Development/Plant Operations Contract Manager

Life Care Services•Des Moines, IA

11d•$87,000 - $108,000

About The Position

The Development/Plant Operations Contract Manager advances the growth and effectiveness of Care Purchasing Services (CPS), LCS’ Group Purchasing Organization. The role leads the development, negotiation, and optimization of supplier contracts supporting new construction, renovation, and plant operations, with a focus on competitive pricing, favorable business terms, and strong value for LCS Development and CPS member stakeholders. The position works with internal teams, members, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to manage sourcing and contracting activities, maintain contract records and compliance, and improve related business processes. Travel frequency is 25–50%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 6 years of experience in construction, plant operations, contract negotiation, vendor management, or a related field.
Knowledge of construction processes, sourcing, procurement, and vendor management.
Strong contract negotiation, cost analysis, problem-solving, and vendor relationship management skills.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate pricing, financial data, and other quantitative information.
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, organization, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business systems such as Salesforce, Ariba, or similar CRM, sourcing, and spend analytics platforms.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.

Nice To Haves

Residential construction and/or senior living industry experience.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints.

Responsibilities

Develop, analyze, negotiate, draft, amend, and execute vendor contracts on behalf of CPS, including pricing, business terms, and other contractual provisions.
Serve as a subject matter resource to internal teams and member stakeholders regarding contract development, negotiation, administration, and vendor agreements.
Coordinate competitive sourcing and bidding opportunities with LCS Development, LCS Procurement, CPS members, and other stakeholders.
Facilitate sourcing activities, including RFIs, RFPs, competitive bidding events, and reverse auctions.
Support product and service standards and vendor programs by establishing specifications, requirements, and bidding instructions.
Identify, evaluate, and manage vendor opportunities, tracking participation and gathering feedback on opportunities not pursued or awarded.
Expand vendor participation and product and service offerings to strengthen CPS programs and deliver increased value to members.
Perform cost and pricing analyses for new, existing, and proposed projects and provide recommendations for purchasing and contracting decisions.
Negotiate material, labor, product, and service pricing to achieve competitive costs and support project financial objectives.
Maintain current product, service, and pricing information to support accurate project estimates and contracting decisions.
Liaise among internal stakeholders, account managers, members, and vendors to facilitate discussions and resolution of business and contractual terms.
Communicate contract status, requirements, changes, and other relevant information to internal and external stakeholders throughout the contracting process.
Maintain accurate, complete, and current contract documentation and records within designated systems.
Monitor contract compliance with company policies, procedures, and agreed-upon terms, and investigate and resolve contract-related issues as appropriate.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, CPS members, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
Maintain a thorough understanding of CPS products, services, vendor programs, contracts, and membership needs.
Use contract management, CRM, and other business systems to document, track, and manage contracting activities and vendor relationships.
Identify opportunities to improve contracting, sourcing, and related business processes and recommend and implement improvements.
Participate in assigned training, education, and professional development activities, and assist with onboarding or training new CPS team members as needed.