Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the contract administration function for major capital projects while maintaining direct responsibility for the management and administration of complex contract packages.

As a working leader, this position combines hands-on contract management with leadership and oversight of Home Office and Site Contract Administrators. The role is accountable for contract strategy, commercial risk management, change management, claims administration, contract execution, and closeout across a portfolio of engineering, procurement, construction, and professional services agreements.

Working closely with project management, engineering, construction, supply chain, legal, regulatory, and client teams, the Contracts Manager provides commercial leadership, governance, mentorship, and contractual guidance while ensuring successful project outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.

The role supports projects executed under both EPCM and EPC direct-hire delivery models, including administration of prime contracts, major construction contracts, and professional services agreements. Experience supporting carbon capture, industrial facilities, infrastructure, and energy projects is considered an asset.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Home Office and Site Contract Administrators.
• Provide functional direction and oversight for contract administration activities across assigned projects.
• Establish and maintain contract administration standards, procedures, tools, and commercial governance frameworks.
• Support onboarding, performance management, and professional development of contract administration personnel.
• Foster collaboration and consistency across project, office, and site-based commercial teams.

Contract Package Management

• Independently manage and administer construction and services contracts from award through commercial close-out.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant contract administration in accordance with contractual terms, company policies, project governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain complete, auditable contract records, including correspondence, progress meeting minutes, change documentation, and performance tracking.

Proposal & Contract Review

• Review Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations to Tender (ITTs), and contract documents to identify commercial risk, non-standard terms, and deviations from company policy or regulatory obligations.
• Support development and execution of contract strategies and contracting plans for scopes, including spreads, construction packages, and specialty services.
• Provide commercial and contractual input during tendering, evaluation, and execution phases.

Negotiation & Commercial Execution

• Lead or support negotiations related to assigned contracts, including clarifications, amendments, variations, claims, and disputes within delegated authority.
• Prepare commercial evaluations, bid analyses, contract award recommendations, and approval documentation.
• Participate in contractor interviews, negotiations, and award recommendations for assigned packages.

Contractor & Performance Management

• Administer contracts during execution, including correspondence, progress meetings, change management, and performance measurement.
• Monitor contractor compliance with commercial terms related to scope, pricing, schedule, productivity, and risk allocation.
• Review and approve contractor progress claims and invoices in accordance with contract provisions and project controls requirements.

Change, Claims & Close-Out

• Manage contract changes, variations, and amendments, ensuring proper documentation, approvals, and traceability.
• Support claims preparation, evaluation, negotiation, and settlement activities.
• Participate in contract termination activities if required and complete commercial close-out, including final accounts and back-charges.

Client & Stakeholder Coordination

• Interface directly with clients to obtain commercial approvals and address contractual matters in line with established governance and delegation of authority.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, project controls, and regulatory teams to ensure contractual alignment with scope changes, field conditions, and regulatory requirements.

Technical & Professional Competencies
• Proven ability to lead contract administration teams while maintaining direct responsibility for key commercial matters and strategic contract execution.
• Strong understanding of commercial risk management, contract formation, change management, claims, disputes, and contract closeout processes.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and enhancing contract management systems, reporting tools, commercial controls, and governance processes.
• Strong knowledge of EPCM and EPC contracting strategies, commercial frameworks, and project execution models.
• Advanced understanding of prime contract obligations, flow-down requirements, and commercial risk allocation.
• Ability to provide strategic commercial advice and influence project stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Engineering, Construction Management, Law, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in contract administration and contract management on major capital projects.
• Demonstrated experience supporting projects within energy, carbon capture, industrial facilities, infrastructure, or related sectors.
• Significant experience within both EPCM and EPC direct-hire execution environments.
• Extensive experience administering prime contracts, construction contracts, professional services agreements, and other complex commercial arrangements.
• Experience supporting multidisciplinary execution teams including:
  • General Civil
  • Mechanical
  • Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I)
  • Structural