What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contracts Specialist position at South32?
Discover a Brighter Future
At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.
As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.
Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.
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.
ACERCA de Hermosa
Hermosa, ubicado a aproximadamente 75 millas al sur este de Tucson, Arizona, es el único proyecto de minería avanzada en los Estados Unidos hasta la fecha que puede producir dos minerales designados como críticos por el gobierno federal: manganeso y zinc, así como también plata y plomo. El proyecto tiene el potencial de ayudar a impulsar el futuro energético limpio del país, reforzar la cadena de suministro nacional de minerales esenciales, hacer crecer la economía local y mejorar la calidad de vida en el condado de Santa Cruz y en las comunidades aledañas para las generaciones venideras.
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 based at the Hermosa Project Site near Patagonia, Arizona.
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.) documents 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
You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:
• 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.
South32 está comprometido a cimentar y mantener una plantilla de trabajadores diversa e inclusiva que refleje las comunidades en las cuales trabajamos. Proporcionamos una proceso de contratación que es justo, equitativo y accesible para todos y alentamos la aplicación de candidatos de todas las procedencias.