Manager, Contracts and Claims

• Negotiates complex contracts, claims, and related documentation on behalf of NJ TRANSIT that are required to implement capital projects.
• Drafts agreements with commuter and freight and railroads required for major capital investment projects and NJ TRANSIT’s capital program.
• Ensures compliance with State and Federal requirements affecting Capital Programs department.
• Manages the review of and facilitates Capital Programs’ positions on real estate transactions for use of NJ TRANSIT rail properties by railroads and other third parties.
• Reviews and negotiates contracts including indemnification and insurance issues between third parties, including other railroads, public utilities, municipalities and other transportation agencies;
• Drafts agreements with third party entities such as utilities, public entities and other public agencies / authorities as required carrying out the work of Capital Programs projects.
• Collaborates with Risk Management, Procurement, Real Estate, Environmental and legal liaisons within and outside NJ TRANSIT on behalf of Capital Programs to implement capital projects.
• Manages the negotiations of acquisitions of rights-of-way and potential condemnation of real property interests required for capital projects.
• Manages administrative staff in maintenance of NJ TRANSIT’s electronic database and other administrative duties and assignments.
• Draft agreements with third party entities such as utilities, public entities and other public agencies / authorities as required carrying out the work of CP projects and nondisclosure agreements to allow transfer of information between third parties;
• Assist in the formulation of the standard RFP provisions for design and construction contracts including the scope and technical approaches necessary for the design, construction and ROW acquisition for CP projects.
• Prepares materials for training sessions for NJ TRANSIT staff on contracts, environmental matters, real estate and title issues, indemnification, etc.
• Other related duties as assigned.

This Position Supervises : Contracts & Claims Administrator

Education, Experience and Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, Real Estate or related area or equivalent
• Five (5) years of applied experience in the drafting and negotiation of, or assisting in the negotiation of, public construction and railroad agreements, redevelopment, public administration or related fields
• Juris Doctorate strongly preferred and may be substituted for three (3) years of applied experience

Knowledge and Skills :

• Strong written and verbal communication skills required
• Organization and supervising skills are required
• Knowledge of applicable relevant law and practices desired
• Ability to negotiate and explain requirements desired
• Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint and Word desired
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret complex contracts, statutes and regulations, including environmental and utility regulations, is desired

Working Environment :

Principally in the assigned HQ office but some off-site work may be required.

Other Conditions :

There is a need to dress suitably in the field requiring appropriate footwear, head and eye protection. Must abide by applicable safety requirements.

Position requires making presentations to the Board of Directors at meetings where required.

At NJ Transit, you will enjoy a competitive salary and excellent benefits package :

• Comprehensive Family Health Insurance Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits Plan
• Retirement Plans401(a) - Retirement plan with a 6% employer contribution401(k) - Retirement saving plan with up to an 3% company match457(b) - Deferred Savings Plan

At NJ TRANSIT, diversity and inclusivity are vital to our success as we are committed to hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and veteran status.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply and join our team.