What are the responsibilities and job description for the Procurement Legal Liaison position at Illinois Tollway?
Position Overview
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 mission, the Procurement Legal Liaison plays a crucial role in ensuring that procurement activities comply with applicable regulatory requirements. The liaison bridges communication and operations between the procurement and legal teams. The Procurement Liaison ensures that procurement processes, contracts, and vendor agreements follow Tollway policies. This role involves collaboration with legal counsel to review contracts, mitigate risks, and streamline communication between the procurement and legal departments. The liaison facilitates the process of requesting legal review of contractual matters related to procurement and ensures that any issues the Legal department raises are addressed proactively or expeditiously.
Essential Job Functions
The Procurement Legal Liaison position requires cooperation, flexibility, and the ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with personnel of all levels, as well as contacts outside the Tollway. The Procurement Legal Liaison will perform the representative responsibilities shown below, and ensure these responsibilities are executed according to the correct process and follow the procurement policy. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on changes to policies, processes, and State laws, rules, and regulations.
Coordination Between Departments (25%):
- Act as the point of contact between procurement and legal teams.
- Facilitate clear communication and collaboration between both departments, ensuring Legal’s concerns are addressed in procurement planning.
- Ensure that legal input is incorporated into the procurement decision-making process.
- Coordinate with Procurement management to understand and communicate the priority of procurement matters that require legal review.
Initial Contract Review & Negotiation (50%):
- Perform initial review of all procurement processes, contracts, and vendor terms & conditions (T&C) requesting legal review.
- Assist procurement staff, as needed, in the facilitation of negotiations on contract terms & conditions between the Tollway Legal department and vendors.
- Assist in identification and mitigation of legal risks in procurement transactions.
Regulatory Compliance (10%):
- Stay updated on procurement-related laws.
- Coordinate with the Tollway’s Government & Legislative Affairs Manager to obtain and review legislation that may impact procurement processes.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with state regulations.
Training & Support (10%):
- Provide training and guidance to the procurement team on regulatory considerations related to vendor selection, contract negotiations, procurement policies and changes in state regulations.
- Assist in the development of procurement policies that align with regulatory requirements.
Other Duties (5%):
- Provide support, as requested, relative to the resolution of contractual disputes or claims with vendors and suppliers.
- Work with vendors to help ensure they understand and can fulfill applicable Tollway requirements.
- Support the resolution of legal issues with vendors, such as disputes over contract terms or performance.
Qualifications
Education (Required)
Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field
Education (Preferred)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies or related field; or currently attending an ABA-accredited law school pursing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- Certified Paralegal from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the American Bar Association.
Skills and Experience (Required)
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement, contract management, or a legal-related role.
- Strong understanding of procurement regulations.
- Knowledge of contract law.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Attention to detail and the ability to identify potential legal risks.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with procurement, legal and other internal stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Skilled and knowledgeable in the handling of confidential information with discretion.
- Able to manage priorities to meet critical deadlines.
- Must have experience in the general/basic use of office suite software; in particular: Outlook, Word and Excel or similar system.
Skills and Experience (Preferred)
- Prior experience working closely with a legal department is preferred.
- Proficiency in contract management software and procurement tools is a plus.
- Experience working with teams comprised of both internal staff and external vendors to resolve items as necessary to enter binding contracts.
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.
