Contracts Manager

Project Overview:

Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, project management, and construction companies in the world. Bechtel operates through four global business units that specialize in infrastructure; mining and metals; nuclear, security and environmental; and energy. Today, our colleague's team works with customers, partners, and suppliers on diverse projects in nearly 40 countries. Bechtel is seeking a Contracts Manager to join the Riverside, California team.

This team oversees the planning, environmental clearance, design, and construction of projects on the state highway system, and rail under California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) oversight and following Caltrans’ standards and procedures, and on commuter and freight rail lines, under Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF), and/or Union Pacific Railroad (UP) oversight and following their standards.

The Contracts Manager will directly report to the Riverside Project Manager and oversee all contract management activities for the Riverside Project. This role requires expert oversight in package delivery, ensuring client compliance with regulatory and stakeholder requirements, procurement, risk management, and construction throughout all project phases.

• Implement a division of responsibilities matrix for contract management tasks and standard work processes.
• Coordinate with the client’s procurement team to review activities impacting contractual rights, obligations, performance, and administration.
• Manage complex contract changes by collaborating with project coordinators and obtaining necessary approvals.
• Communicate with the client to ensure awareness of contract provisions, vendor performance, compliance with terms and conditions, delivery schedules, cost‑saving opportunities, and strategies for avoiding claims.
• Review contractor progress reports to assess potential commercial impacts and advise the project management team accordingly.
• Oversee the review and approval of contractor progress payments and invoices; manage “stop payment” requests and demands for payment from subconsultants. Facilitate contract close‑out by ensuring all commercial, documentary, and technical requirements are met before substantial completion.
• Provide support and guidance on effective contract management to the project team.
• Assist the Project Manager with ad‑hoc tasks and report preparations.

Requires bachelor’s or master’s degree (or international equivalent) and 13–15 years of relevant experience or 17–19 years of relevant work experience.

• Advanced knowledge of contract regulations, policies, and practices.
• Specialized training or experience in pricing, contract law, negotiations, and accounting.
• Experience in managing various contract types, fee arrangements, and terms.
• Ability to develop and propose solutions to contractual issues.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with engineering and construction industry contracting practices, policies, procedures, and work practices.
• Understanding of confidentiality protocols for company and client information.
• Confidence in interacting with senior managers, client executives, and government agencies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world’s toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth.

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective…