Director of Professional Services Contracts

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Director of Professional Services Contracts is responsible for hiring, managing and leading a team of procurement and contract administration professionals, auditors and other staff to provide comprehensive support to project managers across the Authority’s twenty plus departments and Capital Programs, including but not limited to, Green Line Transformation, Red Line/Orange Line Transformation, Green Line Extension, South Coast Rail, in the areas of procurement and contract management The Director of Professional Services Procurement and Contract Administration will report to the Deputy Chief for Contract Services.

The Director of Professional Services Contracts will also conduct public meetings; perform staff reviews, supervise management personnel, and ensure procurement and contract administration best practices conform to Federal and State Laws while serving the best interest of the Authority. Coordinate and deliver the procurement roadmap Coordinate and deliver the procurement roadmap The Director will also assist senior leadership with all internal and external audits of professional services contracting processes and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct the procurement and administration of professional services contracted services, including development of Contract Administration policies and procedures.
• Work closely with program and project managers to deliver the Authority's CIP through proactive administration of capital program professional services contract actions.
• Manage professional services contract actions through all phases of contract administration to assist in the on time and within budget completion of projects. Professional services contract phases include: Request for Qualifications; Request for Proposals; conflict of interest review and determination; shortlist; selection; negotiation; pre-audit; award; contract execution; amendments; task orders; interim and post-audits; invoicing and payment; consultant performance evaluations; and contract close-out.
• Analyze all contract proposals and provide recommendations for senior management approval.
• Ensure all contract actions are accurately reflected in all MBTA systems.
• Align contract activities with other departments including, Legal, Procurement and Logistics, Finance and Risk Management Departments, and others as required.
• Ensure that MBTA contracts reflect accurate costs and comply with documentation requirements of external funding sources.
• Assist in updating Authority protocols and procedures, including the MBTA Project Manager's Manual; Quality Assurance Manual; Contract Administration Policies and Procedures; and MBTA Directives, as required.
• Collaborate with American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts; Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) community and other MBTA business partners.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential issues.
• Organize and prioritize workload, be pro-active in identifying contract administration needs/ requirements.
• Prepare contract administration related correspondence, reports, charts and presentations utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Database and PowerPoint.
• Work independently within broadly defined objectives in addressing complex tasks in a time- sensitive environment.
• Follow up on actions required while seeking guidance as necessary.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co-worker in a timely, courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's Customer Service quality standard.
• Supervise and manage a team of individual employees who are members of a collective bargaining unit(s).
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with staff and other colleagues.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites
• Other duties as may be assigned.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Seven (7) years' experience in professional services procurement/ management for major projects of programs, contract management or contract administration.
• Five (5) supervisory, manager/leader experience.
• Experience in a design & engineering procurement environment and demonstrated management of contract administration staff.
• Working Knowledge of Federal & State Procurement Legislation
• Working Knowledge of Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Practices
• Working Knowledge of Disadvantage Business Enterprise Program
• Demonstrated success managing staff in the performance of consultant contract actions.
• Demonstrated success-developing subordinates through effective leadership and the setting of realistic but challenging goals.
• Strong data base management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication, organizational, analytical, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Database and PowerPoint applications. Proven record of accomplishment of collaboration, transparency, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively with customers, employees and vendors.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Must possess a valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy
• The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the Bachelor’s degree requirement
• An Associate’s degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the Bachelor’s degree requirement
• A Master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
  
  
  

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .