Contracts Manager

Colas is a Canadian leader in transportation infrastructure - materials, construction, and maintenance. From roads to rail, airports to ports, we build some of the most important projects that connect our communities.

Backed by our network of Colas companies across Canada and the Colas Group worldwide, Colas offers a wide range of innovative and sustainable solutions for the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.

Join the largest transportation infrastructure group in the world and help connect Canada.

Mission

Join us in an exciting adventure to complete the Edmonton Valley Line West LRT - a remarkable legacy project that will redefine our community’s transportation landscape! Be part of this transformative journey and help us create a lasting impact for generations to come! Reporting to the Commercial Manager, the Contract Manager is responsible for leading complex contract negotiations, providing expert contractual and commercial advice, and ensuring compliance with company and project policies. This role plays a key part in supporting the EVLW Edmonton Project team by managing high-value contracts, mitigating risks, and optimizing business outcomes through effective negotiation, administration, and leadership.

Main Responsibilities

• Negotiates significant contracts and contract modifications, often under challenging conditions, to secure the most favorable terms and conditions while achieving company objectives.

• Draws upon extensive prior experience to identify risks and contractual terms that do not conform to company or project policy and recommends appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Provides comprehensive contract reviews and legal advice to the EVLW Edmonton Project team on contracts and operational matters.

• Assists project teams in negotiating favorable terms and conditions with prospective and current subcontractors.

• Drafts, reviews, and executes subcontracts in collaboration with procurement, design, technical, and construction teams using project-approved templates.

• Administers subcontract correspondence through Aconex and ensures compliance with notice and response timelines.

• Monitors and maintains records of subcontractor claims, offsets, and associated forecasts.

• Prepares and provides monthly subcontract accruals and forecasts to Cost Control, Accounting, and Finance.

• Promotes subcontract awareness and ensures all project stakeholders understand key contractual requirements and obligations.

• Participates in EVLW Edmonton Project, Company, and Corporate strategic planning activities, including risk assessments, bid/no-bid analyses, and business plan development.

• Provides advice and assistance in resolving construction, engineering, environmental, and technology claims and disputes with contractors, owners, and subcontractors.

• Supports project-level, Executive Committee, and JV Party reporting through the preparation of subcontract status reports and related documentation.

• Selects, assigns, and supervises personnel to ensure consistent, high-quality contract management performance.

• Provides training and development opportunities for assigned staff to enhance expertise in contract negotiation and administration.

• Keeps subordinates informed of the latest resource materials and industry updates related to contract management and negotiation practices.

• Maintains active participation in relevant professional societies to remain current on emerging contractual and commercial issues.

• Keeps the EVLW Edmonton Project team updated on developments in contract administration, negotiation practices, and relevant industry standards.

• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as may be appropriate to support the successful delivery of the EVLW Edmonton Project and company objectives.

Requirements

• Diploma in Law or 4-year degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field, or experience.

• 15 years of prime contract administration experience within a large international engineering and construction firm is preferred.

• Previous experience working in a large integrated joint venture infrastructure project is an asset

• Valid Class 5 license; clean abstract preferred

• Ability to negotiate the terrain of an in-process construction site, including climbing stairs and ladders, steep/ slippery terrain, walking, and working outdoors in all types of Edmonton weather and conditions

Skills, Competencies, Attributes

• Requires a comprehensive knowledge of industry business practices and the negotiation of prime contracts.

• Working knowledge of PC software packages typically associated with contract administration.

• Incumbent must possess strong written and oral communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Must be capable of independently negotiating the most-complex contractual issues.

• Proven ability for managing and directing work involving complex situations.

DIVERSITY IS IMPORTANT TO US
At Colas, we believe our workforce should reflect the diversity of the communities we connect. By living our core values of Caring, Sharing, and Daring, we welcome all those who help create the links that bring us together. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, disability, marital or family status, gender, gender identity or expression.