain contract management manual, work instructions, and additional tools and resources. Create and provide contract management best practices including milestone trackers.
• Manage the amendment signature process, distributing copies to relevant parties, and maintaining accurate contract records.
• Provide contract management training, support, resources, and tools to Metropolitan Council personnel.
• Negotiate contract terms and pricing for amendments.
• Generate reports related to contract performance, identify areas for improvement, and present findings to management.
• Serve as point of contact for Metropolitan Council project managers with regard to contract management questions. Meet and collaborate with project managers who have expiring contracts within six (6) months or less and assist with strategic planning.
• Collaborate with other internal stakeholders, e.g. legal, finance, and other departments, as necessary to ensure contracts and amendments comply with applicable rules, laws, policies, procedures and industry best practices.
• Monitor vendor performance reports in collaboration with project managers. Manage vendor performance report database.
• Prepare contract termination documents for review; ensure termination documents are drafted in compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Perform market research.
• Review vendor price increase requests and make recommendations to project managers.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in finance, business, or a related field) and experience in contract negotiation, writing, review or work directly supporting an entity's procurements and purchases:

• Bachelor's degree or higher with four (4) years of experience.
• Associate degree with six (6) years of experience.
• High school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience.

• Knowledge of contract compliance principles.
• Skilled in developing reporting tools and reports.
• Knowledge of risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience working in the public sector.
• Experience working with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funded contracts.
• Experience working with federal or state regulations.
• 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).
• Contract management or procurement experience with a government entity or in a large complex private company where regulations were applicable.
• Experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment.

• Knowledge of contract and amendment drafting.
• Knowledge of standard contract language and requirements.
• Knowledge of contract negotiations.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and other products.
• Skilled in developing contract language.
• Ability to utilize a PeopleSoft based platform.
• Skilled in developing contract management tools.
• Customer service skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to review materials for accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage diverse projects and tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors and stakeholders.
• Ability to coach staff on contract management best practices.

• 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.

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

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.