Philadelphia

Amtrak•New York, NY

1d•$163,000 - $211,140•Onsite

About The Position

This position can be located in either New York NY, Washington DC, or Philadelphia PA. The Director of Contract Administration provides contract management expertise and support to the Amtrak Capital Delivery (CAPD) organization through the Contract Management & Commercial Implementation team. This role works directly with the Project Executives and Directors, Project Managers, Project Contract Managers/Administrators, Contracting Official Representatives (COR), Procurement Contracting Officials (COs), and Law across the Amtrak Capital Project portfolio which include rail tunnel construction and rehabilitation, bridge replacement, station development and renovation, facility construction, fleet replacement, overhead catenary replacement, state of good repair projects etc. With the project teams, evaluate project claims, change orders, and disputes against the contract terms and documents, and develop commercial and negotiation strategies throughout the project lifecycle. Provide contract and claims management expertise, training, systems support. This role will work with project teams implementing the contract and claims management framework and project specific procedures for new and existing projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required or equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Plus 11 years of relevant work experience.
Experience negotiating and administering various contract types of varying sizes and types of agreements within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.
Experience managing and resolving contractor claims and change orders on construction projects.
Mastery of contract and commercial terms across delivery methods and capital construction projects.
Able to build constructive and effective relationships and use them to maneuver through complex situations.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication skills – oral and written.
Ability to provide subordinates with guidance, direction, motivation, and training to ensure cost-effective acquisitions, good negotiating strategies, value-analysis techniques, in-depth market research of market trends, and new contract administration and negotiation techniques.
Ability to effectively manage in a fast-paced environment with frequently changing priorities.
Embraces learning new tasks, both complex and simple, to maintain effectiveness in this position.
Expert contract management practitioner with strong focus on claims management, contract administration, commercial terms, cross departmental collaboration, team building, and engagement.
Highly motivated and self-directed.
Mastery with independent judgment and ability make solid business and commercial decisions within scope of the project and program.
Excellent analytical, mathematical, and creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks while under pressure.
Working knowledge and proficiency in PC based applications, including SharePoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, MS Project.
Strong project and program management skills; Strong focus on collaboration, team building, and customer service

Nice To Haves

Plus 13 years of relevant work experience.
Graduate degree in Business, Law, Engineering, or Construction Management.
Infrastructure construction program and contract management.
Experience managing contracts in the transportation industry environment.
CPCM, PMP, CCM, or other relevant certification in good standing preferred, but not required.
Knowledge of FAR, CFR 200, and other government regulations.
Proven record of accomplishment improving business processes and delivering measurable results.
Transportation industry experience.

Responsibilities

Assist project teams with investigating construction claims and change orders for merit, cost impact, schedule impact, delay recovery, concurrent delay, and Amtrak cost recovery.
Develop claim and change order negotiation strategy
Support contract and GMP negotiation for alternative delivery methods and contracts
Supports resolution of complex contract and commercial inquiries regarding risks, issues, contract obligations and revisions needed on active CAPD projects.
Develop and implement claims management strategy and process for CAPD projects.
Develop job aids, templates, and training to build business acumen and capabilities for managing construction claims.
Manage engagements with forensic scheduling, engineering, and accounting firms providing claim and change order investigation support
Documents lessons learned from claims and change orders and implements appropriate changes to Amtrak contract templates and commercial terms with Law and Procurement.
Delivers training for CAPD CMs and COTRs regarding change management, negotiations, preparation of independent cost estimates, and other contract management functions.
In conjunction with the Procurement & Supply Chain team and Law, develops, disseminates, and implements contract management best practices.
Ensure contract compliance with applicable laws and regulations, across the CAPD portfolio.
Communicates and works closely with departmental peers and CAPD project teams across functional areas to build contract administration influence and set appropriate policies and direction.
Leverages best practices and makes decisions based on the best interests of Amtrak
Proactively engages all of the relevant internal parties in cross-functional activities to achieve shared goals and metrics to achieve success.
Effectively creates and uses written material, oral presentations, and verbal interchange, and be at ease working with business leaders and executive staff
Regularly reports out progress and significant developments to senior management.
Interfaces directly with end-users, suppliers, Amtrak senior leadership, attorneys and government agencies as needed.
Development and mentoring of contracts professionals is critical aspect of this position.