CAPEX Contracts & Claims Manager

Overview:

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to our clients worldwide. Our client is a leading biotechnology company that combines technological insight with world-class manufacturing, scientific expertise, and process excellence and helps its customers deliver new and innovative medicines that help treat a wide range of diseases. Our client specializes in pharmaceutical ingredients, bioscience, biopharmaceuticals, custom manufacturing, biotechnology, life science ingredients, nutrition, microbial control, agriculture, materials science, personal care, and cell and gene therapy.

Job Title: CAPEX Contracts & Claims Manager



Location: Bend, OR - 97703



Duration: 6 Months



Job Type: Temporary Assignment



Work Type: Onsite

Summary

We are seeking an experienced Contracts & Claims Manager to oversee the commercial and contractual management of large and medium-sized capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects valued at $5 million or more. This role focuses on protecting contractual rights, mitigating commercial risks, managing contractor obligations, optimizing total cost of ownership, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The successful candidate will lead complex contract negotiations, manage claims and variations, and collaborate with engineering, procurement, project management, legal, finance, and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement contracting strategies, procurement execution plans, and contract risk mitigation plans for major CAPEX projects.
• Review contract terms, tender documents, and subcontract agreements to identify commercial risks, contractual deviations, and opportunities for cost optimization.
• Lead and support negotiations for major contracts, subcontracts, contract extensions, change requests, and variations.
• Manage contracts throughout project execution, commissioning, evaluation, and closeout to protect contractual rights and ensure compliance with obligations.
• Coordinate with project management and cost control teams to monitor budgets, contractor costs, project progress, cash flow, claims, back-charges, and performance guarantees.
• Manage contract changes, delays, disputes, warranties, and performance-related issues.
• Identify potential claims, develop claim strategies, prepare notifications and supporting documentation, and negotiate settlements.
• Analyze incoming contractor claims, develop defense strategies, and coordinate responses and dispute resolution activities, including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
• Maintain accurate contractual and claims documentation and coordinate with legal counsel when required.
• Manage supplier escalations and support supplier performance, compliance, accountability, and quality through performance metrics and commercial audits.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, project controls, legal, finance, and other internal and external stakeholders to align commercial strategies and project requirements.
• Monitor compliance with procurement procedures, contracting standards, company policies, and applicable safety and quality requirements.
• Provide commercial guidance and support to project teams to optimize project performance, minimize risks, and improve financial outcomes.
• Must adhere to applicable safety procedures, quality standards, and company policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent higher commercial qualification in Purchasing, Engineering, Legal Studies, Quantity Surveying, Cost Consulting, or a related field. A master's degree (MSc/MBA) is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in contract management, commercial management, claims management, or major construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing project changes, cost control, claims, variations, negotiations, and dispute settlements involving owners, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Proven ability to develop and implement contracting and sourcing strategies that deliver measurable business results.
• Experience working with or managing EPC/EPCMV contractors and major capital projects.
• Experience in a senior commercial or claims management role within a large construction or engineering organization.
• Strong understanding of construction technology, sequencing, project execution, and commercial contract administration.
• Expertise in international commercial contracts, contract negotiations, claims management, change orders, delay management, and dispute resolution.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing, procurement processes, supplier management, cost management, and e-procurement systems.
• Strong financial and business acumen, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple functions.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage global internal and external relationships and work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Business-fluent English communication skills.
• Professional qualifications such as AACE, ACOSTE, MRICS, MCIOB, or MCIArb are desirable.
• Experience in regulated industries, such as pharmaceutical or food manufacturing, is an advantage.