Contract Manager

Contracts Manager

As part of the AES Clean Energy EPC Business Services Team, the Contracts Manager will help ensure a successful contract strategy for utility-scale renewable projects through development, construction, commissioning, and turnover to operations. The Contracts Manager will help guide the development and implementation of contract documents in construction RFPs and the negotiation of these documents with EPC contractor partners in accordance with AES standards and directives. Additionally, the Contracts Manager will be responsible for dispute prevention and the resolution of contractual claims, including drafting and preparation of the associated documentation (contractual letters, draft agreements/settlements, negotiations presentations and negotiating term sheets, etc.). This position will report to the Sr. Dir. of Execution Strategy.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS

Requests for Proposals

· Support project team in compiling the appropriate contract documents for distribution to 3rd party EPC contractors in project RFP processes.

· Collaborate with leadership on contract strategy for each project to inform RFP documents and approach.

· Coordinate with all departments to ensure timely and accurate inputs to contract information within RFP.

· Support project team in evaluation of contractor proposals as contract subject matter expert.

Contract Strategy and Negotiations

· Establish ground rules for EPC contract negotiation with project team and counterparty.

· Establish shared folder system and tracker for tracking EPC contract negotiation progress.

· Lead prioritization of key contract terms for negotiation according to unique project characteristics.

· Lead coordination of internal subject matter experts, including legal department, in EPC contract negotiations to ensure comprehensive review and approval of terms.

· Serve as key resource for accurately conveying commercial contract terms and negotiation points to internal legal department.

· Lead version control of contract turns and be accountable for status of each term iteration.

· Lead final approval and execution of EPC contract with internal leadership and counterparty.

· Lead post-contract execution contract training to highlight primary areas of risk and tools for claims management during project execution.

Claims Management

· Lead management of contractual claims from contractors by supporting the project execution team in diligencing and advising on contractor claims.

· Create and implement dispute prevention and resolution strategies for each project.

· Draft and prepare claims management documentation including contractual letters, draft agreements/settlements, negotiation presentations, term sheets, etc.

· Track status of ongoing or foreseeable contractual disputes and determine possible mitigatory actions to prevent, avoid and/or diminish potential damage/loss to projects.

· Advise project team on effective coordination and communication strategy with contractor to manage contract performance and risk.

· Maintain excellent, fluid, and efficient relations with all departments within the organization to serve as central resource for construction contractual matters.

· Identify opportunities to improve business processes, procedures, and strategies within the project contracting process.

· Collect, report, and take actions on lessons learned during project execution to inform and improve future contract negotiations.

· Support project turnover from construction to operations.

Professional Development

· Seek out and propose opportunities for professional growth inside and outside of the organization to improve ability to execute of job role and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

· Undergraduate Degree in engineering, project management, construction management, legal or equivalent.

· Master's degree highly valued.

· 5+ years of experience in construction project management, contract management, claim management or related roles.

· Experience with construction and supply contracts, including on site experience.

· Experience with utility-scale solar, battery storage and wind design and technical standards.

· Experience in the construction of utility-scale solar, battery storage and/or wind projects.

· Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Sharepoint, and Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.

· Strong negotiation skills including superior communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

· Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to maintain calm and effective exchanges during stressful situations.

· Demonstrated success working to develop consensus from diverse opinions in a highly fluid and time constrained environment.

· Experience in contractor qualification processes.

· Excellent organizational skills.

· Experience in effective project planning and executive level reporting.

· Willingness and ability to travel to various project locations up to 30%.

· Experience working effectively in cross-functional team settings.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES 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.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $145,000 and $181,050/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.