Construction Contract Specialist & Risk Advisor

ARCO; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

ESOP

401k

Tuition reimbursement

Scholarship for children

Sabbatical and travel allowance

Volunteer leave

Charitable match

Medical insurance

Maternity leave

Job summary

ARCO, a leading construction company based in Chicago, seeks a Contract Specialist to support a fast-paced legal team. You will review and negotiate subcontracts, advise Project Managers on insurance and contractual obligations, and help manage downstream forms while reducing risks.

The role requires a JD or paralegal certificate with deep construction contract experience, plus strong communication and organizational skills to collaborate across legal, finance, and operations groups.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in contract administration/management.
• Legal background with JD or paralegal cert.
• Knowledge of contracts laws and requirements.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build solid relationships with project managers, legal, finance, and vendors.
• Excellent customer service and verbal/written communication; highly organized.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate subcontracts and vendor agreements, ensuring alignment with internal policies.
• Advise Project Managers on insurance and contractual obligations in subcontractor/vendor agreements.
• Maintain understanding of standard downstream forms and support changes.
• Collaborate with controllers and operations stakeholders to resolve issues.
• Suggest edits to downstream forms and facilitate changes under leadership supervision.
• Interpret contract provisions to resolve subcontractor questions and claims; assess risks.

Skills

Contract experience

Legal knowledge

Critical thinking

Relationship building

Communication

Education

J.D.

Paralegal certificate

Construction contracts experience

Job description

ARCO, a leading construction company based in Chicago, seeks a Contract Specialist to support a fast-paced legal team. You will review and negotiate subcontracts, advise Project Managers on insurance and contractual obligations, and help manage downstream forms while reducing risks.

The role requires a JD or paralegal certificate with deep construction contract experience, plus strong communication and organizational skills to collaborate across legal, finance, and operations groups.