Senior Construction Contracts Specialist

Report to: Procurement Manager | Department: Procurement | Location: Santa Cruz Project, Casa Grande, AZ

About the Role

The Senior Construction Contracts Specialist drives the consistent application of contracting standards and commercial controls across engineering, procurement, construction, and operations. This alignment safeguards project interests while optimizing value, adhering to the project's schedule, scope, cost, quality, risk, and compliance requirements. The role works closely with construction teams, including engineering, procurement, construction, finance, and legal, as well as external contractors and suppliers, to ensure well-structured, properly administered, and enforced contracts throughout the project's duration.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of contracting strategies and processes to improve process flow and visibility.
• Work with the Leadership team to define and implement contracting and procurement strategies aligned with project goals (cost, schedule, risk allocation).
• Package RFP, including contribution to the Scope of Work, commercial terms, evaluation criteria, and bidder instructions.
• Identify and prequalify contractors using market knowledge to ensure a competitive and capable bidder pool.
• Manage the full bidding cycle, including bidder communications, clarifications, and addenda.
• Coordinate technical and lead commercial bid evaluations in collaboration with engineering, construction, and project controls teams.
• Establish and manage evaluation frameworks to ensure transparency, consistency, and defensibility.
• Facilitate alignment among stakeholders on contractor selection and commercial recommendations.
• Support project leadership in award decisions and approvals.
• Lead the drafting, structuring, and negotiation of construction contracts (lump sum, unit rate, reimbursable, interfaces, etc.) with support from procurement and legal teams.
• Ensure appropriate risk allocation, pricing structures, and performance mechanisms are incorporated into agreements.
• Negotiate key commercial terms including scope, schedule, payment terms, securities, and liabilities.
• Collaborate with legal and project stakeholders to finalize robust, enforceable agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, amendments, and change orders for construction, services, and supply agreements.
• Coordinate with legal counsel to ensure contracts are compliant and enforceable.
• Work closely with Procurement and Project Control to ensure deliverables and milestones are captured on Purchase Orders and Project Controls for performance management and cost controls.
• Ensure contracting activities comply with company policies, project governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the improvement of contract templates, procedures, and commercial controls.
• Provide guidance to co-workers as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related discipline; legal training considered an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in contracts, commercial, or procurement roles within mining, underground construction, or heavy industrial projects.
• Experience with complex construction and services contracts.
• Knowledge of contract law fundamentals and commercial risk management.
• Experience in managing contractor claims and understanding of construction risks.
• Experience with contract management systems and MS Office applications.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a project-based and site-oriented environment.
• Detail-oriented with solid task and time management efficiency for process and document controls.
• Organized ability to prioritize tasks and manage time.

Benefits

The Company offers a professional, entrepreneurial office environment, competitive compensation, and an employee benefits package.