Contract Specialist II

Contract Specialist II

The Contract Specialist II is responsible for reviewing and administering commercial contracts while supporting accounts receivable and credit operations. This role evaluates contract terms, identifies financial and operational risk, coordinates revisions and approvals, and maintains accurate contract and credit records. The position handles complex matters with minimal supervision, partners with sales, operations, accounting, and legal counsel, and provides guidance and mentoring to members of the Accounts Receivable Team. This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility.

Founded in 1893, Rio Grande Co. has proudly served the Denver and Rocky Mountain region for more than 130 years. What began as a fuel and feed business has grown into a trusted distributor, fabricator, and building materials resource supporting construction projects across Colorado.

As a multi-generational, family-led company, members of the Peterson family - Erik, Elmer, Donald, and Bruce - have guided our growth and long-standing contribution to Colorado's construction industry.

At Rio Grande Co., we build more than structures - we build teams, careers, and futures. What sets us apart:

• A family-founded culture that prioritizes people and relationships
• A workplace grounded in safety, respect, and accountability
• Transparent leadership and clear expectations
• Investment in employee development and training
• A commitment to doing the right thing for our employees, customers, and communities

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Contract Review and Administration

• Review commercial contracts, purchase orders, subcontracts, credit agreements, master service agreements, change orders, and related documents for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with Rio Grande Co. requirements.
• Evaluate terms involving pricing and payment, billing requirements, retainage, insurance, indemnity, warranties, changes, delays, dispute resolution, default and termination, liens and waivers, and other provisions that may create financial or operational risk.
• Identify nonstandard or high-risk terms, summarize the business impact, recommend revisions within approved guidelines, and refer the most complex legal or business issues to the Credit Manager, executive leadership, or outside counsel.
• Prepare and coordinate contract redlines, clarifications, supporting documents, approvals, signatures, and final distribution.
• Maintain organized contract files, logs, version control, renewal dates, notice deadlines, and other contractual obligations.
• Track and obtain required documentation, which may include certificates of insurance, bonds, tax forms, credit documents, lien waivers, and other project or customer records.
• Communicate contract obligations and special requirements to sales, operations, accounting, project teams, and other affected departments.

Accounts Receivable and Credit Support

• Support the review and processing of customer account and credit applications, including reference checks, credit terms, credit limits, and account maintenance.
• Review aging reports and account activity; investigate slow payment, billing disputes, deductions, account changes, and other issues that may affect collection or credit risk.
• Research and reconcile invoices, payments, credits, deductions, and account balances in coordination with customers and internal teams.
• Support collection efforts and the preparation, processing, and tracking of preliminary notices, notices of intent, lien waivers, mechanic's lien documents, bond claims, and other collection or legal materials, as applicable and under company guidelines.
• Maintain complete documentation supporting credit, contract, collection, and account decisions.
• Apply basic accounting principles, fair credit practices, collection requirements, and Rio Grande Co. policies consistently.

Risk Management, Compliance, and Team Support

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to internal teams regarding contract terms, credit requirements, documentation, and related procedures.
• Coordinate with the Credit Manager, accounting, sales, operations, insurance representatives, and legal counsel to resolve complex contract, credit, and collection matters.
• Monitor open items, deadlines, and required follow-up to help ensure contract and credit obligations are completed on time.
• Protect confidential customer, employee, financial, and company information.
• Assist with standard forms, templates, procedures, reports, audits, and process improvements.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and mentoring to Accounts Receivable Team members while remaining an individual contributor without direct reports.
• Travel between Rio Grande Co. locations during the workday when business needs are required.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of experience in accounts receivable and/or credit processing.
• A minimum of five years of experience in commercial contract review.
• Comprehensive knowledge of contract administration, accounts receivable, credit, and collection processes.
• Solid understanding of basic accounting principles, fair credit practices, and collection requirements.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgment, work under minimal supervision, and refer only the most complex matters to higher-level staff.
• Proven ability to calculate, post, reconcile, and manage accounting figures and financial records accurately.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, client service, and internal and external customer relations skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously, remain organized, meet deadlines, and prioritize changing work demands.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and follow-through.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and the ability to drive a standard vehicle between company locations during scheduled work hours, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the construction or building materials industry.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

Work Location and Travel

This position is based in Denver, Colorado. Occasional local travel between Rio Grande Co. locations during the workday may be required. The employee must follow all company driving, safety, and vehicle-use policies while traveling on company business.

Benefits

Rio Grande Co. offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• 401(k) Plan
• Discretionary Employer Matching and Profit Sharing
• Paid Sick, Vacation, Jury Duty, and Bereavement
• Multiple medical plan options
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid and voluntary life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Accident and supplemental insurance
• Paid training and career development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Other value-added employee benefits

Additional compensation may include performance-based bonuses or incentives, depending on role-specific goals and company performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Rio Grande Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Application Information

This position will remain open until a sufficient pool of qualified applicants has been identified. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.