Manager, Contracts and Warranty Claims

 Reference Number : 1133 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $102 816 - $127 008

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 02/03/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

The Contract Manager is responsible for leading the commercial and contractual management of the Dorval Hub infrastructure construction project delivered under a progressive design-build model. The Contract Manager will report to the Senior Director, Procurement on a functional basis and to the Program Director on a matricial basis for all project-related deliverables.

Acting as VIA Rail’s subject-matter expert on contract execution, the incumbent ensures compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements and that contractual rights and obligations are clearly understood, proactively managed, and aligned with value-for-money and risk-management objectives over the full contract lifecycle.

The Dorval Hub project will enter a co-development phase with a selected contractor for a limited period and then, a contract design-build will be negotiated. The Contract Manager will play a key role in these upcoming phases of the project.

Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Legal department, support the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and amendments for construction and infrastructure projects;
• Support the development and implementation of commercial strategies and negotiation positions that maximize value for money and maintain strong relationships with delivery partners and key stakeholders;
• Act as the direct interface between internal stakeholders and the contractor on all contractual issues, ensure correct interpretation of contract terms and conditions;
• Ensure effective contract introduction, administration and compliance following contract award;
• Ensure that internal policies and procedures pertaining to accounting, administration, procurement and governance are applied and respected;
• Maintain solid relationships with contractors. Monitor contractor work progress and deliverables against predetermined schedules, delivery dates and if appropriate, verifying milestone achievements (SLA’s);
• Ensure timely review of any change orders and preparation of contract amendments;
• Oversee the change management process, review and challenge contractor proposals, coordinate internal technical review, assess cost and schedule impacts, and support negotiations and recommendations to governance;
• Establish resolution strategies related to contractual issues and ensure their alignment with the contractual terms and conditions as well as the best practices. present commercial remedies for situations as required;
• Coordinate and lead VIA Rail’s position on claims and dispute resolution process, including early identification of issues, documentation of facts, strategy development in collaboration with internal/external counsel where required;
• Schedule review meetings and authorize corrective measures to be taken by the contractor;
• Draft and maintain documented correspondence for contracts and ensure their alignment with the contractual terms and conditions;
• Communicate progress and performance of contractors. Produce Contract status reports and share information with management and other departments involved;
• Analyze and report on specific risks associated with contracts;
• Participate in Contractor Performance reviews, support internal/external audits as required;
• Process temporary suspensions of Contract work when necessary;
• Authorize the release of holdbacks and other payments;
• Close out Contracts for capital projects (final review and payment);
• Establish and/or maintain processes, tools, templates and registers for:
  
  • Contract correspondence and notices;
  • Change management and variations;
  • Claims and disputes;
  • Risk and opportunity registers;
  • Payment and performance mechanisms.

Requirements:

• University Degree in business administration, civil engineering, legal. MBA is an asset;
• 7 to 10 years experience in contract management in the construction industry;
• All candidates must be fully bilingual, contractual documentation will be conducted in the French language;
• Excellent understanding of the construction industry, services, customers and providers;
• Deep understanding of construction contracts, contract governance, contractual language and the contract lifecycle;
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite and document management systems;
• Experience in procurement with an integrated management system such as Oracle, an asset.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

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