At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract management for exciting construction projects and collaborate with top executives.
- Company: Join a leading mechanical contractor in the eastern US with a dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values integrity, collaboration, and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: JD degree, active Maryland or Virginia license, and 5-10 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
We are one of the leading mechanical contractors in the eastern United States. Our construction and service (mechanical and electrical) experience includes a broad range of commercial and government projects, including data centers, hospitals, sports stadiums, convention centers, hotels, and research laboratories.
The Director, Contracts Administration in-house Counsel supports the legal contractual management needs of The Poole and Kent Corporation (An EMCOR Company) by leading the drafting, review, negotiation, and administration of complex construction and commercial contracts. This role works closely with executive leadership, operations, estimating, procurement, and risk management to mitigate risk, support project delivery, and ensure contractual compliance across all phases of the project lifecycle.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of construction-related agreements, including:
- Prime contracts (public and private sector)
- Subcontracts and supplier agreements
- Purchase Order Agreements
- Design, design-build, and professional services contracts
- Change orders, amendments, and contract modifications
- Advise on contract terms related to schedule, scope, payment, retainage, indemnity, bonding, warranties, and limitations of liability.
- Identify and assess contractual, financial, and operational risks associated with projects.
- Support dispute avoidance strategies and assist with contract claims outside the scope of insurable claim matters, disputes, mediation, arbitration, and litigation management (in coordination with outside counsel).
- Provide legal guidance during pre-construction, bidding, execution, and close-out phases.
- Support estimating and operations teams with contract interpretation and compliance.
- Advise on subcontractor and purchase order/vendor default, termination, suspension, and project recovery issues.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including public procurement requirements, licensing, and contracting regulations.
- Develop and maintain standard contract templates, risk matrices, and negotiation playbooks.
- Improve contract management processes and support use of internal technologies.
- Train project managers, estimators, and executives on contract risks, best practices, and negotiation strategies.
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership, project executives, and operational teams.
- Collaborate closely with finance, HR/Risk Management, compliance, safety, and procurement departments.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. You must be work authorized in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in Maryland, or Virginia.
- 5–10+ years of experience in construction law, commercial contracting, or related legal practice (law firm and/or in house).
- Strong familiarity with construction contract structures, risk allocation, and industry standards.
- Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior in house experience with a general contractor, construction manager, or large specialty contractor.
- Experience with public works projects and government contracts.
- Familiarity with industry standard forms (e.g., AIA, ConsensusDocs, various types of construction contract methodology, GMP, Lump Sum, IDP, etc.).
- Knowledge of construction claims, schedule impacts, and cost recovery issues.
Computer Skills
Must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, (i.e. Outlook, Word and Excel). Working knowledge of project and financial software a plus.
Required Attributes
- Practical, business oriented legal judgment.
- Ability to balance legal risk with operational realities.
- Strong communication skills for non-legal audiences.
- Ability to manage high volume, high value contracts under tight deadlines.
- Must demonstrate integrity, honesty, professionalism, and appropriate concern regarding dissemination of sensitive and confidential information.
- Must demonstrate the ability to work well in a team oriented work environment and flexibility to take on added responsibilities when department demands present with additional workload.
- Must demonstrate professional self-discipline and initiative in performing work, attention to detail and committed to performing work within specified deadlines.
- Must prioritize and organize work in a fast-paced multi-tasking environment.
- Must build positive working relationships with multiple levels of employees, management, suppliers, and customers.
- Must demonstrate commitment to company values and safety culture.
Language Skills
Must have the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English, cooperate, and collaborate with multiple levels of customer, employees, unions, government agencies, vendors and suppliers, and other contractor organizations.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, and controls. The employee is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer our employees a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package and are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Director, Contract Administration (In-house Counsel) in Poole employer: The Poole and Kent Corporation
The Poole and Kent Corporation, an EMCOR Company, is an exceptional employer located in Baltimore, Maryland, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful projects across various sectors. Our competitive salary and benefits package, combined with a culture that values integrity and teamwork, make us a top choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the construction industry.
Contact Detail:
The Poole and Kent Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Contract Administration (In-house Counsel) in Poole
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and legal fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work and challenges in the industry. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Director of Contract Administration, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Contract Administration (In-house Counsel) in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Contract Administration role. Highlight your experience in construction law and contract management, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our needs. Use specific examples from your past work that relate to drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts in a construction context.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your relevant experience and why you’re a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application more efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Poole and Kent Corporation
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand various types of construction contracts, including prime contracts and subcontracts. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully negotiated or managed complex agreements.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills
Highlight your ability to identify and mitigate risks associated with contracts. Prepare to share instances where you developed strategies to avoid disputes or managed claims effectively, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach to legal risk management.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with teams like finance, HR, and operations in previous roles. Share specific examples that illustrate your ability to communicate legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in contract administration and how you resolved them, focusing on your analytical and negotiation skills.
