Senior Contract Negotiator

The Illinois Tollway is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient system of highways while ensuring the highest possible level of service to our customers. Whether it's I-PASS, the Move Illinois Program, open road tolling or keeping you safe with our H.E.L.P. trucks, we are committed to delivering great benefits and services to customers.

The Tollway is a user-fee system – no state or federal tax dollars are used to support maintenance and operations. Operations are funded by toll and concession revenues.

Under the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Staff, the Tollway is committed to achieving the following goals: increase collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, promote the regional economy, maintain financial integrity, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability, maintain the safety and efficiency of the Tollway system, further transparency and accountability, enhance customer service, and maintain public trust.

In support of this vision, the Senior Contract Negotiator provides senior level support to the Purchasing Services Manager and/or the Procurement and Construction Services Manager. The Incumbent is responsible for strategic negotiations for all contracts and contract-related instruments and for handling complex construction and non-construction Invitations for Bids (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Professional Services Bulletins (PSB).  

The Senior Contract Negotiator, under the direction of the Purchasing Services Manager or the Procurement and Construction Services Manager, is responsible for negotiating contracts, renewals, amendments, change orders, supplements, terms and conditions, MOUs and other contract instruments. 

• Responsible for handling and sourcing complex procurements including goods and services, construction, engineering, architecture, land surveying and other professional services. 
• Provides training, support and technical assistance to the Senior Buyer, Contract Analyst, and other procurement staff. 
• Oversee and review the work of Senior Buyers, Contract Analysts, and Buyers for completeness and accuracy. 
• Assist management with department work activities, reporting, and special projects. Ensure that Tollway procurement policies and procedures are communicated and adhered to by staff and outside vendors. 
• Responsible for researching and developing complex construction and non- construction Invitations for Bids (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), Professional Services Bulletins (PSB).

• Facilitate strategic negotiations of contracts, renewals, amendments, change orders, supplements, terms and conditions, etc.
• Lead the evaluation process for high level Request for Proposals and Professional Services Bulletins.
• Oversee and assign work to Senior Buyers and Contract Analysts.
• Provide technical assistance and training on procurement processes, procedures and systems to staff, user departments, and vendors.
• Assign tasks and duties to Senior Buyers and Contract Analysts.
• Perform data analysis and prepare complex reports requested by management.
• Research best practices and provide recommendations on procurement strategies.
• Provide coaching and feedback to Senior Buyers and Contract Analysts on work related matters.
• Assists with resolving issues with Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest forms from vendors.
• Develop training manuals and informational tools to assist staff and vendors with navigating procurement processes.
• Analyze industry trends and perform market research to stay abreast of emerging procurement technologies to drive greater efficiencies.
• Lead vendor negotiation meetings, user department liaison meetings, bid openings, pre- bids, pre-proposal meetings, vendor debriefings and other meetings as required.
• Provide guidance on the resolution of outstanding protests, vendor disputes and various unresolved contractual issues.
• Assist user departments in developing scopes of work, specifications, and determining the appropriate sourcing method for all solicitation requests.
• Oversee and assist in responding to potential audits.
• Assist in reviewing contract and solicitation templates, vendor letters, and state required forms.
• Issue complex construction and non-construction Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals and Professional Services Bulletins in accordance with Tollway's policy and procedures.

• Some college level coursework or equivalent work experience.

• Minimum of three (3) years of purchasing experience including contract development and contract negotiations. 

The Illinois Tollway is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, unfavorable discharge from military services, age, order of protection status, military status, sex or sexual orientation. 

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000