Contract Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Working as part of the Project Controls Function, and through the Project Management Team (PMT), the Contract Manager takes a lead role in managing and influencing the commercial, contractual, and risk aspects of challenging EP, CM, C, or EPC projects with known clients in a known industry and moderately complex commercial models. The Contract Management team primarily focuses on managing commercial risk and protecting and optimizing project profitability. The position is a key member of the Project Leadership Team and, as part of the commercial team, acts as an advisor to the PMT regarding contractual, commercial, and risk issues and serves as the primary interface with the Owner for contract and commercial matters. This position requires limited but active supervision.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Understands and internalizes the project scope, agreed terms, contractual deliverables, and commercial model and the basis of the “as-sold” margin.
• Understands and internalizes the “as-sold” strategy to win and any risks accepted during the bid process.

• Actively participates in developing commercial execution plans and advocates for plan compliance to ensure implementation and appropriate deviation approvals.

• Collaborating with all support functions ensuring conformance with Zachry’s Deal Architecture.
• Understand Key Performance Incentives, Limitations of Liability, Liquidated Damages, Bonus Opportunities, Rate Escalations, etc....and develop and implement risk mitigation or opportunity capture strategies.
• Develop and implement commercial execution processes such as management of escalated change matters, third-party flow down of risk terms, risk mitigation strategies, and dispute management protocols. 
• Responsible for formal contractual notices and follow-up.
• Manage claims and disputes between Zachry, Owners, and Sub-tier contractors. Negotiate and implement solutions that resolve matters expeditiously and fairly while protecting Zachry's interests.
• Support/Negotiate settlement agreements, document the proceedings and implement the results.
• Coordinate all escalated Change Order activities with the client, including correspondence, identification, and narratives. Work directly with the Change Management team for support.
• Interface, as part of the PMT, with joint venture partners and client counterparts in administration of the JV agreement and EPC Contract, respectively.
• Responsible for client and JV interaction/communication for all commercial matters in concert with project management.
• Participate in Owner and Project Management Team progress meetings.
• Work collaboratively with other Zachry managers and functional support (Legal/Risk, Accounting, JV Administration, Estimating, Change Management, etc.).
• Support procurement and subcontracts managers to help with: 
  • Recovery of vendor back charges through claims and revenue recovery, 
  • Proactively managing commercial content and any subsequent change orders associated with major vendors and subcontractors, including claim/risk mitigation.
  • Administration of contractual flow downs, through negotiation assistance, deviation approvals, and risk identification.
• Work closely with home office to assist in administering commercial requirements of insurance program, bank guarantees, and other commercial project content.
• Provide regular updates to Project Manager, Steering and Sponsor Committees, and Home Office Executive Management.
• Reports functionally to Corporate Senior Director and day to day to Zachry assigned Project Manager.
• Contract Manager is the project contract advisor, and first line should there be any questions with the terms, conditions, or commercial mechanisms of a contract. 

• Leads dispute activities in concert with the Legal Team, Project Manager, and Executive Leadership.  

• Serve as the Contract Executive for assigned projects and act as the first point of escalation regarding significant changes, claims, litigation, or disputes. 

• Serve as the primary liaison between the project and Zachry Legal regarding contractual and dispute matters. 

• Use contract provisions and business circumstances to improve project execution, support margin enhancement opportunities, and streamline contract administration processes. 

• Serve as the Contract and Commercial Custodian for assigned projects and act as the subject matter expert regarding contract terms, conditions, intent, and associated risks. 

• Support project risk management efforts through contractual analysis and commercial governance processes. 

• Provide contract awareness and training to project personnel regarding agreed terms, initial risks, scope obligations, and commercial processes. 

• Support procurement and subcontract teams with flow-down requirements, disputed terms, negotiations, and contractual approvals. 

• Provide regular written commercial insights regarding project performance, margin opportunities, contractual risks, and recommended corrective actions. 

• Provide contractual interpretation and commercial analysis relating to project performance, compliance matters, opportunities, and margin impacts. 

• Capture and communicate lessons learned from project commercial and contractual experiences

REQUIREMENTS 

• 4+ years of relevant commercial/contract/project management experience preferred.
• Minimum of Bachelor of engineering, construction management, business, or other relevant degree required, advanced management or law degree preferred, but optional.
• Proven effective written and verbal communication skills while working in an international, multi-cultural team environment.
• Knowledge of document management, scheduling, and cost management techniques for major projects required
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, SharePoint, Teams, Power BI, Riskonnect, and other commercial management, collaboration, and reporting platforms.
• Contract management, change management, and administration experience required.
• Proven negotiation skills a must.
• Proven experience with impact identification and calculation techniques for major EPC projects required.
• Forward-looking, proactive, self-motivated approach to work.
• International and domestic travel required.
• Willingness and acceptance of extended assignment to project site as part of the PMT a must.
• Citizenship that allows for unencumbered entry in and out of countries where partners, suppliers or customers may be domiciled.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Construction Management, or other relevant discipline required. Advanced business, management, or law degree preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Employee will work in multiple environments including an office, trailer, or building on or off site.  On work sites noise levels will be moderate to high.  Job site will contain: light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools, people standing, walking, sitting, signaling and talking, bells whistles and alarms. 

The above description covers the fundamental responsibilities of the Contract Manager position. It shall not be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day. 

Zachry is dedicated in providing a Safe and Drug Free work environment; and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

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