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Under general direction from the Chief Procurement and Contract Administration Officer, the Principal Contract Officer (PCO) performs a wide range of highly complex technology, construction, rolling stock, professional architectural, and/or engineering procurements. The PCO administers all phases of the procurement process for goods and services, including planning and procurement. S/he ensures that all activities are conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and/or local regulations and District policy.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This position is characterized by its advanced level of knowledge and ability to handle numerous difficult and complex procurement and contracting assignments with minimal supervisory oversight. This individual must have, or be able to quickly obtain, proficiency relative to knowledge of District, local, federal, state, construction, and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) laws, ordinances, policies, guidelines, procedures, and materials management practices. This position is designated as at-will in accordance with the NCTD Employee Handbook.

Supervision Received and Exercised
This position reports to the Chief Procurement & Contract Administration Officer. The PCO does not exercise supervisory authority but may provide guidance and oversight to less senior division positions and/or District staff. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions
Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Work outside of standard office hours may frequently be required to meet deadlines (this includes before/after regular hours, and weekends and holidays). Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultant’s facilities, and other locations as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Essential Functions
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Ensures all procurement processes and contracts protect the agency’s interests and fully conform with all applicable regulation, policies, and procedures.

• Develops an understanding of internal customers’ funding source restrictions and applies appropriate procurement procedures; provides procurement strategies for all major projects.

• Assists project managers with development of scopes of work; develops and prepares solicitation materials for highly complex procurements; determines appropriate procurement methods.

• Evaluates bids, proposals, and quotations; conducts cost and price analysis; chairs and/or presents as subject matter expert at evaluation committee meetings, as well as vendor interviews with contracts with high visibility and/or value; determining contractor selection recommendations and acting as advisor to procurement team members regarding selection recommendations.

• Leads negotiations; creates, prepares, and issues contracts and purchase orders for highly complex procurements.

• Confers with and advises project managers to ensure contract compliance and conformance to applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Assists in the review of invoices for projects that are highly complex, are highly visible, and or have a high value, when required.

• Participates in and/or oversees procurement division team members in the review, documentation, and approval of claims submitted under contracts.

• Prepares complex contract amendments, revisions, terminations, and closeouts. Negotiates settlement of significant contract disputes in concurrence with the Chief Procurement Officer and General Counsel.

• Presents awards, amendments, and other contract changes to the executive management team, Board of Directors, and Board Committees upon request.

• Develops and presents training programs for District personnel concerning procurement planning and contract administration.

• Provides responsive, high quality service to District employees, representatives of outside agencies, and members of the public by providing accurate, complete, and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient, and timely manner.

• Acts as mentor and/or expert to procurement team members, as well as internal and external customers, in interpreting and applying contracting principles, applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Prepares and/or directs the preparation of various periodic and special reports.

• Makes recommendations for improving procurement policies and procedures.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field required.

• Minimum seven (7) to ten (10) years prior similar experience in procurement and contracting.

• Experience in a public and/or transit agency strongly desired.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Certificate related to acquisitions such as a Certified Associate Contracts Manager, Certified Federal Contracts Manager, Certified Professional Contracts Manager, Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Public Purchasing Officer from a nationally recognized organization such as the National Contract Management Association or Universal Purchasing Certification Council strongly desired.

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years.

• Maintain compliance with the District’s policies regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

General Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of contracting law, Uniform Commercial Code, and other laws and regulations pertaining to the solicitation of bids/proposals, evaluation of offers, negotiations and awarding of contracts.

• Advanced knowledge of professional procurement with particular emphasis on systems contracting, service-type contracts, construction contracting, and contract financing.

• Advanced knowledge of vendor practices regarding pricing, material management, shipping, warranties, and invoicing.

• Strong knowledge of elements of cost accounting principles and practices, cost and price analysis principles and techniques, and contract negotiation methods and techniques.

• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze and present data to appropriate sources; ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal rules and regulations accurately and effectively.

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents and reports.

• Expertise in multiple areas and demonstrated use of high-level discretion and judgment in execution of duties is required.

• Ability to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities, and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated above-average proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite, and an Enterprise Resource System such as JDEdwards.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a daily basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.

• Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.

Application Information:
All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Salary based upon experience, not to exceed midpoint of stated range. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.