Contracts Specialist

As a Contracts Specialist at AECOM, you'll work closely with project teams to prepare and review various types of contracts, including purchase orders and sub-consultancy agreements. You'll assist in drafting contractual correspondence, managing claims and disputes, and tracking contract milestones. Your role also involves ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and maintaining comprehensive contract records. This dynamic position requires strong communication skills and a detailed understanding of contract law to guide project teams through the complexities of contract management.

To qualify as a Contracts Specialist at AECOM, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, along with 3-5 years of experience in a commercial role, ideally with a background in dispute resolution. A thorough understanding of contract law, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are essential. Familiarity with contract management software and knowledge of industry standards related to engineering design projects can further enhance your candidacy for this role.

AECOM is devoted to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity. As a Contracts Specialist, you’ll have access to industry-leading technology and transformational projects that will enhance your skills and expertise. The company encourages flexibility with hybrid work arrangements, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively. Whether you’re working in the office, remotely, or on-site with clients, you’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, diversity, and individual contributions, all aimed at delivering impactful outcomes.

At AECOM, the working environment for a Contracts Specialist is dynamic and inclusive. You'll be surrounded by a global team of over 50,000 professionals collaborating on innovative infrastructure projects. Our commitment to safety and respect ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to bring their unique talents to work. With hybrid work options available, you have the flexibility to work where you are most effective, whether from home or within one of our offices, allowing for a healthier work-life balance.

Success as a Contracts Specialist at AECOM hinges on strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Proficiency in contract law and familiarity with dispute resolution procedures are vital. The ability to work collaboratively with various teams, such as project managers and legal professionals, is crucial for seamless contract management. Moreover, strong organizational skills will help you maintain contract records and monitor compliance effectively, all of which contribute to the overall success of projects.

When discussing your experience with contract negotiation, highlight specific instances where you successfully negotiated terms that benefited your organization while remaining fair to all parties involved. Illustrate your understanding of key negotiation strategies and how you navigate challenges during the process to achieve desirable outcomes.

Outline your approach to dispute resolution, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and comprehension of contract terms. Discuss the steps you take to assess the situation, collaborate with relevant teams such as legal, and strategize possible solutions, showcasing your ability to minimize conflict and maintain project continuity.

In your response, mention specific contract management software you have utilized and how they have enhanced your ability to track contract milestones, manage documentation, and ensure compliance. Illustrate how familiarizing yourself with technology can lead to increased efficiency in contract oversight.

Share a specific story about a challenging contract, pointing out the complexities involved. Highlight your role in analyzing issues, proposing solutions, and successfully resolving challenges, and demonstrate how you applied legal principles and your attention to detail to navigate the situation.

Discuss your systematic approach to compliance, including maintaining organized records, tracking milestones, and proactively communicating with project teams. Explain how your attention to detail helps prevent compliance issues before they arise, ensuring contracts are met according to schedule and agreed terms.

Explain your method for effectively breaking down complex legal jargon into understandable language, using examples or analogies where appropriate. Emphasize your ability to foster collaborative relationships with project teams by ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding contract implications and responsibilities.

When answering, discuss key elements such as clarity, mutual understanding, and a well-structured agreement. Emphasize that clear definitions, realistic timelines, and detailed terms are vital for fostering trust and cooperation throughout the life of the contract.

Share specific resources you utilize, such as legal journals, professional associations, or online courses that focus on contract law and relevant industry changes. Highlight your proactive approach to continuous learning and how it informs your work as a Contracts Specialist at AECOM.

Illustrate your contribution by sharing a relevant project example, detailing your role in contract management, communication with teams, and resolution of disputes. Explain how your efforts directly influenced the project’s success, emphasizing teamwork and your commitment to achieving project goals.

When addressing this question, convey your enthusiasm for AECOM’s commitment to delivering a better world, along with alignment in values and mission between yourself and the company. Highlight how the opportunity to work with a global leader in infrastructure consulting excites you and aligns with your career goals.