My career has focused on contracts and procurement, supporting organizations through complex projects, operational challenges, and the commercial decisions required to keep work moving.

My experience has taken me across mining and energy environments in the Canadian Arctic, Eastern Canada, Northern Alberta, and Sub-Saharan Africa. I’ve worked across different political and regulatory landscapes, extreme weather conditions, remote locations, complex logistics, and diverse operating environments. These experiences have shaped how I approach contracts and procurement: understanding the operating environment is often just as important as the commercial terms themselves.

I’ve managed contracts, led procurement activities, supported major sourcing initiatives, negotiated commercial terms, and worked with teams to bring structure to contract and procurement functions. I’ve also seen firsthand what happens when documentation is scattered, processes are inconsistent, and important contract information becomes difficult to find.

I started 160W because organizations do not always need another large consulting firm. Sometimes they need an experienced professional who can step in, understand the problem, and provide a practical solution. That might mean supporting a major procurement activity, strengthening contract management, or helping turn years of disorganized files into a structured and usable repository.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa, a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Administration, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University.

My approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in industry experience.

Paula Ponte, Founder and Principal Consultant

Experience

With more than 20 years of experience in contracts and procurement, I have worked across mining and energy environments, supporting capital projects, major project expansions, and operational requirements. My experience includes precious metals and iron ore mining, oil and gas, and the commercial activities required to support complex projects, expansions, and operations.

My work has included contract strategy and administration, procurement planning, tendering and RFPs, bid and commercial evaluations, negotiations, supplier engagement, change management, claims support, and contract performance. I have worked closely with project teams, suppliers, stakeholders, and management to support sound commercial decisions and keep procurement and contract activities moving forward.

Throughout my career, I have seen how poor documentation, inconsistent processes, and disorganized contract records can create unnecessary risk and make it difficult for organizations to find the information they need. Recognizing these challenges throughout my career was a significant reason I built 160W Contracting Services.