Erin Black

Huntington Beach, CA
www.linkedin.com/in/erinblack8
(714) 448-9957

erin.black8@outlook.com

SUMMARY
Contracts and Purchasing Manager with expertise in project and subcontract risk management,
negotiation, executive interaction and client relations. Solid track record as effective liaison
between technical teams, project managers, Finance and Accounting, legal counsel, consultants/
contractors and clients, to facilitate effective project delivery. Thorough knowledge of best
practices for complex at-risk subcontracts. Promote consistency in contracting and purchasing
practices. Experience as transactional paralegal is leveraged to augment demonstrated ability to
interpret and apply applicable law.
Complex Problem Solving
Drive for Results and Client Focus
Effective Communication
Oracle R12

Analytical and Decisive

Commitment to Quality
Solutions Orientation
Microsoft Office/ Word/ Excel

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CH2M, Consulting Engineering, EPC and Construction
Santa Ana, CA

1997-Present

Contracts and Purchasing Manager

Manage all aspects of contracts and purchasing on high risk, complex remedial construction
projects with subcontracts totaling over $40M. Mentor junior and mid-level staff on Best
Practices in contracting and purchasing.

Assure compliance with Company and Environmental Business Group purchasing and risk
management policies/procedures and industry best practices.
Recognized across the organization as Subject Matter Expert on high risk and large-scale
construction and remedial action procurements, including compliance, solicitation
development, change order analysis and management, negotiation, insurance and bonding
best practices.
Work directly with legal counsel to analyze and evaluate subcontractor claims and support
dispute resolution.
Senior purchasing resource, mentoring junior and mid-level procurement staff. Facilitate
professional growth, improve performance on complex procurements and enhance
compliance with policy/procedures.
Successful management of complex subcontracts on large public works related projects,
including wastewater treatment plants, power plant expansions, composting facilities and
pipeline safety enhancements.
Selected by senior management to evaluate and improve purchasing policies/procedures
and guidelines for Environmental Services Business Group.
Contributed detailed
recommendations for streamlining purchasing procedures, which lowered costs and
maximized procurement efficiencies and consistency.
Improve small disadvantaged business participation in Companys projects through outreach
efforts and personalized support.

Erin Black (714) 448-9957

Page Two

Interpret contract language and advise project managers regarding Company obligations
and risk management/change management strategies to improve project financial
performance.
Achieve client and Company cost savings for all assigned projects through competitive
bidding, price analysis and negotiation of subcontractor pricing and level of effort.
Prepared and presented training on Companys insurance requirements to purchasing staff,
resulting in improved risk management performance.

Subcontracts and Purchasing Operations Leader

Two years experience supervising, training and mentoring a group of 8 experienced purchasing
professionals. Acting concurrently as a project Purchasing Manager, led by example on
assigned projects to promote procurement integrity and compliance within the group.
Communicated frequently with direct reports regarding their accomplishments and areas for
development.

Directed and coordinated the activities of Purchasing Professionals, including detailed work
assignments, supervision, performance evaluations, training and mentoring.
Streamlined departmental operations and improved project profitability while maintaining
compliance with Company policies and procedures through improved training and
communication with purchasing staff.
Improved Buyer efficiency on simple procurements through mentoring regarding process
improvements, which reduced project charges for the average small procurement by over
20%.
Ensured groups compliance with government and company risk management policies,
resulting in improved project performance and decreased exposure to subcontract-related
risk.

Subcontracts Administrator / Purchasing Manager

Supported all aspects of prime contract administration for mid-size consulting and construction
projects, including review and negotiation and developing prime contract flowdown provisions
and contract briefs. Advised project delivery teams regarding prime and subcontracting best
practices and risk management. Coordinated with and supported Company Legal Dept. as
required for project-specific risk management evaluations.

Researched state tax law and advised Client regarding tax refunds available due to change
in status of a large remedial action project. Established procedure and worked with over 20
project subcontractors. Successfully obtained over $445,000 in tax refunds for Client.
Achieved cost savings of over $100,000 for Company and Clients through detailed analysis,
competitive bidding and negotiation of subcontract rates on several Superfund projects.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Paralegal Certificate

University of San Diego San Diego, CA