Specialist, Contracts

SOUTH32 Limited; Patagonia (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive bonus

Retirement match

4 weeks PTO

Parental leave

Job summary

South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd. seeks an experienced Contracts Specialist for Hermosa, near Patagonia, Arizona. The role leads end-to-end procurement and contracting for construction, equipment, materials and services during project construction and transition to operations.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in contract/procurement, mining/industrial experience, and proficiency with SAP/Ariba/Aconex. Hybrid work schedule with strong governance and safety focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Accounting, Construction Management or related field.
• 7+ years of contract and procurement experience in construction/mining/heavy industry, with 5+ years mining-specific experience preferred.
• Certifications such as CPM or CSM are advantageous.
• Proficient with MS Word/Excel/SharePoint; experience with Ariba/SAP/ERP systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication; high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute contracting and procurement strategies aligned with project scope and schedule.
• Lead pre-award activities: RFPs, tender prep, bid evaluations, and award approvals.
• Draft contracts and related documents using standard forms and governance.
• Manage post-award activities: PO issuance, supplier onboarding, and mobilization support.
• Administer contracts through lifecycle including changes, claims, and close-out.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure adherence to terms and budgets.
• Foster relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to align sourcing strategies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Skills

Contract management

Procurement

Contract negotiations

Vendor management

English communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Business/Construction

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Aconex

ERP systems

Contract management software

Job description

Company: South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.

ABOUT HERMOsa

Hermosa, located approximately 75 miles south‑east of Tucson, Arizona, is the only advanced mining project in the United States as of 2023 that could produce two federally designated critical minerals—manganese and zinc—as well as silver and lead. The project has the potential to help power the nation’s clean energy future, strengthen the domestic supply chain of critical minerals, grow the local economy, and improve lives in Santa Cruz County and the surrounding community for generations to come.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• Annual short‑term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.
• When you choose to contribute more into your retirement savings, South32 will match it up to a certain percentage.
• South32 provides you with 4 weeks paid time off.
• 12 weeks full‑paid parental leave for primary carers and 2 weeks full‑paid parental leave for secondary carers.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Contracts Specialist will provide owner‑side contracts and procurement support during project construction activities and transition to operations as the project moves into commissioning and operations. This intermediate‑level role will lead and manage the end‑to‑end procurement and contracting activities for construction, equipment, materials and services. All activities are to be conducted in strict accordance with South32 standards, governance frameworks, and policies and values, ensuring commercial compliance, schedule alignment, cost control, contractor performance, effective contract administration, contract management, and close‑out. This role will be primarily based at the Hermosa Project Site near Patagonia, Arizona, and may work a hybrid schedule.

Responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

• Develop and execute contracting and procurement strategies aligned with project scope, schedule, and transition to operations.
• Lead pre‑award contract and procurement activities including RFP/tender preparation and issuance, bid evaluations, clarifications, negotiations, and preparation of award recommendations and approvals in accordance with South32 standards and governance requirements.
• Draft contracts and contract‑related documents (approvals, recommendations, reports, presentations etc.) using South32 standard forms, supporting approval documentation, governance submissions, and commercial reporting.
• Execute post‑award contract activities including contract execution, purchase order issuance and management, supplier onboarding, pre‑mobilization, and contract mobilization support.
• Administer contracts across the full lifecycle, including invoice validation, change order management, contract amendments, claims support, KPI reporting, record management in Ariba/ERP systems, and contract close‑out.
• Monitor and support contractor and supplier performance through progress meetings, performance reviews, and issue resolution to ensure adherence to contractual obligations and agreed commercial terms.
• Build credibility and effective working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, influencing alignment to agreed sourcing strategies, commercial approaches, South32 values, and Hermosa project objectives.
• Ensure South32’s Code of Business Conduct, ethical sourcing principles, and health, safety, environmental, sustainability, and community expectations are communicated to and adhered to by South32 and contractors.
• Contribute to the development, embedment, and continuous improvement of contracts and procurement processes and practices.

ABOUT YOU

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree in either Supply Chain, Business Administration, Accounting, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in contract and procurement in construction, mining, or heavy industry, with min 5 years mining specific experience (projects and/or operations) strongly preferred.
• Certifications such as Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified in Supply Management (CSM), or other recognized supply chain certifications considered an asset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, Aconex, Contract Management/ERP systems.
• High level of written comprehension and writing skills.
• Maintain high standards of professional and ethical conduct.
• Excellent attention to detail and task prioritization.
• Effective communication with other departments and leadership.
• Exposure to Master Services Agreement, CMAR, D‑512, D‑520, and EJCDC contracts highly regarded.
• Previous contract & procurement applications experience such as SAP, Ariba, CCMS, etc.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining a safe work culture.
• Ability to work under pressure, maintain composure, set priorities, and work with a project team.
• Strong English language written and oral communication skills.
• Spanish language skills highly regarded.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.