Contract Manager

Description General Summary The Contract Manager is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of contracts supporting infrastructure, aviation, transportation, facilities, and capital improvement projects. This role provides leadership in contract strategy, procurement support, contract administration, commercial risk management, compliance, negotiations, and dispute resolution to ensure successful project delivery and protection of organizational interests. The Contract Manager serves as the primary contractual advisor to project teams, clients, consultants, contractors, legal counsel, and executive leadership. The position requires a strong understanding of public and private contracting principles, project delivery methods, construction contracting, procurement processes, and commercial risk management. The Contract Manager plays a critical role in ensuring contractual compliance, minimizing risk exposure, and supporting successful project outcomes throughout all phases of project development and execution. All duties shall be carried out in compliance with client policies and procedures, applicable regulations, and company standards. Key Responsibilities Contract Strategy & Planning Develop and implement contract management strategies that support project goals and organizational objectives. Advise project management teams on contractual requirements, obligations, rights, and risks. Participate in project planning and procurement activities to ensure contractual considerations are incorporated into project strategies. Support evaluation of project delivery methods, including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CMAR, and GC/CM. Develop contract administration procedures, governance processes, and compliance frameworks. Procurement & Solicitation Management Support development of procurement plans, solicitation packages, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and bidding documents. Coordinate contract solicitation activities and support evaluation of proposals from consultants, contractors, and vendors. Participate in contractor selection processes and procurement reviews. Develop and maintain contractual documentation to support competitive procurements. Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable regulations, policies, and contractual requirements. Contract Administration Manage contracts throughout their lifecycle from award through closeout. Interpret contract terms and conditions and provide guidance to project teams and stakeholders. Monitor contractor and consultant compliance with contractual obligations. Review and process amendments, modifications, task orders, work authorizations, and contract extensions. Maintain contract records, correspondence, and documentation. Ensure timely execution of contractual obligations and deliverables. Commercial Management Support cost management and commercial decision-making throughout project execution. Analyze contractual impacts associated with project changes, schedule delays, and scope modifications. Evaluate pricing proposals, fee requests, and contractor cost submissions. Review payment applications, invoices, and contract compensation mechanisms. Advise project leadership on commercial opportunities and contractual risk exposure. Change Management Manage contract change processes and associated documentation. Review and evaluate change orders, modifications, and proposed contract revisions. Assess entitlement, schedule impacts, and cost implications of contract changes. Facilitate negotiations related to scope adjustments and contract modifications. Ensure changes are documented, approved, and administered in accordance with contractual requirements. Claims & Dispute Resolution Identify potential claims, disputes, and contractual issues before they escape. Support investigation, analysis, and resolution of construction and professional services claims. Evaluate Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), delay claims, and impact claims. Coordinate with project teams, legal counsel, contractors, and clients regarding dispute resolution activities. Prepare contract analyses and supporting documentation for negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or litigation support when required. Risk Management & Compliance Identify, evaluate, and manage contractual risks throughout the project lifecycle. Develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize legal, financial, and operational exposure. Monitor compliance with contract requirements, regulations, funding requirements, and organizational policies. Conduct contract risk assessments and compliance reviews. Support audits, reviews, and regulatory inquiries related to contractual matters. Stakeholder Coordination Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters. Collaborate with project managers, construction managers, procurement teams, legal counsel, finance teams, and executive leadership. Facilitate contract review meetings and commercial discussions. Maintain effective communication between internal and external project stakeholders. Support executive reporting on contract performance, risk exposure, and key commercial issues. Project Controls Integration Coordinate contractual activities with project budgets, schedules, forecasts, and project controls processes. Assess contractual implications of schedule delays, acceleration efforts, and project disruptions. Support project teams in documenting impacts affecting cost and schedule performance. Contribute to project reporting and performance monitoring initiatives. Leadership & Continuous Improvement Lead contract management activities across assigned projects and programs. Mentor project teams on contractual processes, procedures, and best practices. Support development of contract management policies, standards, templates, and tools. Promote consistency, accountability, and excellence in contract administration practices. Foster collaboration between project delivery, procurement, finance, and legal functions. Requirements Qualifications Strong knowledge of contract management principles, procurement practices, and commercial management methodologies. Comprehensive understanding of construction contracts, professional services agreements, and project delivery methods, including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CMAR, and GC/CM. Experience with contract negotiations, contract administration, claims management, and dispute resolution. Knowledge of federal, state, local, and public-sector procurement regulations. Understanding of project controls, cost management, scheduling, risk management, and project delivery practices. Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to evaluate complex contractual issues and provide practical business-focused solutions. Proficiency with contract management systems, procurement platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite. Experience Requirements Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in contract management, procurement, construction administration, commercial management, project management, or related fields. Demonstrated success managing contracts for major infrastructure, aviation, transportation, facilities, utilities, or public-sector programs. Experience supporting complex construction projects and professional services contracts. Experience negotiating contract terms, change orders, claims, and commercial settlements. Experience working with multidisciplinary project teams, contractors, consultants, legal counsel, and government agencies preferred. Education Requirements Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Construction Management, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field. Master's degree in a related discipline is preferred. Professional certifications such as CPCM (Certified Professional Contracts Manager), CCCM (Certified Commercial Contracts Manager), CCM, PMP, PE, JD, or equivalent are preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr