Specialist, Contracts Management (Major Procure)

Job description: JOB SUMMARY:

As a senior role integrated within large multi-discipline project teams, it is responsible for development, negotiation, and management of high value, sensitive and complex contracts related to SaskPower’s large infrastructure projects. Organization, attention to detail and excellent communication skills are critical to success. This role will ensure the effective management of internal and external stakeholder relationships, sensitive issues and escalation as required

This role is accountable to provide contracting methodology assessments, strategic contract management expertise and guidance in the administration of large, complex contracts. As a member of SaskPower’s management team, this position is acts as a central point of contact in the management and administration of strategic and operational functions, providing expert advice and direction that aligns with departmental and corporate goals and objectives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

•    Procurement Decelopment Involvement:

Recommend appropriate contract types and assist with drafting and refining contract specifications prior to posting. Work with internal or external legal counsel to customize agreements to suit procurement needs. Prepare contract price forms and tailor them for proposal evaluation. Lead the review and evaluation of contracting models such as Fixed Price EPC, Open Book EPC, and EPCM for complex scopes of work. Compile pros and cons for each model and recommend the best value approach based on market conditions, risk, cost, and schedule. Assist project teams in soliciting and evaluating budgetary quotes for major equipment supply and construction contracts. •    Pre-Contract Award - Preparation of Contracts and Documentation:

Assist in preparing conformed specifications, identifying proposal sections to include in contracts, assembling contracts, and preparing supporting documents. Manage contract obligation summaries, purchase requisitions, agreement summaries, and execution requests. Oversee contract execution, obtaining approvals and signatures from authorized officers, distributing signed contracts, ensuring purchase order creation, and logging and filing contracts according to corporate standards. •    Pre-Contract Award - Negotiation and Facilitation:

Develop negotiation strategies, establish negotiation team roles and responsibilities, and identify risks, barriers, and opportunities. Lead contract negotiations, prepare negotiation agendas, and communicate progress to stakeholders.

•    Governance Support and Compliance:

Provide guidance and ensure compliance with SaskPower’s procurement governance, including signing and spending authority and procurement policies and procedures.

•    EPC/EPCM Contract Post-Award Support:

For large collaborative EPC contracts, integrate with project teams to provide contract management support, guidance on contract change management, and conflict resolution. Facilitate internal subcontractor bid package review and approval, including legal review and negotiation guidance. Review proposed bids to ensure awards align with SaskPower’s targets for local, Indigenous, and women-owned business participation and represent best value. Advise EPC contractors on evaluation concepts. Review approved vendor lists and work with Supplier Performance Management to ensure appropriate representation. Ensure fair evaluation of subcontractor proposals and alignment with standards. Lead contract risk reviews with business units and legal counsel.

•    Post-Contract Award - Contract Change Management

Monitor compliance with contract obligations, such as letters of credit, performance bonds, and insurance. Serve as the main communication point for suppliers on contract variations, managing changes in line with contract provisions and organizational policies. Prepare notices, change orders, directives, and amendments.

•   Post-Contract Award - Conflict Resolution:

Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships, address sensitive issues, and escalate as needed. Resolve conflicts related to scope changes, delays, quality, price changes, or contractual disputes to protect supplier relationships, operations, and reputation. Identify root causes, maintain communication with suppliers, and document and escalate issues as required. •   Post-Contract Award - Contract Close-Out:

Prepare and assist with contractual release certificates and ensure all obligations, including Builders’ Lien release, are met. Provide change management reporting for lessons learned and supplier evaluations. •   Quality Control and Assurance:

Follow corporate processes, policies, and procedures to ensure high-quality contract development and compliance with all contractual obligations.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

•    Degree in Business Administration, Commerce or other related equivalent AND/OR; •    Related professional designation(s) and/or certification(s) AND/OR; •    Five (5) years of related experience in leading high value, sensitive contract administration, negotiation, and a high-level understanding of contract management principles •    Team player with the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships both internal and external to SaskPower •    Results oriented thinker, with the ability to manage and provide advice regarding complex and confidential issues with sensitivity and professionalism •    Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills •    Excellent oral and written communication skills •    Ability to work and manage in a changing environment •    Excellent facilitation, project management and decision-making skills •    Ability to foster a culture focused on safety, innovation, and teamwork •    Demonstrated skill in SaskPower’s competencies •    Must have a continuing record of professional development  

A suitable combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered