Contract Manager

BioTalent; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

BioTalent is seeking a seasoned Contracts Manager to lead procurement, contracting, and commercial execution for major capital projects in California. You will review and negotiate complex EPC/EPCM and supplier agreements, ensuring obligations are met and risks are managed.

The role requires 10+ years in commercial management and a strong background in contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and change management within industrial or construction contexts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years in commercial management, contract administration, or related fields.
• Proven experience with large-scale CAPEX and industrial projects.
• Strong contract negotiation and risk management experience.
• Experience with EPC/EPCM or major construction contractors.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support procurement, contracting, and commercial execution strategies for major capital projects.
• Review, negotiate, and administer complex construction, EPC/EPCM, supplier, and service agreements.
• Ensure contract terms are properly executed and all parties meet their contractual obligations.
• Manage contract modifications, change orders, extensions, variations, and commercial correspondence.
• Monitor contractor performance, contractual compliance, warranties, guarantees, and commercial deliverables.
• Prepare contract summaries, risk assessments, and executive-level recommendations for project leadership.
• Lead the identification, preparation, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution of contract claims.
• Develop strategies for managing change events, delays, disruption claims, and cost impacts.
• Analyze and defend incoming contractor claims while maximizing opportunities for recovery and entitlement.
• Maintain thorough claim documentation and support dispute resolution activities, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation preparation when necessary.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying

Bachelor's degree in Contract Management

Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management

• Develop and support procurement, contracting, and commercial execution strategies for major capital projects.
• Review, negotiate, and administer complex construction, EPC/EPCM, supplier, and service agreements.
• Ensure contract terms are properly executed and all parties meet their contractual obligations.
• Manage contract modifications, change orders, extensions, variations, and commercial correspondence.
• Monitor contractor performance, contractual compliance, warranties, guarantees, and commercial deliverables.
• Prepare contract summaries, risk assessments, and executive-level recommendations for project leadership.
• Lead the identification, preparation, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution of contract claims.
• Develop strategies for managing change events, delays, disruption claims, and cost impacts.
• Analyze and defend incoming contractor claims while maximizing opportunities for recovery and entitlement.
• Maintain thorough claim documentation and support dispute resolution activities, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation preparation when necessary.

Commercial & Cost Controls

• Collaborate with project controls and cost management teams to monitor project costs, progress measurement, cash flow, back charges, guarantees, and financial exposures.
• Evaluate commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect project objectives.
• Support cost optimization initiatives and drive value throughout the procurement and project execution process.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, suppliers, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Support supplier performance management through commercial reviews, audits, metrics, and scorecards.
• Serve as a key commercial advisor to project teams, procurement, engineering, legal, and finance functions.
• Escalate and resolve complex contractual and commercial issues to minimize project impacts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Contract Management, Legal Studies, or a related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial management, contract administration, claims management, quantity surveying, project controls, or construction management.
• Proven experience supporting large-scale CAPEX, industrial, infrastructure, manufacturing, or construction projects.
• Strong background in contract negotiations, commercial risk management, dispute resolution, and change management.
• Experience working with EPC, EPCM, or major construction contractors.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in highly regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food manufacturing, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing.
• Professional certifications such as MRICS, MCIOB, MCIArb, AACE, CCP, PSP, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with international construction contracts and commercial frameworks.