Senior Contract Manager

Overview

The Sr. Contracts Manager is responsible for the contractual governance for large-scale manufacturing capital projects. This role ensures contracts are structured, negotiated, interpreted, adjusted, and enforced to protect the organization’s financial, operational, and legal interests throughout the full project lifecycle.

This position reports to the Vice President of Resin Operations and is part of the Resin and Technology group located in Muskegon, MI, working remotely to support capital projects globally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, negotiation, and execution of complex contracts for large-scale manufacturing capital projects, including EPC, equipment supply, and construction agreements.
• Provide end-to-end contractual governance across the project lifecycle, ensuring alignment with business objectives and protection of financial, operational, and legal interests.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, Legal, Finance, and Project Management teams to structure contracts, resolve commercial issues, and mitigate risk.
• Monitor contract performance, including scope, cost, schedule, and compliance; independently assess contractual and commercial risks and ensure timely escalation and resolution in alignment with project governance and business objectives.
• Develop and implement contract management best practices, standard work, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with continuous improvement principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Construction Management, or related field, with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in contract management, commercial management, or project controls within manufacturing, life sciences, construction, or industrial capital projects environments.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing complex commercial and U.S. government contracts (e.g., EPC, construction, or capital equipment agreements) with values typically exceeding $10M and involving high financial and operational risk exposure, including large-scale capital projects such as facility and manufacturing expansions.
• Strong understanding of contract terms and conditions, commercial frameworks, and risk allocation, with the ability to evaluate contractual and business risks and support practical, business-aligned solutions.
• Experience supporting large-scale, cross-functional capital projects, including collaboration with engineering, procurement, construction, and operations teams, and managing coordination across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to manage and support capital projects across the United States and internationally, including coordination with cross-regional stakeholders, suppliers, and project teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification in contract management or project management (e.g., NCMA, CPCM, PMP, or equivalent).
• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal education.
• Experience implementing contract management best practices within a continuous improvement environment.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements

• Ability to travel as required to support project execution, anticipated around 10%.
• Role operates in a professional office or remote work environment and requires prolonged periods of computer-based work, including virtual meetings.
• Applies independent judgment in evaluating contractual risks and business decisions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range: $160,000 - $180,000 per year.
• Eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Location

• Muskegon, MI (remote work arrangement; supports capital projects globally).