Contracts Manager

UES; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking a Contracts Manager to lead complex engineering and construction contracts. You will partner with executives, project managers, finance, and legal to negotiate terms, manage risk, and ensure alignment with business goals.

Responsibilities include reviewing and drafting agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining contract systems, and supporting pre/post-award activities. Strong negotiation and communication across departments are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Contract Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in contract management or administration.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts including professional service agreements and subcontracts.
• Ensure contracts comply with internal policies, insurance requirements, and regulations.
• Collaborate with project teams to identify and mitigate contractual risks.
• Maintain a centralized contracts database to monitor terms, renewals, and compliance.
• Interpret contract language and advise stakeholders on terms and obligations.
• Support pre-award and post-award activities, including proposals and closeout.
• Develop and improve contract templates, processes, and workflows.
• Coordinate with finance to ensure accurate billing terms and revenue recognition.
• Train staff on contract policies and procedures; stay updated on laws and trends.
• Liaise with insurance providers regarding contractual coverage and documentation.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Analytical skills

Communication

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Law/Contract Management

Tools

Contract management software

ERP systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

As our Contracts Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of complex engineering and construction projects. Working alongside executive leadership, project managers, finance, legal, procurement, and operations teams, you'll provide strategic guidance on commercial and contractual matters, identify and mitigate risk, and ensure agreements align with business objectives and industry best practices. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by driving sound commercial decisions, strengthening client and partner relationships, and supporting the successful execution of projects that shape communities and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including professional service agreements, subcontracts, NDAs, purchase orders, and amendments.
• Ensure contracts are compliant with internal policies, insurance requirements, regulatory guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with project managers, business development, and legal counsel to identify and mitigate contractual risks.
• Maintain a centralized contracts database or tracking system to monitor key terms, renewals, deliverables, and compliance obligations.
• Interpret contract language and provide guidance to internal stakeholders on terms, obligations, and potential impacts.
• Support pre-award and post-award contract activities, including proposal review, bid coordination, and contract closeout.
• Assist in the development and continuous improvement of contract templates, processes, and workflows.
• Coordinate with finance and operations to ensure accurate billing terms, project setup, and revenue recognition alignment.
• Train and support staff on contract policies and procedures.
• Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting contracting practices.
• Support accounting in the review of contract-related billing and payment documentation, not limited to processing liens waivers and project close-outs.
• Liaise with insurance providers regarding contractual insurance compliance and documentation.
• Foster productive professional relationships with clients and business partners through effective communication and contract management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Contract Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in contract management or administration, preferably in the engineering, environmental, construction, or professional services industries.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, risk management principles, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with contract management software or ERP systems is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Travel Requirements

This position does not require regular travel as part of its primary responsibilities. However, occasional travel may be required, up to 10%, primarily for occasional off-site meetings, training sessions, or company events. Travel, when necessary, will be communicated in advance and aligned with business needs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position primarily operates in a professional office environment, requiring the ability to work at a desk for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• The position involves sitting for extended periods, performing data entry, and engaging in frequent communication via email, phone, and in-person interactions.
• The role involves regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders, both in person and through virtual platforms.
• The physical demands of the job may include occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of office materials up to 15 pounds.

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here