Deputy Contracts Manager

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Summary:

Manages all aspects of construction and professional and non-professional service contracts from initial submission of contract documents through contract closeout.

Posting Period 10/2/2025 - 10/16/2025

Location: Chelsea, MA

Salary: $112,532.26 to $165,504.66 annually $2,164.08 to $3,182.78 weekly

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Director, Procurement, develops and implements Authority-wide policies and procedures for all elements of the contract function, including creation, review and/or evaluation of RFQs, RFPs, proposals, bids and contracts as well as the negotiation of contracts and terms and the review of contract amendments, change orders, contract close-out and final payment.
• Reviews bids, contract processes and documents for format and substance as well as compliance with Authority standards and applicable law, especially MGL Chapters 149 and 30; directs assigned Assistant Contracts Manager(s) in performance of these same functions.
• Oversees and administers advertising programs and systems to open bids and award and execute contracts in compliance with Authority standards and Commonwealth law; works with administrative staff on these issues.
• Assists the Director, Procurement in the defense of contract claims and the dispute resolution process; participates in and directs Assistant Contract Manager(s) in similar activities as appropriate.
• Advises Law Division and Senior Authority staff on contract matters as required; represents Authority before Commonwealth Attorney General's Office; directs Assistant Contracts Manager(s) in performance of these functions.
• Directs Assistant Contracts Manager(s) in the review and evaluation of consultant proposals, emphasizing compensation analysis and cost control.
• Participates with administrative staff in the establishment and maintenance of a contract database that tracks progress through the advertising, bidding and award stages as well as through the life of the contract.
• Reviews, drafts and helps negotiate contract terms and conditions; oversees the preparation and updating of standard forms and other contract provisions; supervises Assistant Contracts Manager(s) and directs and assists Authority staff in performance of these functions.
• Reviews contract amendments and change orders; participates in contract close-out and final payment stages; directs Assistant Contracts Managers in performance of these same functions.
• Participates in Consultant/Contractor Selection Committees as required.
• Participates with technical personnel in presentations to the Board.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A four (4) year college program in business administration or a related field; and
• A masters degree in a related field or a degree in law is strongly preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Operators License.
• May be eligible to telework up to 50% after an initial waiting period.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Understanding of contract administration as acquired through six (6) to eight (8) years contract management experience, of which at least two (2) years should be in a supervisory capacity.
• Knowledge of and experience with MGL Chapters 149 and 30 and with design and other professional and nonprofessional service contracts required; governmental contract experience preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office machines as normally associated, with the use of telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machine.

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, talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. There are no requirements that weight be lifted or force be exerted in the performance of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually a moderately quiet office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Director, Procurement.

Exercises close supervision of assigned Assistant Contracts Manager(s).

Other Position Information

PCR: 8810044

Division: Administration

Department: Procurement

Union/Grade: USW Local 9360 (Unit 6)/Grade 13

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.