Construction Contract Lead

Job ID: 200046987Posted: 2026-08-11Location: United States, California, San JoseSalary: USD $116,900 - $203,600 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: Fully on-siteRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Supply ChainDiscipline: Sourcing and Category ManagementCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services.Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.Contract Lead will support construction contract governance, documentation integrity, commercial administration, and change management across large-scale construction projects.We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Contract Lead to join our Construction Contracts team supporting the delivery of large-scale construction projects.This role plays a critical part in maintaining contractual governance, documentation integrity, and commercial administration throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will support contract execution activities, manage contract records, coordinate contractual communications, and enable effective change management processes while ensuring compliance with company policies and project requirements.The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced project environment, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and takes ownership of ensuring contractual information is accurate, timely, and audit-ready.ResponsibilitiesConstruction Contract LeadLocation: San Jose, CA. Project / Site‑Based (with coordination across regional teams)Reporting to: Contracts / Commercial Management TeamRole OverviewWe are seeking a high‑performing Construction Contract Lead to join our Contracts team and support the delivery of complex construction projects. This role is responsible for end‑to‑end contract management, spanning pre‑award support through post‑award execution and closeout. The successful candidate will bring strong commercial judgement, disciplined change control practices, and the ability to operate confidently in a fast‑paced construction environment.Key ResponsibilitiesPre‑Award & Contract Set‑UpSupport RFP readiness by reviewing contract documents for completeness and commercial alignmentCoordinate timely issue of RFPs in line with project schedulesDrive closure of technical and commercial deviations prior to contract awardContribute to bid evaluations, contract strategy development, and negotiation preparationCoordinate closely with cost, procurement, and project teams to support award decisionsPost‑Award Contract ManagementManage contracts through execution, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and governance requirementsLead administration of change orders and variations, maintaining clear entitlement positionsReview and approve contractual correspondence, including notices, non‑compliance letters, and formal communicationsMonitor contractor performance against contractual obligations, milestones, and commercial commitmentsSupport resolution of billing, valuation, and payment issues in collaboration with cost teamsChange, Claims & Risk ManagementCoordinate review of Time Impact Analyses (TIAs), extension‑of‑time requests, and schedule recovery measuresSupport dispute avoidance and resolution, including escalation of complex commercial issues where requiredIdentify and proactively mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout project deliveryEnsure compliance with insurance, bonding, and other contractual risk controlsStakeholder & Site EngagementLead regular commercial / contract review meetings with contractors and internal stakeholdersAct as a key commercial interface between site teams, the Contracts function, and cross‑functional partnersProvide clear, structured commercial updates to the Contracts team and project leadershipCloseout & Continuous ImprovementManage contract closeout activities, ensuring all contractual deliverables and obligations are satisfiedSupport final account settlement and documentation handoverDrive continuous improvement in contract management processes, tools, and execution practicesQualificationsSkills & ExperienceRequired5+ years’ experience in construction contract management across pre‑ and post‑award phasesStrong knowledge of construction contracts, change management, and commercial governanceProven experience managing variations, claims, and contractual correspondenceExcellent stakeholder management and written communication skillsAbility to operate effectively in site‑based, delivery‑focused environmentsPreferredExperience on large, complex construction or infrastructure projectsFamiliarity with schedule entitlement, TIAs, and cost/commercial integrationExperience working closely with legal, procurement, cost, and project controls teamsWhat We’re Looking ForA commercially astute, disciplined operator who protects entitlement while supporting deliveryA confident communicator able to work across technical and non‑technical stakeholdersA high‑ownership mindset, with strong attention to detail and accountabilitySomeone who brings structure, clarity, and consistency to contract management during executionBackground Check Requirements: Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.#COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareersSourcing and Category Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $116,900 - $203,600 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $148,400 - $222,600 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.