Lead Commercial Contract Manager OR Principal Commercial Contract Manager

Important Application Submission InformationIn order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 11, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.Depending upon the desired qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher level within the job hierarchy.Job SummaryAccountable for the highest-level Lead Commercial Contract Manager duties for Services, Equipment Supply, and materials.Ensure contract compliance with Supply Chain policy and other Duke Energy policies. Responsible for managing contract provisions and coordinating contract change orders with stakeholders to ensure successful execution of contract requirements and optionsThe successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for all contract management activities related to primarily Solar and Energy Storage new construction projects in the Carolinas. Contracts include panel, storage equipment, other major electrical equipment and EPC labor contracts. Contract values range from $ 2M – 100M. Management of these contracts are critical to help meet desired “placed in service” schedules at approved competitive costs.Also integral to this position is supporting the assigned contracts (strategic and major EPC) with contractor relationship management and leadership in expediting parts and services from contractors in support of Duke Energy project schedules and commitments. This will include leading problem resolution efforts with contractors through direct hands-on negotiations and trouble-shooting to ensure delivery of critical equipment and services to meet schedule requirements, which may be driven by economics or regulatory deadlines. This may require off-site visits to contractor fabrication/equipment shops to ensure proper contractor schedule focus on major equipment for assigned contracts (strategic and major EPC) and other non-strategic contracts where schedule impact can result in economic harm or regulatory commitment impacts.This level, Lead Commercial Contract Manager, is considered to be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for commercial contracts and works closely with Legal, Risk Management, and senior members of the BU and Supply Chain management team. This role can mentor, train, and provide oversight to the lower level Commercial Contract Managers within the organization.This position may also be filled at the Principal Commercial Contract Manager level, based on experience.ResponsibilitiesProvide governance and oversight of strategic contracts and/or major EPC contracts. Ensure contractor compliance with commercial contract provisions. Function as the SPOC and SME between the BU and the contractor on commercial contractual issuesResolve contractual commercial issues through direct, hands-on negotiations and troubleshooting to ensure delivery of critical equipment and services to meet schedule requirements for Duke Energy work including, 1. Rapid assessment of the situation including all pertinent facts and unknowns 2. Evaluate internal Duke Energy mitigation opportunities 3. Lead decision making efforts and coordinate with Legal, Risk Management, and Senior BU representatives 4. Seek objective and fair solutions for Duke Energy and contractors. 5. Sourcing of Purchase Orders, as required.Facilitate a governance program to effectively manage the performance and relationships with contractors and the BUs including regular meetings between the contractors and the BU's - including senior BU representatives.Work with internal clients to develop performance reporting tools for existing and potential problem contractor performanceConsult with internal customers on standardized equipment options in lieu of non-standard items which potentially add risk to schedules and quality requirementsNote: This posting is for one position. Dependent on relevant experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.Required/Basic Qualifications (Lead Commercial Contract Manager)Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management OR ScienceMinimum of 7 years required related work experienceIn lieu of Bachelor's degree AND 7 years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 11 years related work experienceRequired/Basic Qualifications (Principal Commercial Contract Manager)Bachelor's degreeMinimum of 10 years required related work experienceIn lieu of Bachelor's degree AND 10 years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 14 years related work experienceAdditional Preferred QualificationsGraduate degree in engineering, science, business, accounting, supply chain or similarExcellent written and oral skillsPersistence and follow through in holding contractors to commitmentsExcellent planning and organizational skillsExtensive knowledge in dealing with contractors in non-performing situationsProject management experienceC.P.M., CPSM, CAPM, PMP, P.E., or comparable professional certificationsPurchasing experienceAbility to effectively interact at various levels including Executive levelsPossesses strong assessment, writing, organizational, interpersonal, and judgment skillsWorking ConditionsHybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees must live within a reasonable commute to their designated Duke Energy facility, not greater than 50 miles one way. Employees are expected to report to their assigned Duke Energy facility as required and directed by their manager, on average 3 full workdays per regular workweek.OfficeOutside of normal business hours (nights, weekends, holidays) sometimes without noticeContractor and BU site visitsTravel, sometimes without notice, up to approximately 50% of time, including international travelSpecific Requirements (Lead Commercial Contract Manager)Bachelors + 7 yrs experience ORAssociates + 9 yrs experience ORHS/GED + 11 yrs experienceFive of those years in practical major projects field experience.Familiar with one of the following: CAS, MAXIMO, or similar purchasing softwareFamiliar with relevant power industry equipment usage (i.e.: turbines, generators, boilers, motor control centers, breakers, valves, etc.Knowledge of Project Management, Plant Maintenance, or Engineering conceptsKnowledge of business case development, total cost of ownership, and net present value conceptsDemonstrated ability to negotiate and influence internal business partner senior management, suppliers, and other stakeholders utilizing commercial acumen skills setsDemonstrated problem solving and analytical skillsSpecific Requirements (Principal Commercial Contract Manager)Bachelors + 10 yrs experience ORAssociates + 12 yrs experience ORHS/GED + 14 yrs experienceSeven of those years in practical major projects field experience.Familiar with one of the following: CAS, MAXIMO, or similar purchasing softwareFamiliar with relevant power industry equipment usage (i.e.: turbines, reactor vessel, steam generator, boilers, motor control centers, breakers, valves, etc. )Knowledge of Project Management, Plant Maintenance, or Engineering conceptsKnowledge of business case development, total cost of ownership, and net present value conceptsDemonstrated ability to negotiate and influence internal business partner senior management, suppliers, and other stakeholders utilizing commerical acumen skills setsDemonstrated problem solving and analytical skillsExcellent written and oral skillsAbility to effectively interact at various levels including Executive levelsPossesses strong assessment, interpersonal, and judgment skillsExtensive knowledge in dealing with contractors in non-performing situations and holds contractors accountable to their commitmentsThe demonstrated ability to challenge the internal BU representatives on commercial issues in the contract#LI-BM1#LI-HybridTravel Requirements15-25%Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)NoRepresented/Union PositionNoVisa Sponsored PositionNo. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.PrivacyDo Not Sell My Personal Information (CA)Terms of UseAccessibilitySummaryLocation: Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NCType: Full time