Contracts Lead

Job Title: Contracts Lead
Job ID: 77303
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Overview:
Our client is a publicly traded energy company focused on advancing multiple lithium brine projects in the United States to support a new era of domestic US lithium production in support of the global energy transition. They believe the future of North American energy security can be unlocked through the innovative development and use of technology in an environmentally sustainable way, as evidenced by their long-term operation of a proven industrial-scale Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) demonstration plant. The Contracts Lead reports directly to the Director, Procurement and Contracts. This role is responsible for the planning, strategizing, development, and execution of contracting activities for a project or major project area. The candidate will drive value-add initiatives by utilizing industry best practices, while upholding the highest standards of integrity. The Contracts Lead will proactively manage and monitor contractor performance to ensure the safe, timely, and cost-effective completion of contracts, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Our client is building a diverse and inclusive workplace to support the growth of an agile and high performing team. They offer a flexible work environment, competitive compensation including performance incentives, health and wellness benefit plans, and the opportunity for career growth and development.

What you will be doing:

• Lead and drive the development and execution of contract management activities, initiatives, and processes to ensure effective performance and compliance management. This includes strategizing key interventions, fostering strong contractor and supplier relationships, and managing project costs to sustain and maximize the value created across all contracting activities.

• Lead and manage the monitoring of contractor and supplier performance and compliance. Review, access and report on contractor and supplier performance, while recommending mitigation strategies to address any issues.

• ???????Manage contract disputes by developing strategies to address issues. This encompasses providing recommendations and guidance, and actively participating in negotiations concerning discrepancies, for the purpose of maintaining contract integrity to safeguard the interests and reputation of stakeholders.

• ???????Lead and drive Economies of Scale initiatives by consolidating project and operational data and leveraging synergies across common sourcing items.

• ???????Manage the administration of contract documentation, serving as the central resource for all contract related matters.

• ???????Drive value creation to the organization by managing costs associated with project contracts.

• ???????Manage and mitigate business associated risks to deliver comprehensive, high-quality solutions that ensure compliance with agreed-upon project deliverables.

• ???????Develop and implement a risk assessment strategy to foster awareness within the team throughout the project lifecycle, including the measurement, monitoring, and management of risks.

• ???????Monitor and manage contract variations to ensure alignment with the established plan.

• ???????Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders, including government authorities, business and management institutions, key industry players, and service providers.

• ???????Communicate and interpret the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) and Code of Conduct (COC) practices, to support a culture of excellence, compliance and collaboration in all business dealings.

What you must have:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or professional certifications, CPP, SCMP, CCM Associate, CCM Practitioner, ACPP and CSCP are preferable.

• ???????Experience (15+ years), in contract management, heavy industrial sector, major EPCC/EPCM projects or large industrial projects / plant setting.

• Ability to quickly assess situations, make informed decisions, and offer solutions that balance company interests with client/vendor relationships.

• ???????Demonstrated proficiency with complex major capital projects, from contract drafting to contract formation, negotiations and administration.

• An understanding of applicable regulatory requirements in international markets.

• Extensive knowledge of a variety of standard engineering methods, technologies and design techniques.

• Ability to thrive in complex and matrix work environments.

• Practical experience negotiating contracts, including commercial acumen and understanding of terms and conditions, various pricing models, deliverables, and resolving disputes.

• Comfortable leading a team, mentoring junior contract professionals, and overseeing large contract projects.

• Proficient in working with different types of contracts (e.g., fixed-price, time and materials, government contracts, or service agreements) based on the relevant industry (mining, energy, oil and gas).

• Flexibility in handling changes in contracts or requirements as projects evolve.

• Expertise in developing sophisticated contract strategy and delivery models.

• Expert level contract drafting and technical writing skills.

• Expertise in developing creative solutions to resolve contract-related challenges, such as disputes, delays, or performance issues.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple contracts simultaneously to meet deadlines and organizational objectives.

• Clear and effective communication with internal teams, external vendors, and clients, ensuring that everyone understands their obligations and expectations.

• Inspire a mindset of learning and growth, where team members feel empowered to innovate, solve problems, and develop their skills creating a culture of continuous improvement.

• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure successful contract execution.

• Ability to lead, guide, and mentor contract teams or junior staff to ensure alignment with organizational goals and contract success.

• Competence in making critical decisions regarding contract terms, amendments, and risk management, often under pressure.

• Confidence in negotiating with vendors, suppliers, and clients to achieve mutually beneficial terms and resolve conflicts.

• Ability to ensure that contracts align with applicable legal requirements and company policies, minimizing legal risks.

• Highly organized to oversee multiple contracts simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables are on track.

• Strong ethical standards to ensure contracts are fair, transparent, and comply with regulations.