Contracts & Claims Manager

Job Description

Contracts & Claims ManagerContracts & Claims Manager – Capital Projects

Location: Bend, OR

Client: Lonza

Department: Global Capital Sourcing

Employment Type: Contract

Experience: 10+ years

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Contracts & Claims Manager to provide commercial and contractual leadership for major greenfield and brownfield capital projects valued at $5 million or more.

This role manages contracts throughout procurement, execution, commissioning, and closeout. The manager protects contractual rights, reduces commercial risk, manages claims and disputes, and supports on-time, on-budget project delivery. The position works closely with Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, Project Controls, Legal, Finance, and external contractors.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management

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• Develop contracting strategies and support project risk mitigation plans.
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• Review tender documents, contract terms, and commercial risks.
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• Support negotiations of major contracts and subcontracts, including final review and document preparation.
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• Manage contract execution, obligations, notices, changes, extensions, and closeout.
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• Partner with Project Controls to monitor contractor costs, progress payments, cash flow, guarantees, and back-charges.
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• Identify contractual deviations, schedule impacts, and potential cost exposure.
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• Manage warranties and performance guarantees.
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• Maintain accurate contract records and report status, risks, and variations to project and procurement leadership.
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Claims & Dispute Management

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• Identify potential outgoing claims and develop supporting strategies, notices, and documentation.
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• Evaluate contractor claims and prepare defense strategies and responses.
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• Negotiate claims, variations, and dispute settlements.
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• Coordinate with Legal on potential litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution.
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• Maintain complete and organized claim documentation in the company repository.
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Supplier & Stakeholder Management

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• Manage escalated commercial issues with contractors and suppliers.
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• Monitor supplier performance, contractual compliance, and accountability.
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• Support supplier scorecards, performance reviews, and commercial audits.
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• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and align commercial decisions with project objectives.
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• Follow applicable procurement standards, site safety procedures, and quality requirements.
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Required Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Purchasing, Engineering, Law, Quantity Surveying, Cost Consulting, or a related discipline.
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• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in construction contracts, commercial management, project cost management, claims, variations, and dispute negotiation.
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• Experience working with major contractors or consultants on large capital projects.
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• Senior-level experience on a major project or in a Commercial Manager or Claims Manager role.
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• Demonstrated success developing and implementing contracting or sourcing strategies with measurable business results.
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• Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and project execution.
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• Excellent negotiation, analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
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• Ability to manage complex commercial issues and work effectively across multiple functions.
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• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Master’s degree, such as an MSc or MBA.
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• Experience working with EPC, EPCM, or EPCMV contractors.
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• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, or another regulated industry.
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• Experience with international commercial contracts and global supplier relationships.
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• Professional qualifications such as AACE, ACOSTE, MRICS, MCIOB, or MCIArb.
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• Familiarity with e-procurement systems and supplier performance tools.
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