Contracts Manager

Bechtel Global Corporation; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Bechtel is seeking a Contracts Manager to join the Riverside Project Team in California. The role oversees all contract management activities, ensuring client compliance, procurement, risk management, and successful delivery across all project phases.

Reporting to the Riverside Project Manager, you will lead contract changes, manage payments, and coordinate with vendors and external stakeholders to avoid claims and optimize cost.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or international equivalent) and 13–19 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge of contract regulations, policies, and practices.
• Experience in managing various contract types and fee structures.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Implement a responsibilities matrix for contract management tasks.
• Coordinate with client procurement to review contractual rights and obligations.
• Manage complex contract changes with project coordinators and approvals.
• Communicate with client on contract provisions, vendor performance, and schedules.
• Review progress reports for commercial impacts and advise project management.
• Oversee review and approval of payments and close-out requirements.
• Support project team and prepare reports.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder relationships

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field

Job description

Project Overview

Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, project management, and construction companies in the world. It operates through four global business units that specialise in infrastructure; mining and metals; nuclear, security and environmental; and energy. The Riverside, California team works on diverse projects in nearly 40 countries. Bechtel is seeking a Contracts Manager to join this team and support projects on the state highway system, rail lines, and under the oversight of Caltrans, FTA, SCRRA, BNSF, and Union Pacific.

Job Summary

The Contracts Manager will report directly to the Riverside Project Manager and will oversee all contract management activities for the Riverside Project. The role requires expert oversight in package delivery, ensuring client compliance with regulatory and stakeholder requirements, procurement, risk management, and construction across all project phases.

Major Responsibilities

• Implement a division of responsibilities matrix for contract management tasks and standard work processes.
• Coordinate with the client’s procurement team to review activities impacting contractual rights, obligations, performance, and administration.
• Manage complex contract changes by collaborating with project coordinators and obtaining necessary approvals.
• Communicate with the client to ensure awareness of contract provisions, vendor performance, compliance with terms and conditions, delivery schedules, cost‑saving opportunities, and strategies for avoiding claims.
• Review contractor progress reports to assess potential commercial impacts and advise the project management team accordingly.
• Oversee the review and approval of contractor progress payments and invoices; manage “stop payment” requests and demands for payment from subconsultants. Facilitate contract close‑out by ensuring all commercial, documentary, and technical requirements are met before substantial completion.
• Provide support and guidance on effective contract management to the project team.
• Assist the Project Manager with ad‑hoc tasks and report preparations.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or international equivalent) and 13–15 years of relevant experience, or 17–19 years of relevant work experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced knowledge of contract regulations, policies, and practices.
• Specialised training or experience in pricing, contract law, negotiations, and accounting.
• Experience in managing various contract types, fee arrangements, and terms.
• Ability to develop and propose solutions to contractual issues.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with engineering and construction industry contracting practices, policies, procedures, and work practices.
• Understanding of confidentiality protocols for company and client information.
• Confidence in interacting with senior managers, client executives, and government agencies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e‑mail their request to [e-mail].