JOB SUMMARY:

The Specialist is accountable to provide subject matter expertise and administration of a specialized function. As a member of SaskPower’s management team, this position is responsible to act as a central point of contact in the management and administration of strategic and operational functions, providing expert advice and direction that aligns with departmental and corporate goals and objectives. The Specialist will be responsible for managing the full end-to-end contract and procurement life cycle of transmission construction contracts. This includes procurement document preparation and evaluation, negotiations, contract preparation, managing contracts from execution through to completion, post contract management and administration, and contract close-out.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

•    Prepare procurement documents (RFX’s) and led the procurement process, which includes obtaining approvals, working with the project team to determine construction requirements and the subsequent evaluation criteria, and discussing overall contracting strategies with the project team.
•    Manage fixed price lump sum and time and material (T&M) contracts.
•    Serve as the single point of contact for all commercial matters.
•    Lead, coordinate and prepare all contract related communications, including engaging stakeholders when required and preparing information/responses to contractors. 
•    Perform compliance reviews to determine compliance to contractual obligations. 
•    Resolve disputes according to contractual requirements, including negotiation settlements. 
•    Authorize and control contract related expenditures, including use of change orders and contingency.
•    Ensure all changes follow defined approval processes and communicate these changes to project team members. 
•    Manage different elements of risk within agreements such as financial, operational and legal. 
•    Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships.
•    Lead/organize project kickoff meetings and weekly construction update meetings.
•    Provide expert guidance, coaching, leadership, and cross-functional coordination in the development and management of contracts.
•    Communicate with contractors on a day-to-day basis. 
•    Review contractor correspondence (Request for Information (RFIs), Field Advice Memo (FAMs), Transmittals) with the project team and decide on the appropriate action (issue a response, negotiate, dispute, or no action).
•    Evaluate and monitor contract/contractor performance and take corrective action/deliver appropriate feedback. 
•    Establish long-term relationships with contractors through the life cycle of the contract. 
•    Evaluate contractor market and capability assessments before deciding on project procurement strategies. 
•    Continuous improvement of construction contracts, processes, procedures, and tools.
•    Negotiate and award agreements to contractors and/or suppliers to ensure services and materials are provided in the most cost-effective and proficient manner possible.
•    Responsible for the contract closure process, which includes verifying all work has been completed and deficiencies are addressed, resolving outstanding issues, and monitoring payments, holdback releases and warranty dates. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

•    Degree in Business Administration, or other related equivalent AND/OR;
•    Related professional designation(s) and/or certification(s) AND/OR;
•    Five (5) years of related contract administration experience and working knowledge of contract management principles
•    Team player with the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships both internal and external to SaskPower
•    Results oriented thinker, with the ability to manage and provide advice regarding complex and confidential issues with sensitivity and professionalism
•    Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills
•    Ability to work and manage in a changing environment
•    Excellent facilitation, project management and decision-making skills
•    Ability to foster a culture focused on safety, innovation and teamwork
•    Demonstrated skill in SaskPower’s competencies
•    Must have a continuing record of professional development  

A suitable combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered