Prime Contracts Manager
Aecon Group Inc.
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Montreal • Canada
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Tech Stack
About the role
- Serve as the project’s principal advisor on all legal and contractual matters related to the Prime Contract.
- Interpret contractual rights, obligations, liabilities, and risk exposures; provide timely counsel to project leadership.
- Develop and maintain the Prime Contract Variation and Change Management Plan, establishing legal processes, documentation standards, and controls.
- Monitor project performance to identify potential contractual or legal issues early and recommend appropriate actions or remedies.
- Ensure the project’s compliance with notification requirements, insurance obligations, performance standards, and all legal deliverables.
- Assess legal risks associated with changes, delays, cost variances, and performance issues.
- Prepare and support negotiation of change orders, claims, counterclaims, and potential dispute matters.
- Lead or support the dispute resolution process, including mediation, negotiation, or arbitration-related preparation as required.
- Collaborate with Risk Management and Insurance teams on matters involving policy interpretation, coverage, and claims.
- Draft, review, and oversee contractual correspondence, ensuring accuracy, legal compliance, and strategic positioning.
- Maintain meticulous documentation of contract changes, modifications, and supporting records.
- Partner with Legal, Commercial, Engineering, Construction, Procurement, and Project Controls to ensure alignment between project activities and contractual frameworks.
- Provide guidance on legal positions impacting project strategy and decision-making.
- Provide legal oversight (not direct management) to ensure subcontract templates and flow down clauses align with the Prime Contract’s legal requirements particularly around notices, insurance, and compliance.
- Support the Subcontracts team through legal interpretation when needed.
- Act as a key legal advisor to the Project Director, Project Manager, and executive leadership throughout construction.
- Contribute to project close-out activities related to contractual obligations, legal compliance, and final documentation.
Requirements
- Degree in Law (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent) preferred; degrees in Engineering, Business, Finance, or related fields considered with strong legal/contracts background.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in contract law, construction law, contract management, commercial management, or comparable legal advisory roles.
- Strong knowledge of construction law principles, contract interpretation, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Deep understanding of major contract types (e.g., design ‑ build, cost reimbursable, lump sum, target price).
- Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure projects, ideally within rail, transportation, or complex engineering environments.
- Familiarity with legal aspects of integrated ERP systems and documentation controls.
- Proven experience managing or advising on design-build change management, entitlement evaluation, and negotiation.
- Expertise in Quebec civil law, francization requirements, and provincial regulations (RBQ, CCQ, CSST).
- Fluency in French and English is mandatory.
- Must be local to Quebec City or willing to relocate.
Benefits
- Ensure you and your family receive the services needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Believe in helping you build your career through our Aecon University and Leadership Programs.
- Are committed to supporting and investing in inclusive work environments, through initiatives like Equity, Diversity & Inclusion training, our Aecon Women in Trades and Aecon Diversity in Trades programs , and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to ensure we are building inclusion into every aspect of our culture at Aecon.
- Are a leader in sustainable construction . With a strong commitment to operating responsibly by minimizing our impact on the environment and surrounding communities.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
contract lawconstruction lawcontract managementdispute resolutioncontract interpretationchange managementnegotiationdocumentation controlsentitlement evaluationlegal compliance
Soft Skills
advisorycollaborationguidanceleadershipcommunicationstrategic positioningrisk assessmentproblem-solvingattention to detailproject oversight
Certifications
LL.B.J.D.