Commercial and Change Order Manager
About the Position
We are seeking a successful and experienced Commercial & Change Order Manager to spearhead commercial strategy, manage change orders, and claims preparation for a multi‑phase, multi‑billion‑dollar urban rail extension—one of the largest transit capital investments currently under construction in the United States. This role offers the opportunity to influence the commercial health of a marquee program that will shape mobility for generations.
This is a long-term, full-time, onsite position located in Manhattan, NY.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end‑to‑end change management and claims process across design‑build and CM/GC contracts, ensuring transparency, timeliness, and fiscal discipline.
- Develop proactive commercial strategies that minimize disputes and align with federal transit funding requirements, state procurement statutes, and internal program KPIs.
- Own negotiation strategy for scope, time, and cost changes; prepare entitlement narratives, quantum analyses, and Time Impact Analyses (TIA) in support of potential claims or executive briefings.
- Maintain an auditable change/claims log tying cost and schedule impacts to program budget, contingency, and risk profile.
- Serve as senior advisor to package managers, elevating early‑warning indicators and recommending mitigation tactics.
- Interface daily with scheduling, legal, finance, risk, community relations, and executive leadership to track progress and ensure consistent reporting.
Attributes
- Sharp, analytical thinker who scrutinizes assumptions and pursues root‑cause drivers of change.
- Confident communicator capable of distilling complex technical/commercial issues for executive and public audiences.
- Collaborative style that defuses conflict and builds consensus among contractors, owner representatives, and third‑party stakeholders.
- Disciplined organizer who thrives amid multiple concurrent contract packages and dynamic priorities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- 10 + years managing change orders and claims on major transit or rail programs, including at least one project exceeding $500 million total contract value.
- Demonstrated successful negotiation strategy and achieving favorable commercial outcomes for public‑sector transit owners or operators.
- Mastery of contract forms (DBB, DB, CM/GC), FTA/FAR guidelines, and state procurement rules.
- Proficiency with industry standard project management, schedule/cost and/or EDMS tools (e.g., P6, EcoSys, Unifier, MS Project, Bluebeam, etc.)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s in Construction Law, MBA, or JD with construction emphasis.
- 15 + years of progressive commercial management on multi‑contract rail or tunneling programs > $1 billion.
- One or more of the following certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP through PMI), National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications such as Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or Certified Contract Manager (CCM).
- Prior experience on large U.S. heavy‑rail or subway programs in dense urban corridors.
Compensation Details
The salary range listed for this role is $124k-$191k/yr ($60-$92/hr.) The final salary offered is based on multiple factors and is thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, etc.
Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!
- Unlimited Flexible Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent/Elder Care)
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
- 401(k) Plan with Guaranteed Employer Contribution
- Formal Career Planning and Development Program
- $2,500 Annually Towards Professional Development
- Wellness Program with Monthly Wellness Stipend
- Company Cell Phone or Cell Phone Plan Reimbursement
- Free Personalized Meal Planning & Nutrition Support With a Registered Dietitian
- Free Personal Financial Planning Services
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #IN-LNJS
Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.
All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.
This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.
Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.
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