Director of Contracts & Risk Management

Merrick & Company•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Director of Contracts & Risk Management is a strategic leader responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive contracting and risk mitigation framework aligned with Merrick’s growth objectives and risk appetite. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the Director leads the contracting function within the Legal Department and builds, mentors, and leads a high-performing team of contract and legal operations professionals. The role influences multiple business units and supports domestic and international projects. It develops a cradle-to-grave approach to contract lifecycle and risk management, balancing rigorous risk mitigation with the commercial need to close deals that meet Merrick’s and its clients’ expectations. The position requires substantial familiarity with architectural, engineering, design, geospatial, and construction contracts and insurance, strong negotiation skills, and agility in response to changing market conditions, regulations, and perspectives.

Requirements

At least 15 years of experience in contract management, risk management, legal operations, or a closely related field.
At least five years of people leadership experience, including responsibility for leading and developing multiple direct reports.
Experience supporting contracts and risk management within the AEC, engineering, architecture, or construction industries.
Demonstrated experience managing and negotiating complex architecture, engineering, design, construction, or professional services contracts.
Project management experience.
Strong understanding of contract law, legal terminology, contractual risk allocation, and commercial risk management.
Proven track record of leading complex contract negotiations and developing practical risk mitigation strategies.
Experience developing contract management strategies, policies, processes, or negotiation frameworks.
Familiarity with applicable industry regulations and standards, including U.S. federal government contracting requirements.
Ability to operate strategically and support an organization entering new markets, geographies, and project types.
People leadership capabilities, including coaching, delegation, performance management, conflict resolution, and employee development.
High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience with contract lifecycle management systems and related business technology.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, architecture, construction management, pre-law, or a related field.
U.S. citizenship, as projects for this position require it.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or another relevant advanced degree.
Experience overseeing or providing strategic direction for a corporate insurance program, including broker, carrier, and underwriter relationships.
Experience supporting multinational or international contracting and business operations.
Experience with professional liability, design and construction claims, payment disputes, and other complex contract matters.
Experience building or transforming a contract management function, including contract lifecycle management processes, playbooks, technology, metrics, and scalable operating practices.

Responsibilities

Lead Merrick’s multinational contracting and contract risk management function, including reviewing, redlining, and negotiating complex agreements.
Develop and execute a cradle-to-grave contract management strategy to improve efficiency, mitigate risk, and maximize value throughout the contract lifecycle.
Establish and continuously improve contract management policies, playbooks, negotiation strategies, approval frameworks, and risk mitigation practices.
Provide strategic oversight of Merrick’s corporate insurance program, including its structure, renewals, coverage optimization, and broker and carrier relationships.
Lead presentations and negotiations with insurance underwriters to align coverage with Merrick’s risk profile, evolving exposures, and business strategy.
Partner with business leaders and corporate functions to integrate contract and risk considerations into business decisions while supporting growth and expansion.
Advise on payment disputes, design and construction claims, professional liability claims, and other contract-related disputes.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators that align the contracting and risk management function with Merrick’s enterprise business plan.
Build, develop, and retain a high-performing team by setting expectations, providing feedback, assessing capabilities and capacity, and implementing staffing, development, and succession strategies.
Partner with the General Counsel on organizational effectiveness, succession planning, and leadership continuity.
Drive continuous improvement across contracts and legal operations so processes and resources scale with Merrick’s growth.

Benefits

Eligible U.S. employees participate in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Health insurance.
Dental and vision coverage.
Paid time off (PTO).
Referral incentives.
Annual performance reviews.
Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Employee recognition programs.
Peer mentor program.