PRINCIPAL CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR

Job Summary Performs complex work in support of contract administration activities for Metro's acquisition of goods and services. Duties and Responsibilities Leads the planning, development, and execution, including reviews and comments, on Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitation for Bids (IFBs), as necessary Meets with internal and external clients to anticipate requirements Establishes evaluation criteria Prepares packages for advertising, printing, and distribution Conducts pre‑bid and pre‑proposal meetings to answer questions and set schedules Receives bids and proposals, acts as chairperson on bid/proposal evaluation team, and makes awards recommendations and formalizes awards Prepares various contract award letters and notices Responds to bid and proposal award protests Participates in initial contractor and consultant conferences Conducts negotiations as necessary Completes final draft of contracts Responsible for contract management activities after award Liaises with Metro's vendors and internal clients Maintains all records associated with an acquisition Supports Metro's diverse and economically disadvantaged programs, as well as other initiatives as assigned Reviews and approves invoices and payments Negotiates and approves change orders, task orders, contract work orders, and contract modifications Coordinates escrow agreements Attends progress meetings to review contract issues, set payment schedules, and make adjustments to contract administration Monitors contract compliance Assists in developing claim strategies designed to minimize damage assessment and effect on schedules Arranges and participates in final inspection and prepares close‑out documents Prepares monthly status reports, summaries, and other correspondence Briefs management on assigned projects and gives oral presentations as applicable Provides guidance and assistance to lower‑level employees Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees May be required to perform other related job duties Essential Knowledge Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks) Theories, principles, and practices of public procurement, supply‑chain management, contract administration and/or practice of public agencies Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations and policies pertaining to public procurement Financial and mathematical analysis, and statistical research Theories, principles and practices of project management Principles of supervision Applicable business software applications Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things) Performing complex contract administration and management work Planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of an integrated project team to perform contract administration functions Interviewing and evaluating contract proposal respondents Acquiring and analyzing information and resources, identifying problems, and making decisions in support of Metro's goals Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions Determining strategies to achieve goals Influencing, mediating, and negotiating Communicating effectively both orally and in writing Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result) Serve as liaison across the organization to enhance, improve, and develop policies and procedures Think and act independently Meet tight time constraints Handle highly confidential material Represent Metro before the public Prepare comprehensive reports, contracts, specifications, correspondence, RFPs, and IFBs Perform cost analysis Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, and budgets Oversee, train, and motivate assigned staff Travel to off‑site locations Read, write, speak, and understand English Special Conditions This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions This classification is at‑will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out Working Conditions Typical office situation Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen Physical Effort Required Sitting at a desk or table Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer‑based functions Communicating through speech in the English language required Minimum Qualifications A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year‑for‑year basis. A typical combination includes: Education Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Business, Public Administration, or a related field; Master's Degree in a related field preferred Experience Five years of relevant experience performing complex contract administration work; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment Certifications / Licenses / Special Requirements A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job‑related essential functions Professional certification from National Contract Management Association (NCMA), American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), Institute for Supply Management (ISM), or equivalent preferred #J-18808-Ljbffr National Association of Women in Construction