Development/Plant Operations Contract Manager

The Development/Plant Operations Contract Manager plays a key role in advancing the growth and effectiveness of LCS Group Purchasing (LCS GP). LCS Group Purchasing is a group purchasing organization owned by LCS but operates separately. The position leads the development, negotiation, and optimization of supplier contracts supporting New Construction, Renovation, and Plant Operations, with a focus on achieving competitive pricing, favorable business terms, and strong value for LCS Development and other LCS GP member stakeholders.

Experience is Everything. 

At LCS, experience is everything. We provide you the opportunity to use your talents in a progressive, growing organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of the seniors we serve. If you are seeking an organization that gives back, you’ll love working here. Our principles and hospitality promises define our company culture. LCS employees can be found participating in volunteer activities, getting involved in our committees or collaborating with team members in our innovative workspace. You’ll find several opportunities to grow as a professional, serve the community, and enhance the lives of seniors.  

What You’ll Do:  

• Develop, analyze, negotiate, draft, amend, and execute vendor contracts on behalf of LCS GP, including pricing, business terms, and other contractual provisions.
• Serve as a subject matter resource to internal teams and member stakeholders regarding contract development, negotiation, administration, and vendor agreements.
• Coordinate competitive sourcing and bidding opportunities in partnership with LCS Development, LCS Procurement, LCS GP members, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate sourcing activities, including Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), competitive bidding events, and reverse auctions.
• Support the development of product and service standards and vendor programs by establishing clear specifications, requirements, and bidding instructions.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage vendor opportunities, including tracking participation and gathering feedback on opportunities that are not pursued or awarded.
• Expand vendor participation and product and service offerings to strengthen LCS GP programs and deliver increased value to members.
• Perform cost and pricing analyses for new, existing, and proposed projects and provide recommendations to support informed purchasing and contracting decisions.
• Negotiate material, labor, product, and service pricing to achieve competitive costs and support project financial objectives.
• Proactively maintain current product, service, and pricing information to support accurate project estimates and contracting decisions.
• Serve as a liaison among internal stakeholders, account managers, members, and vendors to facilitate discussions and resolution of business and contractual terms.
• Communicate contract status, requirements, changes, and other relevant information to internal and external stakeholders throughout the contracting process.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and current contract documentation and records within designated systems.
• Monitor contract compliance with applicable company policies, procedures, and agreed-upon terms, and investigate and resolve contract-related issues as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, LCS GP members, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of LCS GP products, services, vendor programs, contracts, and membership needs.
• Utilize contract management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and other business systems to document, track, and manage contracting activities and vendor relationships.
• Identify opportunities to improve contracting, sourcing, and related business processes and recommend and implement appropriate improvements.
• Participate in training, education, and professional development activities as assigned, and assist with onboarding or training new LCS GP team members as needed.

What We’re Looking For: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of experience in construction, plant operations, contract negotiation, vendor management, or a related field.
• Knowledge of construction processes, sourcing, procurement, and vendor management; 
• Strong contract negotiation, cost analysis, problem-solving, and vendor relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate pricing, financial data, and other quantitative information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business systems such as Salesforce, Ariba, or similar CRM, sourcing, and spend analytics platforms.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.

Preferred qualifications:

• Residential construction and/or senior living industry experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.

Why Join Us?   

Industry Leader.  

Inclusive & collaborative culture.  

Top Workplace USA.  

Top Workplace Iowa.  

Charity and community involvement.  

Outstanding advancement opportunities.  

Ongoing career development.  

Benefits 

Competitive pay, great benefits and vacation time. We are an equal opportunity employer with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(K) with company match and paid parental leave.  

Our Commitment  

LCS creates living experiences that enhance the lives of seniors. You’ll see this commitment in our people. They’re talented, dedicated professionals who truly care about residents, with each conducting his or her work with integrity, honesty and transparency according to the principles of LCS. We strive to help every community succeed—strengthening available resources, establishing proven practices that lead to long-term growth and value for those living in, working for and affiliated with the community. Check us out on our website: https://www.lcsliving.com 

Additional Information  

Travel frequency: 25-30%

Estimated Salary: $87,000 - $108,000 

The actual title & salary will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.  

A POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK, INCLUDING REFERENCES IS REQUIRED. 

LCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.