Join to apply for the Senior Commercial Manager role at HDR .
At HDR, we create a welcoming environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work each day.
Our focus is on architecture as a means to solve societal challenges and advance community well‑being around the world. This role offers the chance to drive meaningful change and influence the built environment for the better.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Project Manager to review compliance with the terms and conditions of prime and subcontracts.
- Assist in negotiating the terms and conditions of contracts.
- Document and agree to changes or amendments that arise during implementation or execution.
- Assist in staffing and commercial management implementation on the projects assigned.
- Provide guidance and assistance to Project Executives and Project Managers on contract matters.
- Train and mentor other Commercial Managers.
- Lead other commercial managers.
- Manage a portfolio of projects and oversee Commercial Managers on those projects.
- Implement company processes for commercial management and adjust processes for specific project needs.
- Collaborate with a project team consisting of schedulers, project analysts, document control manager, project accountants, and project/commercial management coordinators. Perform these functions on smaller projects as required.
- Implement procedures for contract management and administration in compliance with company policy.
- Administer ongoing contracts, ensuring compliance with contract documents for conformance such that the requirements of the contracts are implemented and maintained.
- Assist in drafting of subcontracts for architecture, engineering and specialty services; administer current prime contract and flow‑downs to subcontractors, task orders and modifications. Oversee contract performance by monitoring compliance documents, schedules and deliverables.
- Review contract documents to minimize conflicts and ambiguities.
- Assist in administering the project risk register.
- Assist in contract awareness and change‑order training for key project staff.
- Prepare correspondence and maintain records necessary to document effective administration of contractual matters.
- Make amendments to contractual documents as required.
- Review warranties, bonds, insurances, guarantees, etc., to ensure they are maintained and updated in accordance with the contract and client requirements.
- Assist Project Controls with respect to contractual implications of change orders and quality control.
- Assist in monitoring the schedule for submission of deliverables and other contractual deliverables and certifications.
- Understand intricacies of major project delivery types and associated contracts.
- Train others in relation to commercial risks.
- Prepare weekly and monthly reports as required.
- Travel up to 50% may be required depending on project needs.
- Collaborate with other business group Commercial Managers to implement enterprise‑wide alignment and delivery of commercial management services.
Specific Responsibilities
Contract Management
- Monitoring compliance.
- Issuing subcontracts.
- Change‑management negotiation and processing contract change orders.
- Implementation of change‑management procedures and driving procedures throughout the project lifecycle.
- Development of project‑specific processes.
- Assistance in claims resolution.
- Contract close‑out.
Risk Management
- Developing and monitoring the risk register and attending status meetings.
- Identifying potential risks.
- Developing mitigation plans with the project team.
- Participating in monthly project reviews.
Document Control
- Verifying compliance.
- Developing procedures in accordance with contractual requirements.
- Onboarding team members.
- Leading project process preparation.
Dispute Resolution
- Monitoring and reporting on claims.
- Developing back‑charges/impacts for firm‑fixed‑fee consultants or subcontractor infractions.
- Assisting in claim quantification/development.
- Coordinating with the legal team on discovery and negotiations.
Project Accounting
- Reviewing and commenting on cost model/estimate logic.
- Supporting internal and external invoicing.
- Updating chargeable cost exhibit.
- Identifying gaps between actual cost and projections and reconciling with PM.
Scheduling
- Collaborating with the Project Controls Manager on schedule issues/impacts.
- Attending weekly schedule meetings and identifying design‑team risks.
- Reviewing schedule adjustments for change orders.
Keywords: Senior Commercial Manager, contract management, risk management, dispute resolution, project accounting, alternative delivery, design‑build.
Preferred Qualifications
- Alternative delivery/design‑build experience.
- Experience working with contractors.
- Advanced degree in business or equivalent.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Architecture/Engineering, Design‑Build, P3, project management, construction, project controls, and/or staff leadership or equivalent.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, business, law, or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of industry contracting practices, applicable government and commercial regulations, policies, procedures, and work practices in the countries the Senior Commercial Manager works in.
- Working knowledge of project controls, project management, and project estimating software tools such as Primavera P6 (P6), e‑Builder, Quick Base or Primavera Unifier.
- Experience in development of fee estimates, drafting contracts, administration and negotiation of change orders, effective correspondence, planning and scheduling.
- Experience in claims including defense, production, negotiation/resolution, and prevention.
- Ability to work well in a high‑performing team structure in a fast‑paced environment.
- Experience and/or working knowledge of negotiation of contracts for architecture/engineering projects.
- Positive professional reputation for delivering quality, cost‑effective projects.
- Self‑starter with good communication and people skills.
- Must be committed to quality and improvement and promoting HDR’s values.
- Ability to teach, lead, and mentor others.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance.
- Employee assistance program.
- Paid time away and parental leave.
- Paid holidays.
- Retirement savings plan with employer match.
- Employee referral bonus.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Compensation range: $125,000 – $179,000 (based on skills, experience, education and geographic location).
Location
United States – California – San Diego
Job Posting Date
December 3, 2025
Employment Type
Full-time
Employee Status
Regular
Job Function
Management, Design, and Consulting
Industry
Architecture
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Business Class
Gen Architecture
Equity Statement
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrests, and conviction records.
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