Senior Commercial Manager

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

The Senior Commercial Manager (COM) on Design for Design‑Build projects assists the Jacobs Project Manager/Design Manager (PM/DM) and key staff to pursue and deliver large-scale transportation projects. This position reports to the Vice President and Executive Director of Design Build for Transportation, Cities & Places, and non‑IPD Water in Jacobs’ BIA West Region. The hired candidate, preferably, will be based out of California
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The COM will work with multiple stakeholders, including operational leadership, sales team, PM/DM, internal staff, Contract Management Group (CMG), Subcontract Management Group (SMG), Legal, clients, and subconsultants.

• Partner cross‑functionally with sales, operations, CMG, and SMG teams to shape and negotiate Teaming Agreements, Subconsultant Agreements, and Design Services Agreements (DSAs), enabling well‑structured partnerships that support successful project outcomes.
• Design and strengthen contract management practices by developing and implementing compliant, efficient procedures aligned with company policy and contractual obligations.
• Champion subconsultant compliance by proactively overseeing subcontract performance and ensuring all contractual requirements are fulfilled, reducing risk and improving accountability.
• Evaluate and substantiate change opportunities by validating potential change orders for merit, engaging technical and financial resources to confirm labor, cost, and schedule accuracy, and coordinating timely internal approvals.
• Guide the preparation and execution of change orders, providing expertise and support to contracts administration and project teams to ensure accuracy and alignment with contract terms.
• Lead or support change negotiations alongside PMs and DMs, contributing to balanced outcomes that protect both project and organizational interests.
• Strengthen claim defense readiness by coordinating stakeholders, compiling documentation, and supporting project teams and legal partners in the preparation and defense of potential claims.
• Reduce contractual ambiguity through detailed review of contract documents, proactively identifying and addressing conflicts that could impact project execution.
• Drive proactive risk management by assisting in the identification of project risks, developing mitigation strategies, and overseeing project risk registers to minimize exposure.
• Anticipate and manage potential claims by reviewing issue logs and monitoring project developments that may have contractual or financial implications.
• Ensure contractual compliance and protection by confirming all required insurances, representations, and certifications are in place, maintained, and aligned with project‑specific requirements.
• Support timely project delivery by monitoring schedules for contractual milestones, deliverables, notices, and certifications to ensure obligations are met.
• Enable effective contract administration through clear correspondence, organized documentation, and accurate record‑keeping across all contractual matters.
• Facilitate financial clarity and resolution by collaborating with Accounts Payable to resolve invoicing and payment application issues involving clients, subconsultants, and suppliers.
• Lead successful contract closeout efforts by assisting PMs and DMs in completing DSA and Prime Contract closeout requirements prior to final payment.
• Provide contractual insight to project controls by advising on the financial and contractual impacts of change orders and project adjustments.
• Build organizational capability by delivering contract awareness and change order training to key project staff, strengthening contract literacy and risk awareness across teams.

• Minimum of 10+ years of demonstrated commercial management, contracts management and risk management experience in design‑build project…