Contract administrator Jobs in Saint Paul, MN

Salary : $93,017.60 - $150,862.40 Annually

Location : 390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN

Job Type : Full-Time

Remote Employment : Flexible / Hybrid

Job Number : 2025-00229

Division : Regional Administration

Department : Procurement

Opening Date : 09 / 02 / 2025

Closing Date : 9 / 16 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central

WHO WE ARE

The Procurement Department in the Metropolitan Council's Regional Administration Division has up to one (1) vacancy for a Principal Contract Administrator .

This position is eligible for a hybrid, both remote (3 days) and onsite (2 days) per week telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area, providing regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. For more information about us, please visit our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Procurement Department supports internal Council units in purchasing the goods and services necessary to conduct Council business. In carrying out this purpose, the department complies with Council policies and procedures, as well as the laws of federal, state, and local governments, and the requirements of grants the Council receives.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region :

The Principal Contract Administrator provides oversight in the development of solicitations for Specifications for Invitation for Bid (IFB) and Request for Proposal (RFP) documents. They run solicitations publicly, formally, and informally, manage bid openings, and facilitate evaluation panels for RFPs. Additionally, they award and execute contracts, prepare and negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Types of contracts include architecture and engineering, major construction, small-scale construction, non-construction / general services, professional / technical services, and goods. This position is also responsible for administering Council contract procurement policies, procedures, and state and federal laws for all contracts.

This position does not manage contracts once executed and is not responsible for construction site management.

This position requires the ability and willingness to travel to multiple locations in the seven (7) county metropolitan area, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation.

What you would do in this job

• Administer contract procurement procedures for service contracts in the areas of construction, goods, architectural / engineering, and professional / technical contracts.
• Work with project managers to understand project needs and provide information on procurement procedures required to comply with Council policy, procedures, and laws.
• Coordinate the review of contracts and proposed changes with the Contract Negotiators, Office of the General Counsel, Information Services, Risk Management, and Office of Equal Opportunity.
• Facilitate contract negotiations, including interviews, requests for classifications, demonstrations, best and final offers, and modifications to standard contract language.
• Create and document proposal evaluation criteria, including multi-phase evaluations.
• Organize and facilitate pre-proposal and bid meetings, as well as proposal evaluation meetings, where evaluation committee members may include community representatives.
• Create contract procurement process documents such as Statement of Qualification (SOQ) for pre-qualification of contractors, Scope of Work (SOW) for Request for Proposal (RFP), Specifications for Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Quotes (RFQ), Request for Information (RFI), proposal evaluation forms, bid documentation, and draft contracts.
• Manage bid openings and bid tabulations, and prepare correspondence documenting contract awards.
• Facilitate evaluation panel trainings and consensus meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in business, finance, public administration, or a closely related field) and experience (in contract administration) :

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications) :

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job :

What you can expect from us :

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union / Grade : AFSCME / Grade I

FLSA Status : Exempt

Safety Sensitive : No

What your work environment would be : You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves :

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then :

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a background check, which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are job-related and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files / databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT : If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages individuals from underrepresented groups, including persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans, to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below :

Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan

Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%

Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free :

bus / rail pass valued at over $1200 per year

parking at many job locations

fitness centers at many job locations

Employee Assistance Program

extensive health and wellness programs and resources

Applicant Instructions : It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume" otherwise your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and / or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

How did you first hear about this job opening?

If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title.Type N / A if not applicable.

Please select the option that best indicates your education and experience level.

Please describe your experience in contract administration, including duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N / A.'

Please select the areas below with which you have work experience and / or certifications (select all that apply).

If you indicated in question #6 that you have contract development project management or procurement experience with a government entity or in a large complex private company where regulations were applicable, please describe your experience. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N / A.'

If you indicated in question #6 that you have experience working with federal or state regulations, please describe your experience. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N / A.'

If you indicated in question #6 that you have experience in the development of procurement and contracting solicitation documents, please describe your experience. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N / A.'

If you indicated in question #6 that you have experience procuring technology, Software as a Service (SaaS) projects, please describe your experience. Include duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If this does not apply, indicate 'N / A.'

If you indicated in question #6 that you have a certification, please list your certification(s). If this does not apply, indicate 'N / A.'

The Metropolitan Council values a workplace that is as diverse as the people we serve. Please describe your experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment. If this does not apply, indicate 'N / A.'

Required Question