Contract Manager Kern County, CA

Contract Manager job at Pinnacle Recruitment. Kern County, CA.

Company Overview:

Our client is a well-established construction firm known for delivering high-quality commercial, infrastructure projects. As the company continues to grow, they are seeking a knowledgeable Contracts Manager to oversee contract review, negotiation, and compliance across all phases of project execution. This is a critical role that interfaces with internal project teams, legal counsel, clients, and subcontractors.

Position Summary:

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing contracts to ensure alignment with project goals, legal requirements, and risk mitigation strategies. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of construction law, familiarity with industry-specific contract types (e.g., AIA, DBB, CMAR), and hold either a Juris Doctor (JD) or a Paralegal Certificate with substantial construction experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of construction contracts including owner agreements, subcontracts, purchase agreements, and NDAs
• Interpret and advise on contract terms, conditions, and obligations
• Collaborate with project managers, estimators, and executive leadership during bid, pre-construction, and execution phases
• Ensure contractual compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as company policies and procedures
• Identify and mitigate risks through proactive contract structuring and negotiation
• Maintain organized records of contract documents, correspondence, and amendments
• Support claims management, change orders, and dispute resolution processes
• Track key contract milestones, deliverables, and obligations across multiple projects
• Liaise with external counsel when needed and represent the company during contract-related discussions with clients, vendors, and subcontractors

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Juris Doctor (JD) or Paralegal Certificate strongly preferred
• 5+ years of experience in contract management, with at least 2 years in the construction industry
• In-depth understanding of construction law, contract negotiation, and risk management
• Experience working with standard contract formats such as AIA, AGC, and CMAA
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple contracts and deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high level of professionalism
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with contract management software a plus