Subject Matter Expert, Construction Contract Disputes

Vertex; United States; On-site; USD 167,000 - 328,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental benefits

401(k) with matching

Paid holidays

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Senior-level Construction Contract Disputes Expert with a track record as an Expert Witness to support complex litigation. You will analyze plans and contracts, quantify damages, and prepare reports and testimony for construction disputes across residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.

Responsibilities include managing end-to-end engagements, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering high-quality opinions well ahead of deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 15+ years in construction disputes.
• Master's degree with 12+ years and 7+ years in leadership.
• Experience testifying as an Expert Witness in court/arbitration for construction damages or costs.
• Ability to analyze plans, documents, and cost data to quantify damages.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and write proposals.

Responsibilities

• Testify as an expert witness in court or arbitration on damages and standard of care.
• Write expert reports for contract dispute matters.
• Analyze construction plans, documents, payments, and contracts to allocate damages.
• Perform cost estimating and construction forensics.
• Attend site inspections to document conditions.
• Collaborate with team to finalize high-quality opinions/reports.
• Manage assignments from client call to delivery and testimony.
• Support MD in tracking data, utilization, and client deadlines.
• Travel as needed to serve clients and teams.
• Perform quality control of all work products.

Skills

Construction claims analysis

Expert witness experience

Project leadership

Client communication

Cost estimating

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Excel

Xactimate

Bluebeam

RSMeans

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Description

Company Description

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a $180M global consulting firm that integrates strategic advisory, project management, and dispute resolution services for organizations facing complex challenges in a world of risk. We embody our core values of embracing lifelong learning, operating with urgency, maximizing value, and driving collaboration to better outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Join us if you are looking for a career that offers you a chance to love what you do and deliver meaningful impact.

Job Description

Vertex is looking for a Senior level Construction Contract Disputes Expert with prior experience as an Expert Witness testifying on construction contract dispute related cases. We provide a team of consultants to support our Experts. Litigation matters include construction claims related to change order disputes, reasonableness of a termination, damages owed resulting from a termination, cost to complete estimating/analysis, contractor standard of care, scheduling disputes, or responding to construction defect claims on a variety of residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

Core Responsibilities

Work Product Creation, Project Management, Coordination with Team Members

• Testify as an expert witness in a court or arbitration regarding your construction damages and standard of care opinions.
• Write expert reports for contract dispute related matters.
• Analyze construction plans, disclosed documents/emails/payment applications/job cost reports, and construction contracts to understand party responsibilities specific to discrete claims and formulate a written response. Quantify and allocate damages owed to a specific party.
• Cost estimating and construction accounting forensics (e.g., who is owed what resulting from a contractor termination).
• Attend site inspections of projects to document observable conditions.
• Collaborate with team or other stakeholders (e.g., outside experts) to formulate and finalize high quality expert opinions/reports.
• Be autonomous in completing assignments well in advance of deadlines to allow for client review and feedback.
• Fully manage assignments from the initial call with the client through deliverable submission and testimony. Understand at the project outset what the client needs are and efficiently complete the work. Ensure the opinions/reports are high quality, thorough and accurate.
• Support assigned Managing Director in monitoring of all relevant data related to own performance such as individual utilization rate vs target, business development, and client deadlines.
• Meet or exceed defined individual average utilization goals as set forth by company leadership.
• Travel, as necessary to support client, employee, and leadership needs.
• Perform quality control of all assigned projects and self-generated work product, maintaining an excellent reputation of quality and client satisfaction.
• Provide feedback to project team leader in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation of any client, or technical or operational challenges.

Operations

• Be aware of and perform own tasks in a manner that supports the organization’s vision, values and defined business objectives.
• Conduct self and prioritize tasks to work toward achievement of defined revenue/profit objectives.
• Cooperate in construction of strong cross-functional teams (support staff assignments of self) to achieve success in shared goals, understanding that multiple perspectives and talents build stronger teams and results.
• Complete daily tasks or overall projects efficiently and accurately.
• Ensure consistent high quality on deliverables for all individual work product.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree and 15 years of related experience or a Master's degree and 12 years of related experience, with 7+ years in a leadership role with significant impact.

Knowledge & Skills

• Expertise with analyzing construction claims, construction disputes, construction defects, and construction costs/standards.
• Prior experience as testifying Expert Witness in front of a court or arbitration for construction damages or cost related cases required.
• Working knowledge and ability to read and interpret construction drawings, performed schedule analyses, understand construction means/methods/duties under the contract and perform cost estimating for varying types residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
• A high level of proficiency in Excel and report writing. Proficiency in construction software (e.g., Xactimate, Bluebeam, RSMeans, On-Screen Takeoff, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including client relationship management and proposal preparation. Ability to acquire new clients and/or have client following preferred.
• Experience in providing reliable work product review as assigned.
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers and Supervisors, and clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex construction claims.
• Able to handle multiple priorities and perform consistently and positively under high stress conditions.
• Knowledge of computer operations and standard software packages (word processing, spreadsheets, Adobe) required.

Additional Information

At VERTEX, we invest in top talent with a highly competitive total compensation package designed to reward performance and support long-term success. Total compensation includes a base salary and a performance-based discretionary bonus program. Our comprehensive benefits package offers multiple healthcare and dental plan options, as well as company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage - ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

We offer a 401(k) plan with immediate matching and full vesting, empowering employees to build financial security from day one. Additional benefits include Flexible Spending Accounts, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a suite of exclusive perks that enhance everyday life.

At The Vertex Companies, our salary ranges are intentionally designed to support meaningful career growth over time. These ranges allow employees to develop, expand their impact, and increase their earnings as they progress within their job level. A new hire’s starting compensation is determined by their experience, geographical location, scope of the role at the time of hire, and Company affordability. Our ranges are structured to reward growth and performance, ensuring there is room for advancement and long-term opportunity.

The salary ranges for this role are as follows:

$167,000 - $328,000 USD annually

Time away matters - so we provide a generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick time, and paid holidays (with prorated options for eligible part-time employees).

At VERTEX, growth never stops. Our signature Lifetime of Learning program offers tuition reimbursement and personalized support for employees pursuing advanced education - helping you sharpen your skills and accelerate your career.