Director, Contracts & Controls
VI-Estate Thomas
Suffolk Construction Company
Req #: 10811
Type: Regular Full-Time
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Overview: About Suffolk Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. We provide value across the entire project lifecycle through our core construction management services and complementary business lines in real estate investment, design, self-perform construction, and technology start-up investment (Suffolk Technologies). By integrating data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology through our Seamless Platform, we connect design, construction, and operations to deliver smarter, more predictable results and redefine how America builds. Suffolk - America's Contractor - is a national company with more than $9 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and 17 offices, including Boston (headquarters), New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Herndon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other key markets. Suffolk manages some of the most complex and transformative projects in the country, serving clients across healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR's list of "Top CM-at-Risk Contractors." For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. At Suffolk, we believe that our total rewards program should offer you and your family the support you need when it matters most. That's why we have created a program that provides employees with access to a wide variety of options that can be personalized to support you and your loved ones physically, emotionally, and financially. Benefits include, competitive salaries, auto allowances and gas cards for certain roles, access to market leading medical and emotional and mental health benefits, dental, and vision insurance plans, virtual care options for physical therapy and primary care, generous paid time off, 401k plan with employer match and access to expert financial resources, company paid and voluntary life insurance, tax deferred savings accounts, 10 backup daycare days each year, short- and long-term disability, commuter benefits and more. For more information, click here. The Role The Director - Contracts & Controls, USVI is responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving contract administration, commercial controls, risk management, and governance functions across a multi-billion-dollar USVI portfolio. This portfolio includes FEMA-funded education, healthcare, and commercial projects delivered under design-build and CMAR contract structures. The role provides enterprise-level oversight to ensure contractual, financial, operational, quality, and safety outcomes align with company standards, client expectations, and strategic objectives. The Director, Contracts & Compliance partners closely with executive leadership, operations, finance, legal, and clients to drive disciplined execution, predictable outcomes, and long-term value creation. This role reports to the EVP of Project Controls. Responsibilities: Contracts, Claims Administration, & Risk Management * Lead contract administration, compliance, and commercial oversight across projects. * Support contract negotiation strategy and ensure contractual obligations are clearly understood and managed. * Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, financial, and operational risks. * Assist in managing claims and dispute resolution while protecting company interests and maintaining positive client relationships. * Set up standardized processes for change order management, entitlement development, and claims documentation. * Support preparation and negotiation of Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REA) and other contractual claims when necessary. * Lead development and maintenance of portfolio-level risk registers covering contractual, financial, and schedule exposure. * Provide structured risk analysis and mitigation recommendations to regional leadership. Planning, Controls, & Execution Oversight * Oversee planning and project controls frameworks that support schedule management, cost control, and transparency. * Ensure systems, processes, and reporting support project teams in achieving schedule, budget, and profitability targets. * Partner with operations leaders to support transitions from preconstruction through project execution and closeout. * Align contract administration practices with cost control, scheduling, and forecasting frameworks. * Support development of program-level reporting dashboards for leadership visibility. Financial Stewardship & Business Acumen * Support commercial decision-making through sound financial and business judgment. * Monitor forecasting, cost controls, and project financial performance. * Collaborate with finance and operations teams to improve visibility into project performance and risk. * Ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200, FEMA Public Assistance requirements, and other federal grant funding regulations across all projects. * Oversee documentation practices supporting allowable costs, procurement standards, and audit readiness. Quality & Compliance * Ensure contract administration and project controls processes support quality standards and policy compliance. * Monitor compliance performance and support corrective actions when needed. Design-Build Commercial Oversight * Provide commercial oversight of design-build delivery, ensuring alignment between design progression, contract milestones, and payment structures. * Monitor commercial risks associated with evolving scope, and early construction activities. Program-Level Risk Management * Lead development and maintenance of portfolio-level risk registers covering contractual, financial, and schedule exposure. * Provide structured risk analysis and mitigation recommendations to regional leadership. Procurement and Subcontract Commercial Governance * Provide commercial oversight of subcontract procurement, bid leveling, and contract formation. * Ensure subcontract agreements properly reflect prime contract obligations and federal compliance requirements. Client & Stakeholder Engagement * Build strong working relationships with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders. * Communicate contractual risks, opportunities, and project performance clearly and professionally. * Support business development efforts including pursuits, RFP responses, and contract negotiations. Team Leadership & Talent Development * Lead and mentor contracts and controls professionals within the region. * Promote collaboration between project teams, operations, and support functions. * Support development of team members through coaching, training, and professional growth opportunities. Innovation & Continuous Improvement * Identify opportunities to strengthen contract administration and project controls practices. * Promote adoption of tools, systems, and best practices that improve project transparency and performance. * Share lessons learned and improvements across project teams. Qualifications: Education & Experience * Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required, CPA or advanced degree preferred. * 15+ years of progressive experience in construction finance, accounting, or project controls. * Proven leadership of financial operations for complex construction portfolios. * Experience with public or federally funded programs is strongly preferred. * Experience in island or remote construction environments (e.g., USVI/Caribbean) preferred. Technical Expertise * Deep knowledge of construction accounting, project-based financial reporting, and revenue recognition. * Strong proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel-based financial modeling. * Working knowledge of federal funding
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