Regional Contracts Specialist

Role Summary

Colas Western Canada (CWC) is looking for a capable, curious and commercially minded contracts professional who wants to make a visible contribution across our Western Canadian operations. Based in St. Albert and reporting to the Regional Contracts Director, you will work alongside project, operational, estimating, finance and legal teams to strengthen contract discipline from pursuit through project closeout.

This is a hands-on role for someone who can move comfortably between detailed documentation and the bigger project picture. You may review a bid risk assessment in the morning, help a project team frame a contractual notice in the afternoon, and update a change or subcontract register before day-end. You will be trusted to work independently, while knowing when to bring the right people together or escalate an issue.

Key Responsibilities

• Review tender and contract documents, identify key commercial obligations and risks, and prepare concise summaries for bid, project and operational teams.
• Support the full contract lifecycle from pursuit and award through execution, completion, warranty and final closeout as required.
• Draft and administer template-based subcontracts, work orders, purchase or service agreements, non-disclosure agreements, amendments, change orders and other routine commercial documents.
• Prepare, review and coordinate clear, timely contractual correspondence, including notices relating to change, delay, access, differing conditions, schedule and cost impacts.
• Maintain accurate contract files, registers, action lists, change logs and supporting records so project teams can find reliable information when it matters.
• Participate in project start-up, progress, commercial and closeout meetings; capture actions and follow through with accountable team members.
• Work with project teams to assemble factual records, timelines and supporting documentation for changes, claims, disputes and lessons learned.
• Support subcontractor onboarding and compliance, including agreement status, insurance certificates, amendments and final documentation.
• Create practical dashboards, reports, templates and workflows that improve consistency, visibility and decision-making across the region.
• Share knowledge through facilitating short training sessions and practical guidance tailored to operational teams.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, Law, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training and relevant experience will be considered.
• 5-10 years of progressive experience in contract administration, commercial management, project coordination, project controls, procurement, construction administration or a related project-based role.
• Experience working in civil construction, infrastructure, transportation, industrial services, engineering, or another fast-paced project environment.
• Exposure to contract lifecycle management, including tender review, contract execution, subcontract administration, change management and project closeout.
• Experience supporting project teams with contractual correspondence, documentation, claims, dispute support or commercial reporting is considered an asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to connect contractual obligations to project cost, schedule, risk and operational outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, professional correspondence and contract-related documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and competing demands while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across project, operational and corporate teams.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities and appropriately escalate issues when required.
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a willingness to learn, share knowledge and contribute to process enhancements.
• Strong facilitation and collaboration skills, including the ability to support training initiatives and influence stakeholders without direct authority.

Technical Requirements

• Working knowledge of contract administration principles, commercial processes, change management and project documentation practices.
• Ability to review and interpret contracts, specifications, procurement documents and commercial terms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience preparing and maintaining contract registers, change logs, action trackers and project documentation repositories.
• Familiarity with document control systems, contract lifecycle management systems, ERP platforms or project management software is an asset.
• Experience using Adobe Acrobat Pro and electronic document workflow tools is considered an asset.
• General understanding of construction contracts, subcontract administration, claims documentation and risk management principles.
• Valid Class 5 driver's licence and the ability to travel periodically throughout Western Canada as business needs require.

Why Join CWC

You will join a practical, collaborative team where strong contract administration is valued as a business enabler. The role offers exposure to varied projects, contracts and operating teams across Western Canada, with direct opportunities to strengthen project outcomes, develop your commercial judgment and broaden your understanding of the construction business.

Interested in adding value while continuing to learn?

We welcome applicants who bring sound project experience, thoughtful judgment and a genuine interest in developing deeper contract expertise. If you meet most of the qualifications and can demonstrate transferable experience, we encourage you to apply.

CWC is committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process upon request.