Contracts Administrator 2

Description

Position Overview

The Contracts Administrator 2 will provide advanced support to Southern Company's contracts and sourcing organization, with responsibility for managing a broad range of procurement and contracting activities involving services, materials, vendors, contractors, and internal business partners.

This role will support the full contracting lifecycle, including:

• Request for Information (RFI)
• Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Bid evaluation
• Cost and price analysis
• Negotiation
• Contract drafting
• Risk assessment
• Contract administration
• Amendments and change management
• Claims resolution
• Contract closeout

The successful candidate must be capable of independently managing multiple complex projects while maintaining a strong focus on commercial value, legal compliance, risk mitigation, schedule performance, and customer service.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities
Contract Administration

• Independently review, draft, negotiate, and administer a wide range of contracts.
• Prepare and maintain:
  • Master Agreements
  • Statements of Work
  • Amendments
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements
  • Vendor Agreements
  • Service Agreements
  • Procurement documents
• Ensure contracts contain appropriate terms, conditions, scope, deliverables, and commercial protections.
• Monitor contract milestones, obligations, deliverables, and expiration dates.
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, amendments, correspondence, and supporting documentation.
• Support contract closeout and documentation requirements.

Sourcing & Procurement Support

• Provide daily sourcing and contracting support for services and materials.
• Advise internal customers regarding RFI and RFP preparation.
• Lead or support pre-bid meetings.
• Review vendor and contractor proposals.
• Perform cost and price analysis.
• Support supplier selection and sourcing decisions.
• Develop sourcing strategies for low-, medium-, and high-risk services.
• Identify and evaluate new domestic and international sources of supply when appropriate.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis.
• Support strategic procurement initiatives.

Contract Negotiation

• Lead negotiations involving commercial, legal, and operational terms.
• Negotiate contract pricing, risk allocation, schedule requirements, and commercial provisions.
• Draft and revise contract language for complex and non-standard purchases.
• Coordinate with Legal, Risk Management, Finance, Accounting, and Procurement as needed.
• Resolve supplier exceptions and contract issues in a timely manner.
• Protect the company's interests while maintaining professional and ethical relationships with contractors and vendors.

Risk Management

• Identify contracting and sourcing risks.
• Evaluate legal, financial, operational, schedule, and commercial risk.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure required terms and conditions are incorporated into procurement documents.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution.
• Assist with claims management and contractual issue resolution.
• Escalate significant risks to leadership when appropriate.

Project & Workload Management

• Manage approximately 20-25 active sourcing or contracting projects simultaneously .
• Maintain defined turnaround targets for contract-related documentation.
• Track contract development timelines and key milestones.
• Prioritize workload based on business need and project risk.
• Support multiple internal customers and business units.
• Maintain consistent communication regarding project status, risks, and deliverables.

Stakeholder Management

• Maintain proactive communication with:
  • Internal business partners
  • Suppliers
  • Contractors
  • Legal
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Risk Management
  • Procurement
  • Management
• Serve as a key contracting resource and advisor to internal customers.
• Build strong working relationships across departments.
• Facilitate resolution of contracting and commercial issues.
• Support cross-functional and cross-company initiatives.

Contract Systems & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain proficiency in contract management systems and databases.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and contract documentation.
• Contribute to the enhancement of contract management tools, workflows, and processes.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procurement and contracting activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across Supply Chain Management.
• Develop working knowledge of Southern Company and Operating Company procurement policies and procedures.
• Progress toward Subject Matter Expert-level knowledge where appropriate.