Contract Manager, Commercial Management - Metrolinx

Role overview

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe by operating GO Transit, UP Express, and the PRESTO fare payment system, while also building new rapid transit infrastructure. The Legal & Corporate Commercial Office is seeking a Contract Manager, Commercial Management, reporting to the Director, Commercial Management. This position plays a key role in supporting effective commercial management across Metrolinx projects and initiatives.

Under the guidance of the Director, the successful candidate will develop contracting strategies, negotiate contract terms, evaluate commercial options, and provide strategic advice to protect Metrolinx's interests while delivering value for money. The role involves close collaboration with project teams, Legal Services, Procurement, and other corporate stakeholders to identify and mitigate commercial risks and support informed business decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the negotiation, administration, and management of complex commercial agreements, contract amendments, claims, and dispute resolution matters.
• Develop contract negotiation strategies and provide commercial recommendations that support operational and business objectives.
• Provide commercial advice and guidance to senior leadership, project teams, and stakeholders on contract management, governance, risk mitigation, and negotiation strategies.
• Partner with Procurement, Legal Services, Operations, and business units to support the successful delivery of operational and strategic initiatives.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, financial, operational, and commercial risks throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Monitor client issue resolution, change requests, and standardized processes that contribute to achievement of service levels (Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)), reporting results to the Senior Manager/Director routinely.
• Prepare materials for and report to SMT on contracts and negotiations being managed in commercial governance meetings.
• Review contractual clauses, commercial terms, and risk allocations to ensure compliance with corporate policies and protection of Metrolinx's interests.
• Interact with senior staff from internal and external stakeholders with respect to claims, dispute resolution, etc. including Procurement, Legal, external claims and legal consultants, contractors, and consultants.
• Make recommendations to the Senior Manager/Director regarding the validation of contractual obligations established and held by internal stakeholders and monitors, validates, and ensures compliance with contractually established obligations for completed work by contractors and acts as a key advisor to those with signing authority prior to the release of payments by the Cost/Financial team.
• Act as a role model for collaboration, inclusion, and professionalism, building effective relationships across the organization, contributing to team development through knowledge sharing and mentoring, and leading initiatives or project teams where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Completion of a degree in Civil Engineering, Contract/Construction Law, business, public administration, or a related discipline - or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent.
• Demonstrated progressive experience or training in planning, design, construction and operation of rail and/or transit infrastructure and services, and related works including experience managing large, complex, multi-year transit projects and/or operational contracts.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing high-value, commercially complex contracts.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including Legal, Procurement, Operations, and senior leadership teams.
• Professional Engineer Ontario (P.Eng.), Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), Project Management Professional (PMP), and/or Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) designation would be an asset.
• Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) certification would be an asset.
• Strong knowledge of contract management, contract negotiation, and commercial governance principles.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess commercial risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Strong understanding of contract interpretation, commercial terms, and contract administration practices.
• Proficiency in Oracle and Unifier is an asset.