Senior Contract Manager

Senior Contracts Manager

Are you a seasoned commercial leader with deep CAPEX project expertise ready to safeguard multi-million-dollar growth investments in the life sciences sector? Based on-site in Bend, OR, you will lead high-impact contract execution, claims strategies, and supplier negotiations for major capital expansion schemes.

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.

• An inclusive and ethical workplace.

• Competitive hourly rate.

The hourly rate for this position is expected to range between $70 - $75.

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do:

• Drive commercial protection for Lonza on major CAPEX projects ($5M+ USD spend), optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and mitigating financial, legal, and operational risks.

• Lead end-to-end post-award contract management, overseeing variations, change orders, extension requests, warranty/performance guarantees, and commercial close-outs.

• Formulate and execute strategic defense and assertion plans for incoming and outgoing claims, dispute resolutions, and potential ADR/arbitration proceedings.

• Partner closely with Global Engineering (SGIE), Project Management, Legal, Finance, and external EPCM/EPCMV contractors to enforce consistent commercial standards.

• Conduct contract reviews, tender evaluations, and negotiations with strategic suppliers to secure favorable terms, quality, and project timelines.

• Manage supplier relationships and performance scorecards, resolving complex commercial escalations and conducting periodic audits of main contractors.

• Champion cross-functional alignment and stakeholder communication across regional and global capital sourcing groups.

What we are looking for:

• Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience with major contractors, consultants, or complex industrial/pharma capital projects.

• Proven track record in project change procedures, cost management, claims, variations, and commercial dispute settlements.

• Strong background in developing contracting and sourcing strategies yields measurable cost and delivery results.

• Direct experience overseeing, sourcing from, or working with EPCMV/EPC contractors on large-scale construction or engineering schemes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Engineering, Legal, Quantity Surveying, or Cost Consulting (Master’s/MBA preferred).

• Professional qualifications such as MRICS, MCIOB, MCIArb, AACE, or ACOSTE are highly desirable.

• Demonstrated knowledge of construction technology, project sequencing, regulated industries (Pharmaceutical/GMP), and international commercial contracts.

About Lonza

At Lonza, their people are their greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, their globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Their core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who they are and how they work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work they want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, they value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

As Lonza’s talent acquisition partner, please note, Randstad is responsible for the engagement and contracting of this contingent role.

Ready to play your part in shaping the future of life sciences? Apply now.