Contract Manager

About the role

As a critical member of Toyota Automated Logistics Group (TALG), Vanderlande North America is experiencing rapid growth and extraordinary market demand. Vanderlande is a global market leader in material handling system manufacture, design, installation, and service, employing the latest in robotic, mechanical, and software technology. Vanderlande’s customers are household names in e-commerce, package delivery, and air transportation.

We are looking for a highly skilled and detail-oriented Contract Manager to join our Project Execution team. In this role, you will oversee risk management, claims resolution, and contract processes for customer agreements and construction subcontractors. The position reports to the VP of Operations, Airport and Parcel Solutions, North America.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust contract management processes and standards to ensure project teams effectively and efficiently comply with contract or subcontract requirements.
• Create contract management adherence tools, procedures, processes, and audit performance of project contract management.
• Support project subcontractor management with compliance oversight, contract adherence reviews, and standard tools for subcontractor management.
• Ensure project teams comply with customer contract requirements and deliverables.
• Develop claim strategies for customer and subcontract claims or claim defenses.
• Optimize and drive the change order process to ensure optimal revenue within contractual limitations.
• Manage project contract configuration and contract document/file management.
• Identify risks and project issues related to contract requirement or contract procedure non-compliance.
• Monitor contractual performance and address any non-compliance or issues that arise throughout the lifecycle of the contract.
• Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and auditing of contracts and their amendments.
• Review and develop mitigation plans for contract-related risks.
• Provide training to the project execution team on contract-related topics and contract adherence best practices.
• Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders related to contract management matters, including legal, procurement, operations, and finance teams.
• Maintain strong relationships with airport clients, ensuring mutual understanding of expectations and obligations under the contracts.
• Act as an escalation point for disputes or issues related to contracts, striving for timely resolutions.
• Management of a team may be required as part of the responsibilities of this position.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in contract management, procurement, or related legal and business functions, with a focus on large-scale infrastructure projects in the airport or aviation industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Engineering, or a related field.
• In-depth understanding of contract law, construction law, and international regulations impacting airport infrastructure projects.
• Expert knowledge of relevant and applicable rules of construction and related regulatory requirements (OSHA, FAR, construction permitting regulations, etc.).
• Familiarity with construction management and contract management software packages (Procore, BIM modeling, Primavera, Excel).
• Experienced in conflict and crisis management.
• Excellent time and project management skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to act as a customer-facing representative for contract negotiations, claims resolution, and support litigation when necessary.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to handle many complex issues concurrently.
• Ability to work in an entrepreneurial organization where cooperating with others and being a team member is natural.

This position requires domestic and international travel, up to 20% of the time.