Senior Contracts Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for overseeing all contract-related activities across the company’s construction projects. This role ensures that contracts are strategically structured, legally sound, commercially favorable, and aligned with company risk management standards. The Senior Contracts Manager partners closely with project management, estimating, procurement, finance, and executive leadership to support successful project delivery and protect the company’s financial and legal interests.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Development & Negotiation

• Draft, review, and negotiate prime contracts, subcontracts, consultant agreements, joint venture agreements, and vendor contracts.

• Lead negotiations with owners, subcontractors, suppliers, and partners to secure favorable terms.

• Develop and maintain standardized contract templates and clauses.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local construction regulations.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks.

• Advise leadership and project teams on contractual obligations and exposure.

• Manage insurance, bonding, indemnification, and warranty requirements.

• Oversee claims avoidance strategies and support dispute resolution processes.

Project Support

• Provide contract guidance during bidding and preconstruction phases.

• Support project teams with contract interpretation and change management.

• Review and manage change orders, amendments, and contract modifications.

• Ensure contractual compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Claims & Dispute Resolution

• Manage and document claims, notices, and disputes.

• Coordinate with external legal counsel when necessary.

• Lead internal strategy for dispute mitigation and resolution.

• Support mediation, arbitration, or litigation preparation as required.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Supervise and mentor contract administrators or junior staff.

• Implement best practices in contract lifecycle management.

• Develop internal policies, training programs, and compliance procedures.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of commercial and operational processes.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or related field required.

• 10 years of progressive experience in construction contract management.

• Strong experience with complex commercial, industrial, or infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated expertise in negotiating high-value contracts.

Preferred

• Master’s or JD

Benefits

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• 401k with employer match

Spencer Construction is a drug and alcohol-free workplace, requiring mandatory pre-employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws.

Spencer Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Spencer Construction does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.