Contracts Manager

Company Overview:

Hillwood, a Perot company, is ranked as one of the top industrial, commercial, and residential real estate developers in the country. Headquartered in Dallas, Hillwood Communities is one of the preeminent developers of residential communities and masterplans in the country. Since its inception in 1988, Hillwood Communities has built or invested in over 100 communities throughout the United States and Costa Rica and has developed more than 30,000 residential lots. The company currently oversees 30 active projects in 10 cities and six states. For additional information, visit www.hillwood.com.

Position Summary:

The Contracts Manager will oversee all aspects of contract administration related to the lot development process, ensuring compliance with legal standards, company policies, and industry best practices. This position involves coordinating with internal teams and external partners to manage contracts from initial negotiation through to completion, to ensure the timely and accurate execution of contracts to meet project objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Contract Management:
• Oversee the entire contract lifecycle, from contract formation to execution, amendments, renewals, and closures.
• Serve as the primary reviewer of all contracts, ensuring terms align with project requirements and company policies.
• Maintain an organized and accessible database of contracts and related documents.
• Provide guidance to the Contracts Administrator on contract preparation standards, identifying any needed adjustments to meet legal or operational standards.
• Ensure all contract terms are accurate and compliant with company standards. 
• Work with project teams to identify contract language modifications as needed.
• Operate as liaison between project teams and Hillwood legal teams to request revised contract terms that align with project requirements and organizational objectives.
• Risk Management:
• Ensure contract terms comply with company policies, legal standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify potential risks within contracts and provide recommendations to mitigate them.
• Resolve contractual issues promptly to maintain project timelines and mitigate risk.
• Coordinate with internal teams to review and approve contract modifications or amendments, ensuring these changes are well-documented and risk-assessed.
• Monitor compliance with terms and conditions, flagging any deviations or breaches.
• Vendor Pay Application Management:
• Oversee the submission, review and approval of pay applications to ensure timely payments to vendors and subcontractors that are within budget.
• Review vendor pay applications to confirm alignment with contract terms, project milestones, and agreed-upon budgets.
• Provide guidance to Contracts Administrator as needed regarding vendor payment compliance.
• Oversee communication with vendors regarding any discrepancies in required documentation before payment processing.
• Vendor Insurance Compliance:
• Oversee the collection and review of vendor insurance certificates to ensure adequate coverage in alignment with company policies and contractual requirements.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to address deficiencies or discrepancies in insurance coverage.
• Maintain an organized system for tracking insurance documentation and ensuring ongoing compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Budget and Cost Control:
• Collaborate with Development Managers and accounting teams to ensure contracted costs align with approved budgets.
• Facilitate the approval of contracts and change orders outside of budgetary constraints and manage cost implications in real-time.
• Relationship Management:
• Act as the primary liaison between internal teams (such as development management, accounting, legal) and external partners (vendors, subcontractors, and clients).
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships to foster trust, transparency, and efficient contract execution.
• Compliance and Reporting:
• Prepare and present regular reports on contract status, risks, and other key performance indicators.
• Support audits and reviews as needed to uphold integrity and compliance related to all job responsibilities.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong understanding of development industry regulations, and risk management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret contract language and financial impacts.
• Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred).
• 5 years of experience in contract management within the construction, real estate, or residential development industry.
• Experience working with Special Utility Districts (SUDs) and a strong understanding of the unique contractual and regulatory considerations involved in projects that require SUD compliance (preferred).

EEO Statement:

Hillwood is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

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