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 and under guidance of the Senior Contract Negotiator, the Contract Negotiator provides support to the Purchasing Services Manager and/or the Procurement and Construction Services Manager. The Incumbent is responsible for negotiations for all contracts and contract-related instruments and for handling construction and non-construction Invitations for Bids (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), Professional Services Bulletins (PSB) and Small Purchase Request for Quotes.  

The 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 procurements including goods and services, construction, engineering, architecture, land surveying and other professional services. Ensure that Tollway procurement policies and procedures are communicated and adhered to by staff and outside vendors. Responsible for researching and developing construction and non- construction Invitations for Bids (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP), Professional Services Bulletins (PSB) and Small Purchase Request for Quotes.  

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Facilitate negotiations of contracts, renewals, amendments, change orders, supplements, terms and conditions, etc.
• Perform data analysis and prepare reports requested by management.
• Research best practices and provide recommendations on procurement strategies.
• Assists with resolving issues with Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest forms from vendors.
• 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.
• Assist in responding to audits.
• Assist in reviewing contract and solicitation templates, vendor letters, and state required forms.
• Issue construction and non-construction Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, Professional Services Bulletins and Small Purchase Request for Quotes in accordance with Tollway's policy and procedures.
• Provide procurement and administrative support to the Senior Contract Negotiators.

• Must have a high school diploma, or GED equivalent.
• Some college level coursework or equivalent work experience is preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year 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.