Contracts Manager in Anchorage, Alaska at Donlin Gold LLC

Reporting to the Project Services Manager, the Contracts Manager is a senior project leadership role responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts for a major, long‑duration mining development in Alaska. Reporting to the Project Services Manager, this role leads the project’s contract management function and provides direct supervision to a team of Contract Administrators.

This position is accountable for ensuring that all contractual strategies, agreements, and administration activities support the project’s cost, schedule, risk, and execution objectives. This role works closely with Project Controls, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and technical teams, as well as EPCm contractors, to ensure disciplined contract execution and effective commercial risk management across all phases of the project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the overall contract management strategy in alignment with project objectives and governance frameworks.
• Provide direct leadership, direction, and performance management for Contract Administrators.
• Establish standardized contract administration procedures, workflows, and controls across the project.
• Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of EPCm and major service contracts.
• Oversee all contract administration activities, including change management, claims mitigation, correspondence, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure contracts are administered in accordance with contractual terms, approved budgets, schedules, and project controls requirements.
• Manage contract close‑out activities, including final accounts and documentation, in alignment with project objectives.
• Identify, assess, and manage contractual risks and opportunities throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Support change evaluation and commercial impact assessments in coordination with Project Controls and Finance.
• Proactively manage claims avoidance and dispute resolution efforts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract‑related matters with EPCm contractors and key suppliers.
• Facilitate regular contract performance reviews with internal stakeholders and contractors.
• Coordinate closely with Procurement to ensure alignment between contracting strategy and procurement execution.
• Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and project governance standards.
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining accurate, complete, and well‑organized contract records.
• Provide contract status updates and decision support to the Project Services Manager and Project Director as required.
• Serve as the project’s senior authority on project controls, commercial governance, and integrated project services, providing expert guidance to leadership and EPCm partners.
• Develop and continuously refine project services standards, methodologies, and best practices to ensure world‑class execution across all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Mentor and upskill internal team members and EPCm counterparts, strengthening organizational capability in cost management, scheduling, contracting, and project governance.
• Lead complex problem‑solving and scenario analysis, offering expert interpretation of cost, schedule, and commercial data to support high‑impact strategic decisions.
• Represent the Owner’s project services function in audits, assurance reviews, and external stakeholder engagements, ensuring alignment with industry benchmarks and regulatory expectations.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in contract management, including significant experience on large capital or EPC/EPCm projects.
• Prior experience in mining, energy, or heavy industrial project environments strongly preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CCCM, CFCM, CIPS, or PMP are highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial terms, and contract administration best practices.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working within owner‑side project governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop contract administration teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience interfacing with senior leadership and external partners.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functional and project teams.

Working Conditions:

This position may require periodic travel to the Donlin project site and other locations within Alaska. The role may involve work in both office and field environments and coordination with personnel working in remote, camp‑based conditions.

Donlin Gold LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring and advancing qualified local and shareholder candidates from Calista Corporation and The Kuskokwim Corporation. A post-offer criminal background clearance, physical and drug screening are required. Open until filled.

Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States.