Director of Contracts & Risk Management

OVERVIEW

As the Director of Contracts & Risk Management, you will serve as a strategic leader responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive contracting and risk mitigation framework that aligns with Merrick’s growth objectives and risk appetite. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will act as the focal point for the contracting function within the Legal Department, building, mentoring, and leading a high-performing team of contract and legal operations professionals.

This role influences multiple business units and supports Merrick’s multinational contracting and risk management for domestic and international projects, requiring the development of a robust "cradle-to-grave" approach to contract lifecycle and risk management. The ideal candidate is a proactive business enabler who balances rigorous risk mitigation with the commercial imperative to close deals that meet or exceed the expectations of both Merrick and our clients.

Success in this role demands a significant understanding of architectural, engineering, design, geospatial, and construction contracts and insurance, top-notch negotiation acumen, and the agility to adapt to evolving market conditions, regulatory landscapes, and diverse perspectives.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead Merrick’s multinational contracting and contract risk management function, including the review, redlining, and negotiation of complex agreements.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive cradle-to-grave contract management strategy that improves efficiency, mitigates risk, and maximizes value throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Establish and continuously improve contract management policies, playbooks, negotiation strategies, approval frameworks, and risk mitigation practices.
• Provide strategic oversight of Merrick’s corporate insurance program, including program structure, renewals, coverage optimization, and broker and carrier relationships.
• Lead presentations and negotiations with insurance underwriters to align coverage with Merrick’s risk profile, evolving exposures, and business strategy.
• Partner with business leaders and corporate functions to integrate contract and risk considerations into business decisions while supporting growth and expansion.
• Advise on payment disputes, design and construction claims, professional liability claims, and other contract-related disputes.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators that align the contracting and risk management function with Merrick’s enterprise business plan.
• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing meaningful feedback, assessing capabilities and capacity, and implementing staffing, development, and succession strategies to support Merrick’s evolving domestic and international business needs.
• Partner with the General Counsel on organizational effectiveness, succession planning, and leadership continuity.
• Drive continuous improvement across contracts and legal operations to ensure processes and resources scale with Merrick’s growth.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum fifteen (15) years of experience in contract management, risk management, legal operations, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of people leadership experience, including responsibility for leading and developing multiple direct reports.
• Must have experience supporting contracts and risk management within the AEC, engineering, architecture, or construction industries.
• Demonstrated experience managing and negotiating complex architecture, engineering, design, construction, or professional services contracts.
• Project management experience. 
• Strong understanding of contract law, legal terminology, contractual risk allocation, and commercial risk management.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex contract negotiations and developing practical risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience developing contract management strategies, policies, processes, and/or negotiation frameworks.
• Familiarity with applicable industry regulations and standards, including U.S. federal government contracting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to operate strategically and support an organization entering new markets, geographies, and project types.
• Strong people leadership capabilities, including coaching, delegation, performance management, conflict resolution, and employee development.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience working with contract lifecycle management systems and related business technology.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, architecture, construction management, pre-law, or a related field.
• Projects for this position require U.S. Citizenship.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or other relevant advanced degree.
• Experience overseeing or providing strategic direction for a corporate insurance program, including broker, carrier, and underwriter relationships.
• Experience supporting multinational or international contracting and business operations.
• Experience with professional liability, design and construction claims, payment disputes, and other complex contract matters.
• Experience building or transforming a contract management function, including contract lifecycle management processes, playbooks, technology, metrics, and scalable operating practices
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TOTAL REWARDS & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Employee Ownership – All eligible U.S. employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), sharing in the company’s success.
• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits – Merrick & Company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and paid time off (PTO).
• Robust Referral Program – Earn incentives for referring top talent to join our team.
• Performance Reviews – Annual reviews to recognize contributions and support career growth.
• Professional Development – Access to ongoing training and development opportunities to build your skills and advance your career.
• Employee Recognition – Formal programs to celebrate achievements and outstanding performance.
• Peer Mentor Program – Get support and guidance through structured mentorship opportunities.
• And More – Additional programs and benefits designed to support your success and well-being.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Apply online only. No e-mail, hard copy or third-party resumes accepted.
• At Merrick, every resume is carefully reviewed by our team of experienced human recruiters—never by AI. We are committed to a fully human-centered hiring process, ensuring each candidate receives thoughtful, personalized attention at every stage.
• Merrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
• Employment with Merrick is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment background check, MVR check, and drug screen.