Contract Manager

Reference Number : 560

Status : Permanent - Full-time

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $102 816 - $127 008

Number of positions to be filled : 1

Application Deadline : 01/05/2025

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Procurement, the Contract Manager will be accountable for the contract management of major executed agreements for VIA including, but not limited to Infrastructure, Real Estate, Food and Beverage services and other key portfolios.

The Contract Manager will be responsible for efficiently managing their portfolio of contracts over the contract lifecycle to maximize financial and operational performance and manage inherent risks. He/she will be the main facilitator for negotiations, recommendations, record keeping, monitoring, change management with respect to their portfolio of contracts.

In this role, the Contract Manager can expect to collaborate with many stakeholders working closely with representatives from procurement, legal, finance, the business unit and be the direct interface with the vendor’s commercial/contractual team.

**Responsibilities**:

- Act as the direct interface between internal stakeholders and the vendor on all contractual issues, ensure correct interpretation of contract terms and conditions.
- Ensure effective contract introduction, administration and compliance following contract award.
- Ensure that internal policies and procedures pertaining to accounting, administration, procurement and governance are applied and respected.
- Maintain solid relationships with vendors. Monitor supplier work progress and deliverables against predetermined schedules, delivery dates and if appropriate, verifying milestone achievements (SLAs).
- Ensure timely review of any change orders and preparation of contract amendments.
- Establish resolution strategies related to contractual issues and ensure their alignment with the contractual terms and conditions as well as the best practices. present commercial remedies for situations as required.
- Schedule review meetings and authorize corrective measures to be taken by the supplier.
- Draft and maintain documented correspondence for contracts and ensure their alignment with the contractual terms and conditions.
- Analyze and review existing contracts, identify and propose contractual improvements.
- Analyze and report on specific risks associated with contracts.
- Communicate progress and performance of vendors. Produce Contract status reports and share information with management and other departments involved.
- Participate in Supplier Performance reviews, support internal/external audits as required.
- Process temporary suspensions of Contract work when necessary.
- Authorize the release of holdbacks and other payments.
- Close out Contracts for capital projects (final review and payment).

**Requirements**:

- University degree in business administration, engineering, law or related field. MBA is an asset.
- Five (5) to seven (7) years as a major contracts manager, combined with 10 years' relevant experience.
- Experience in the rolling stock or construction industry and CPCM, CFCM, CCCM, or CCMA certification will be considered a strong asset.

**Competencies**:

- Deep understanding of contracts, contract governance, contractual language and the contract lifecycle.
- Skilled at creating and maintaining solid relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, understanding their requirements and recommending best practices.
- Exhibits strong analytical and critical thinking skills and the ability to understand technological, legal and financial implications.
- Superior understanding of contractual structures and documentation.
- Superior reading, writing, language and presentation skills.
- Possesses excellent persuasion, negotiation, judgment and leadership skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail, and talent for accuracy and precision.
- Strong ethics and professional integrity.
- Is able to participate in open discussions on topics of interest to the organization.
- Has a high degree of initiative, in addition to strong organizational, planning and leadership skills.
- Is able to work independently while maintaining a collaborative spirit with colleagues.
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite and document management systems.
- Experience in procurement with an integrated management system such as Oracle, an asset.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regard