Commercial Manager

HDR, Inc.; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Commercial Manager to oversee contract administration across architecture-engineering projects in a fast-paced environment. You will manage subcontracts, support negotiation of terms, monitor compliance, and drive change management throughout project lifecycles.

The role requires experience in architecture/engineering contracts, strong communication, and leadership skills to guide project teams and stakeholders through complex contractual matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, architecture, business, law or equivalent.
• 7+ years' experience in Architecture/Engineering/Design-Build/PM roles.
• Strong knowledge of contracting practices, change orders, and project controls.

Responsibilities

• Monitor contract compliance and administer subcontracts.
• Assist in change management, claims resolution, and risk mitigation.
• Prepare project reports, schedules, and cost analyses.
• Lead or support project controls and budgeting activities.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to ensure contract objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Contract management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture or business or law

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it's about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

The Commercial Manager is responsible compliance with the terms and conditions of prime and subcontracts, assisting in negotiating the terms and conditions of contracts, and documenting and agreeing to changes or amendments that may arise during the implementation or execution or other project duties as delegated by the Project Manager. The Commercial Manager, working with the Project manager is responsible for staffing and commercial management implementation on the projects where additional commercial management support is needed. The Commercial Manager will provide guidance and assistance to Project Managers on contract matters. The following job description describes the responsibilities of the Commercial Manger on projects on which they are assigned:

• Manages or collaborates with a project team consisting of schedulers, project analysts, document control manager, project accountants and project / commercial management coordinators. May perform these functions on smaller projects.
• Implements procedures for contract management and administration in compliance with company policy.
• Administers on-going contracts, including compliance with the contract documents for conformance such that the requirements of the contracts are implemented and maintained.
• Assists in drafting of subcontracts for architecture, engineering and specialty services. Administers current prime contract and flow down to subcontractors, task orders and modifications. Administers and oversees contract performance by monitoring compliance documents, schedules and deliverables and requirements.
• Reviews contract documents to minimize conflicts and ambiguities.
• Assists in administering the project risk register.
• Assists in contract awareness and change order training for key project staff.
• Prepares correspondence and maintains records necessary to document the effective administration of contractual matters.
• Makes amendments to contractual documents as required.
• Reviews warranties, bonds, insurances, guarantees, etc. are maintained and updated in accordance with the contract and are in compliance with the client's requirements.
• Assists Project Controls with respect to contractual implications of change orders, quality control.
• Assists in monitoring schedule for submission of deliverables and other contractual deliverables and certifications.
• Prepares weekly and monthly reports as required.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at one time
• Other tasks as assigned
• 50% travel may be required depending on the needs of the projects

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the items listed below:

Contract Management

• 1. Monitoring Compliance
• 2. Issuing Subcontracts
• 3. Change Management Negotiation and Processing Contract Change Orders
• 4. Implementation of change management procedures and driving procedures throughout project lifecycle
• 5. Assistance in claims resolution
• 6. Contract Close-Out

Risk Management

• 1. Developing and Monitoring Risk Register and Attend Status Meetings
• 2. Identify Potential Risks
• 3. Develop mitigation plans with the project team
• 4. Participate in Monthly Project Reviews

Document Control

• 1. Verify Compliance
• 2. Develop procedures in accordance with contractual requirements
• 3. Onboard Team Members
• 4. Lead project process preparation

Dispute Resolution

• 1. Monitor and Report on any Claims
• 2. Develop Back Charges/Impacts for Firm Fixed Fee Consultants or Subcontractor Infractions

Project Accounting

• 1. Review and Comment on Cost Model/Estimate Logic
• 2. Support Internal and External Invoicing
• 3. Review Reimbursable Expenses
• 4. Identify Gaps Between Actual Cost and Projections and Reconcile with PM

Scheduling

• 1. Collaborate the Project Controls Manager on Schedule Issues/Impacts
• 2. Attend Weekly Schedule meetings and Identify Design Team Risks
• 3. Review Schedule Adjustments for Change Orders

Preferred Qualifications

• Alternative delivery / Design build experience
• Experience working with Contractors
• Experience in claims which may include claims defense, claim production, claim negotiation/resolution, and claim prevention
• Experience and/or working knowledge of negotiation of contracts for architecture/engineering projects

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years' experience in Architecture/ Engineering, Design-Build, P3, project management, construction, project controls and/or staff leadership or equivalent
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, business, law or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of Architecture/ Engineering/ Construction industry contracting practices in the country(ies) the Commercial Manager works in, applicable government and commercial regulations and practices, policies, procedures and work practices.
• Working knowledge of project controls, project management, and project estimating software
• Experience in development of contracts, administration and negotiation of change orders, effective correspondence, planning and scheduling.
• Ability to work well in a high performing team structure in a fast-paced environment.
• A positive professional reputation as one who can deliver quality, cost effective projects.
• Self-starter; good communication and people skills.
• Must be committed to quality and improvement and promoting HDR's values.
• Ability to teach, lead, and mentor others.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Kansas-Overland Park

Other Locations: United States-Missouri-Kansas City, United States-Kansas-Wichita, United States-Missouri-St Louis

Industry: Building Engineering

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Commercial Management

Job Posting: Sep 10, 2026