Development/Plant Operations Contract Manager

Life Care Services•Des Moines, IA

11d

About The Position

The Development/Plant Operations Contract Manager advances the growth and effectiveness of Care Purchasing Services (CPS), LCS’ Group Purchasing Organization. This position 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 value for LCS Development and CPS member stakeholders. The role serves as a subject matter resource on contract development, negotiation, administration, and vendor agreements. It coordinates competitive sourcing with internal teams and members, manages vendor opportunities, analyzes costs and pricing, maintains contract records and pricing information, monitors compliance, and identifies process improvements. The position also builds effective relationships with stakeholders and vendors and uses contract management, CRM, and other business systems to manage contracting activities and vendor relationships. 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 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 for CPS, including pricing, business terms, and other contractual provisions.
Advise internal teams and member stakeholders on contract development, negotiation, administration, and vendor agreements.
Coordinate competitive sourcing and bidding with LCS Development, LCS Procurement, CPS members, and other stakeholders.
Facilitate 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; track participation and gather feedback on opportunities not pursued or awarded.
Expand vendor participation and product and service offerings to strengthen CPS programs and increase value to members.
Analyze costs and pricing 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 for project estimates and contracting decisions.
Liaise among internal stakeholders, account managers, members, and vendors to facilitate discussions and resolve business and contractual terms.
Communicate contract status, requirements, changes, and other relevant information to stakeholders throughout the contracting process.
Maintain accurate, complete, and current contract documentation and records in designated systems.
Monitor contract compliance with company policies, procedures, and agreed terms; investigate and resolve contract-related issues as appropriate.
Develop and maintain working relationships with internal stakeholders, CPS members, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
Maintain knowledge 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; assist with onboarding or training new CPS team members as needed.