Contracts Manager

Job Summary

The Contracts Manager is responsible for reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and administering contracts entered into by JRM, with a primary focus on owner/client contracts for construction and construction management projects.  This role will work closely with Legal, Operations, Estimating, Risk Management, and project leadership to ensure that contractual risk is appropriately identified, negotiated, and managed throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has substantial experience with construction contracts, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage a high volume of complex agreements across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Review, draft and negotiate owner and client contracts, including AIA forms, custom owner agreements, CM agreements, amendments and related exhibits.
• Identify, assess, and communicate contractual, legal, and commercial risks to internal stakeholders, and propose risk-mitigation strategies.
• Lead negotiations with owners, developers, construction managers, and their counsel regarding contract terms, schedules, insurance, indemnity, bonding, payment, and dispute resolution provisions.
• Prepare and manage redlines, issue summaries, and negotiation strategies for internal review and approval.
• Coordinate execution of client contracts and ensure final, fully executed agreements are properly saved and distributed.
• Work closely with Estimating, Operations, Project Management, Risk Management, and Finance to ensure contract terms align with project scope, pricing, insurance requirements, and operational practices.
• Support RFP and proposal efforts by reviewing contract terms provided at bid stage and advising on contractual exceptions and qualifications.
• Provide guidance to project teams during the life of the project regarding contract interpretation, change management, claims, notices, and compliance with contractual requirements.
• Maintain accurate contract records and version control in the Company's contract management and document storage systems.
• Track contract status from intake through execution and assist in maintaining contract logs for projects across all jurisdictions.
• Assist in developing and maintaining standard contract templates, preferred clauses, and internal playbooks.
• Ensure consistency in contract language and approach across regions, business units and project types.
• As needed, provide oversight or support for subcontractor, vendor, and consultant agreements, while maintaining primary responsibility for owner contracts.
• Stay current on developments in construction law and industry practices that may impact company contracts.
• Support Legal Department initiatives and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field.
• 4 + years experience reviewing, negotiating, and drafting commercial construction contracts, with significant experience focused on owner/client agreements.
• Strong understanding of construction industry standards as it relates to contract terms and conditions
• Knowledge of standard AIA contracts including the A101, A104, A105, A133, A134, and A201
• Ability to negotiate legal matters with counterparties and present clear and strong arguments for the Company's legal position
• Understanding of construction permitting process in New York City
• Strong organizational and document management skills with high attention to detail.
• Capable of handling confidential information with discretion
• Able to operate efficiently in a fast-paced construction and corporate environment
• Self-motivated person with highly professional work ethic, appearance and demeanor
• Proficiency with computers, including strong word processing skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team player
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision

Computer systems

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and experience with document-management or contract management systems preferred.

Salary Information

• To the extent this position is performed in New York City, the annual salary offered for this role is $140,000 - 150,000.

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