Construction Contract, Claims and Disputes Manager - High Speed Rail

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role Description:

Arcadis is currently seeking a Construction Contract, Claims and Disputes Manager to join our team in Selma, CA, to support contracts, claims, and dispute resolution efforts on the California High-Speed Rail (CAHSR) program. This is a full-time, on-site role requiring deep knowledge of construction contracts, change management, and dispute resolution processes within complex infrastructure projects.

Must be able to work onsite in Selma, CA.

Arcadis provides comprehensive Project and Construction Management (PCM) services for the oversight of Design-Build (DB) delivery for California’s High-Speed Rail System in the Central Valley. In this role, you will be responsible for managing contract compliance, analyzing and resolving construction claims, and mitigating disputes between stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in change order management, contract law, and negotiation, and will have a proven ability to lead claims and dispute activities through resolution or arbitration.

Role Accountabilities:

• Evaluate entitlement and merit of change orders, time impacts, and cost claims; conduct forensic analysis to determine root causes and defensibility.
• Prepare and negotiate Records of Negotiation and Findings of Fact related to proposed changes and claims under Design-Build contracts.
• Lead contract administration and change management strategies to minimize risk and control exposure to claims and disputes.
• Draft detailed and accurate documentation to support the formal claims and dispute resolution process—including mediation, dispute resolution boards, and binding arbitration.
• Collaborate with legal counsel and senior leadership to support contract interpretation and risk mitigation strategies.
• Serve as the lead representative in claims-related meetings with contractors, legal teams, and third-party experts.
• Interpret and enforce contractual obligations, performance requirements, and key terms in accordance with CAHSR contract provisions.
• Coordinate closely with scheduling, estimating, and engineering teams to support CPM schedule analysis, delay claims, and cost justifications.
• Maintain issue and risk logs to proactively track and manage potential disputes and claims.
• Support the development of internal controls and reporting mechanisms to monitor the health and status of contract deliverables and claim activities.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience managing construction claims, contract administration, or dispute resolution on large infrastructure or transportation projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working within Design-Build or alternative delivery contract structures.
• Experience preparing claim documentation and leading negotiations with contractors and third parties.

Key Skills and Attributes:

• In-depth understanding of construction means and methods, project controls, and industry-standard contract forms (e.g., DBIA, FIDIC, Caltrans, etc.).
• Strong writing and analytical skills with the ability to prepare formal findings, reports, and technical documentation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with project teams, contractors, and client stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiarity with contract management platforms and Primavera P6.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience testifying in court or binding arbitration as a subject matter expert or claims consultant.
• Extensive experience in P3 or P6 schedule analysis, productivity assessments, and forensic delay analysis.
• Experience working on high-profile, complex infrastructure programs such as high-speed rail, heavy civil, or major transp