Procurement Specialist II - Operations Procurement

Description

Application Deadline
Open until filled.

Opening
MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York
City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling
inand out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroad in the nation. MTA
Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer
service and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Responsibilities
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.
Administration and maintenance of high volume of on-going 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.
Institute, negotiate, document and execute any Railroad claim against a contractor.
Develop and maintain necessary contract files such as certified payrolls, monthly
submissions, change order requests, liquidated damage 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 pro-active analysis in support of MNR’s Strategic
Procurement Initiative that include 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 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.
Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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, have 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.
Working knowledge of an Automated Procurement System, Material Management and/or
Accounts Payable Systems
Negotiation skills including planning and implementing negotiation strategies.
Ability to manage multiple service contract requests and a large volume of contracts on an ongoing
basis.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/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 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Familiarity with All-Agency Procurement Guidelines.
Familiarity with Operations procurements, public work and Original Equipment Manufacturer
(OEM) master contracts i.e. railcar, track, wheels/axles, parts and inspection, and signals.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
In-depth knowledge of MNR policies and procedures.
Familiarity with MTA All-Agency Procurement Guidelines.
Rate of Pay
The starting rate for this position is $32.69 (70% of the full rate). The wage progression scale
is as follows: 70%> 75%> 80%> 85%> 90%> 95%>100%. The new hire full rate of pay is
$41.78 per hour. Additionally, with the exception of employees hired at the 70% rate, new
employees will be required to work 24 months at the progression level at which they are hired
after which they can progress through the wage progression at the normal rate. The
incumbent (only employees currently in the Procurement department seeking a different
position) full rate of pay is $41.78 per hour.
Seniority
Employees new to the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) will establish seniority in
accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.
Members of the TCU are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.

Selection Criteria
Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet
the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a
position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in
the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a
background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal
history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to
undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require
him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure
to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.
Additional Criteria for Current Employees: Current Metro-North employees must be in active
service to be eligible for consideration. Agreement Employees applying for a position outside
of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year
preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have
completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in
requirement, if applicable (for example: Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are
transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present
union. Non-agreement employees must have worked in your current position for a minimum of
one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation
(including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also
subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline
records and performance assessments.
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please
apply online at www.mta.info

Other Information
As an employee of Metro-North Railroad you may be required to complete a New York State
financial disclosure statement, if you earn more than $105,472 or if you hold a position
designated as a policy maker.
Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every
three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee
entering an authorized driving position.

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including
with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and
abilities, including military service members, to apply.