Contracts and Commercial Lead

Position

Contracts and Commercial Lead

Location

Vancouver, Calgary

Status

Full Time, Salaried

Closing Date

April 14, 2026

Salary

$130k – 160k annually

POSITION SUMMARY

The Contracts and Commercial Lead plays a critical role in driving the success of projects at Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) by leading all contractual and commercial activities from pre-award through to project close out. This role ensures contracts are strategically structured, effectively negotiated, and professionally managed to protect TNDC’s interests while supporting safe, efficient, and profitable project delivery.

As a key commercial leader, you’ll partner closely with Construction, Project Management, Finance, Legal, and Procurement teams to manage risk, guide decision-making, and resolve complex contractual matters. From contract interpretation and change management to claims and dispute resolution, you’ll provide expert leadership that keeps projects aligned and moving forward.

Overseeing multiple projects, this role requires strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to influence across all levels of the organization. Reporting to the Operations Controller, the Contracts and Commercial Lead also supports and mentors Contracts staff, contributing to a high-performance, values-driven environment that reflects TNDC’s commitment to excellence and the Tahltan Nation.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

·       Lead the development, review, negotiation, execution, and administration of client contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and commercial agreements.

·       Establish and enforce best practices for contract management, documentation, and compliance across assigned projects.

·       Provide authoritative interpretation of contractual terms, conditions, and risk allocation to project teams and senior leadership.

·       Identify, assess, and proactively manage contractual and commercial risks, escalations, and opportunities.

·       Lead change management processes, including evaluation, preparation, negotiation, and approval of change orders, amendments, and claims.

·       Oversee subcontractor and supplier commercial management, ensuring scope alignment, fair risk allocation, and compliance with contract terms.

·       Support claims preparation, defense, and resolution, including collaboration with legal counsel where required.

·       Partner with Finance and Project Controls to ensure financial reporting and tracking align with contractual requirements.

·       Maintain contract registers, commercial logs, and correspondence records, ensuring accuracy, auditability, and governance compliance.

·       Participate in project reviews, risk assessments, and executive reporting related to commercial and contractual performance.

·       Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to Contracts Specialists, Contract Administrators, or other assigned staff.

·       Ensure confidentiality, ethical conduct, and integrity in all commercial and contractual dealings.

·       Contribute to continuous improvement of TNDC’s contract strategies, templates, systems, and commercial procedures.

·       Support contract close‑out activities, including final accounts, releases, and post‑project commercial reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS

·       Degree or Diploma in Business Administration, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Law, Engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience.

·       Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in contract management or commercial leadership within construction, mining, or related industrial environments.

·       Demonstrated experience managing contracts within one or more of the following sectors:

o   Heavy Civil Construction

o   Mining

o   Oil/Gas/Chemical Refining

o   Other related industries

·       Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial frameworks, and risk management

·       Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements, manage claims, and resolve disputes

·       Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience mentoring or leading teams

·       Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels

·       Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

·       High level of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment, with a commitment to confidentiality

·       Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, including remote or site-based settings

·       Proficiency in contract management systems, document control, and Microsoft Office

·       Commitment to TNDC’s values of Safety, Tahltan Centred, Integrity, Respect, Trust, and High Performance

MENTORSHIP AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to contracts and project personnel by sharing commercial expertise, risk management strategies, and industry best practices in a respectful and culturally aware manner. Uphold Tahltan values by fostering transparency, accountability, and collaboration in all contractual relationships. Support the development of internal capability by building sustainable contract management practices that strengthen TNDC, its workforce, and the broader Tahltan community for current and future generations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position may be based at a project site or corporate office and may require frequent travel to active project locations, including remote or industrial sites. Workloads may fluctuate based on project phase and commercial priorities, with periods of high-pressure during negotiations, claims, or project close‑out.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

·       Pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening and fitness for work assessment where required for site access

·       Valid class 5 driver’s license and abstract, as required for site travel

·       Willingness to sign an Oath of Confidentiality

SUPERVISION

May oversee Contracts Specialists, Contract Administrators, or other commercial staff as assigned. Provides functional leadership and commercial direction to project teams while working collaboratively with Construction, Project Management, Finance, and Procurement.