Senior Contracts & Claims Manager

Aequor; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aequor is seeking a Senior Contracts & Claims Manager to oversee commercial management of large CAPEX projects. This role involves ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, managing claims, and collaborating with project teams to optimize value.

The successful candidate will have over 10 years of experience in contracts and claims management, with proven skills in negotiation and stakeholder management. Preferred candidates will have a degree in relevant fields and experience in sectors such as construction and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Contracts Management, Claims Management or Procurement.
• Experience with large-scale CAPEX projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract administration throughout project lifecycle.
• Review and negotiate complex agreements.
• Provide commercial guidance to project teams.

Skills

Contract administration

Risk management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Commercial strategy development

Claims management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Coupa

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Contracts & Claims Manager to support large-scale CAPEX projects within a global engineering and procurement environment. This role will be responsible for the commercial management of major construction, engineering, and infrastructure projects, ensuring contractual compliance, mitigating commercial risks, managing claims, and optimizing project value. The successful candidate will partner closely with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, Legal, Finance, and EPCM/EPCMV contractors to drive successful project execution while protecting the company's contractual rights and commercial interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the administration and execution of contracts throughout the project lifecycle, from award through closeout.
• Develop and implement contracting and commercial strategies that support project objectives and minimize commercial risk.
• Review, analyze, and negotiate complex construction, engineering, procurement, and service agreements.
• Ensure contractual obligations, deliverables, warranties, guarantees, and performance requirements are properly managed and enforced.
• Monitor contract performance and identify risks, deviations, and opportunities for cost optimization.
• Coordinate contract amendments, change orders, contract extensions, and variation requests.
• Provide commercial guidance to project teams and support decision-making on contractual matters.
• Collaborate with Legal and Project Management teams to ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the identification, preparation, evaluation, and resolution of contract claims.
• Develop claim and defense strategies for both incoming and outgoing claims.
• Prepare claim notifications, correspondence, supporting documentation, and commercial assessments.
• Manage delay claims, disruption claims, cost recovery initiatives, and change management processes.
• Support dispute resolution activities, including negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and litigation preparation when required.
• Maintain accurate claim records and supporting documentation throughout project execution.

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Support

• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and procurement strategies for large CAPEX projects.
• Participate in supplier evaluations, tender reviews, bid assessments, and contract award recommendations.
• Work closely with Procurement teams to ensure alignment with sourcing objectives and commercial requirements.
• Evaluate supplier proposals, pricing structures, and commercial terms to maximize value and reduce total cost of ownership.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, governance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Manage commercial relationships with key suppliers, contractors, and EPCM/EPCMV partners.
• Lead commercial discussions and escalation management with suppliers and contractors.
• Monitor supplier performance, contract compliance, and commercial obligations.
• Support supplier audits, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster collaborative relationships while protecting company interests and contractual entitlements.

Stakeholder & Project Management

• Partner with Engineering, Construction, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and Project Controls teams to support project success.
• Provide regular reporting on contract status, commercial risks, claims exposure, and mitigation plans.
• Drive proactive communication and alignment across cross-functional project teams.
• Support project controls and cost management activities related to contractual commitments and commercial performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business, Supply Chain, Law, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in Contracts Management, Commercial Management, Claims Management, Procurement, or Strategic Sourcing.
• Experience supporting large-scale CAPEX, construction, industrial, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, biotech, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of contract administration, commercial risk management, change management, and claims processes.
• Experience working with EPCM/EPCMV contractors and complex project delivery models.
• Proven success negotiating high-value commercial agreements and resolving contractual disputes.
• Strong understanding of construction practices, project sequencing, and project controls.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute sourcing and contracting strategies that deliver measurable business results.
• Experience managing international commercial contracts and supplier relationships.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, chemical, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of FIDIC, NEC, EPC, EPCM, and construction contract frameworks.
• Familiarity with SAP, Ariba, Coupa, or other procurement and contract management platforms.
• PMP, CPSM, MCIPS, CCM, or similar professional certifications preferred.
• Experience supporting arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution processes.