Contracts Negotiator

Contracts Negotiator

Salary

See Position Description

Location

390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00307

Division

Regional Administration

Department

Procurement

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

9/17/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

WHO WE ARE

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 and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

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

The Procurement Department assists internal Council units to purchase goods and services needed to conduct Council business. In carrying out this purpose, the department complies with Council policies, procedures, laws of federal, state, and local governments, and requirements of grants the Council receives.

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

The Contracts Negotiator drafts, reviews and negotiates non-standard agreements on behalf of the Metropolitan Council. This position approves negotiated changes to the Councils standard language contract or PO terms and conditions and develops standard template agreements, terms and conditions to use in Council-wide procurements. This position is responsible for coordinating contract review processes across departments and external to the Council, and works closely with Risk Management (Risk), the Office of General Counsel (OGC), and others to ensure that the Councils contractual obligations successfully limit the Councils risk, protect the Councils interests and comply with applicable laws and Council policies and procedures.

Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $111,779 - $128,500

Full Salary Range: $101,005 - $163,842

• The starting salary will depend on the selected candidates experience, skills, education, and internal salary equity.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

• Independently review nonstandard contracts and proposed edits to standard contract terms for compliance with Council policies and procedures and applicable law as well as to minimize risk.
• Draft nonstandard contracts for special projects in circumstances when the Councils template agreements do not adequately meet the needs of the project.
• Facilitate review and approval by internal and external parties, including Risk, OGC, other government entities or private parties as applicable.
• Provide guidance and advice on procurement policies, procedures, and rules as well as briefing OGC on critical path items.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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

Juris Doctorate degree and four years of experience in reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts, and evaluating language for conformance with law.

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

• Experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment.
• Contract development project management or procurement experience with a government entity or in a large complex private company where regulations were applicable.
• Experience working with federal or state regulations.

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

• Knowledge of contracts and procurement services, which includes purchasing goods and services according to procurement procedures and contract specifications.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft 365.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from diverse groups of customers or clients.
• Ability to calculate figures in amounts such as discounts, interest, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of introductory algebra and geometry.
• Ability to work under high-pressure situations with all levels of the organization while adhering to procurement policies and procedures.
• Skilled in project management and the ability to lead teams and communicate effectively both written and orally.
• Organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Skilled in dealing with others, both inside and outside of the department. Interactions with others generally require influencing, instructing, and negotiating with individuals to gain their understanding, cooperation, and action.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade J

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $111,779 - $128,500

Full Salary Range: $101,005 - $163,842

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:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

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 related to the job 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 youre 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 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 agencys 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:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• 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:

• Well@Work clinic
• 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

01

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.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• Twitter
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

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

04

Do you have a Juris Doctorate degree?

• Yes
• No

05

How many years of experience do you have in reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts, and evaluating language for conformance with law?

• No experience
• Some experience, but less than one year
• At least one year, but less than three years
• At least three years, but less than four years
• Four or more years

06

Describe your experience with reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts. In your response, include the type of agreements you have handled most frequently. If you do not have this experience, indicate N/A.

07

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

• Contract development project management or procurement experience with a government entity or in a large complex private company where regulations were applicable
• Experience working with federal or state regulations

08

Please describe your contract development project management or procurement experience. In your response, include your employer at the time, job title(s), and the tasks performed. If you do not have this experience, indicate N/A.

09

Please describe your experience working with federal, state, or local government contracting regulations. In your response, include your employer at the time, job title(s), and the tasks performed. If you do not have this experience, indicate N/A.

10

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.

11

The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:

• I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org