Risk Management Contracts Manager

KENNETH R. RUCKER

Olympia Fields, Illinois *****

708-***-**** ******@*******.***

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ken-rucker

Results-driven contracts leader with extensive experience in contract negotiation, vendor management, risk mitigation, and operational strategy. Proven ability to manage high-value projects, streamline contract lifecycle processes, and ensure compliance across diverse commercial and construction portfolios. Recognized for building strong stakeholder relationships, improving contract processes, and reducing liability through proactive risk management and collaboration with legal teams.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Contract Negotiation & Redlining (SOW, MSA, SLA, NDA, CMAR, GMP, AIA, etc.)

• Contract Lifecycle & Document Management

• Risk Identification & Mitigation

• Vendor Relationship Management

• Insurance Compliance & COI Review

• Staff Training & Team Leadership

• Bid Process Administration & RFP Analysis

• Process Improvement & SOP Development

• Legal Compliance (Federal, State, SOX)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

GILBANE BUILDING COMPANY - Chicago, Illinois

Contracts Manager 2023 - 2024

• Managed contract administration of multi million dollar construction projects across seven states.

• Reviewed and redlined agreements including Prime Contracts, Trade Agreements, NDAs, and Consulting Agreements.

• Partnered with Division Attorneys to ensure compliance with company policies and legal standards.

• Led contract kickoff meetings, highlighting key obligations and risk areas.

• Supported dispute resolution and claims documentation.

• Maintained contract management systems and advised teams on document control best practices.

STERLING BAY, Chicago, Illinois

Contracts Specialist, 2023

• Drafted and organized service contracts, schedules, and exhibits.

• Identified risks in contract terms and led negotiations to reduce exposure.

• Served as primary liaison for all service contract matters.

• Analyzed client feedback and proposed strategic amendments to Riders/Addenda.

BROOKFIELD PROPERTIES RETAIL (f/k/a GGP), Chicago, Illinois

Director, Contract Administration 2006-2022

• Oversaw $500M–$1B annual spend in design and construction bids.

• Directed contract administration team with 95% on-time project start/completion.

• Negotiated contract and change order revisions, terms and conditions.

• Developed and implemented SOPs, cutting processing time by 12%.

• Drafted COI questionnaire to enhance owner coverage and reduce risk.

• Collaborated with Legal, Risk, and C-level teams to ensure 100% SOX compliance.

• Managed contracts across 155M sq. ft. of retail space.

• Negotiated change orders and enforced compliance with insurance requirements.

Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois

Contract Manager / Facility Manager (BMO Harris Account) 2003 - 2006

• Managed contracts for 3M+ sq. ft. of office and retail space.

• Led RFP processes and vendor selections, generating $110K+ in cost savings.

• Maintained full compliance with SLA/KPI performance standards over 36 months.

• Partnered with Legal and Risk to ensure 100% contract alignment with policies.

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

Microsoft Suite Bluebeam Agiloft Proliance Constructware SharePoint Workday DocuSign ConvergePoint

EDUCATION

Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, B.S., Marketing

CERTIFICATIONS

Change Management for Projects

Construction Management Foundations

Communicating to Drive People to Take Action

Communication within Teams

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Contracts and Procurement Professionals

Chicago R.E. Connect

Retail Industry Professionals Network

Corporate Real Estate Group

Procurement Services Associates

Buyer & Supplier Contracts

Retail Real Estate and Construction Professionals

Contact this candidate