Contract Administrator

Contract AdministratorThe Contract Administrator I/II is responsible for the accurate preparation, negotiation, award, and commercial management of various high dollar, complex and high risk engineering and construction contracts.The Contract Administrator is responsible for the accurate preparation, solicitation, negotiation, award, and commercial management of contracts in support of maintaining, expanding and modernizing our electric & natural gas infrastructure in service to our customers. From initiation of sourcing events through contract closeout the Contract Administrator has a strong focus on contract development up to contract execution for professional consulting services, software solutions, software as a service (hosted services), non-disclosure agreements, license agreements, architect & engineering services, routine & major construction services, and major engineered equipment purchases.Level 1 – Contract AdministratorThe Contract Administrator I requires regular supervision, approaching the role with a basic functional knowledge and skill to perform duties following established procedures and guidelines.Receives guidance from higher level Contract Administrators and Manager, expands that knowledge to be able to apply simple analytical skills to assignments of low complexity.This role receives training and mentoring from Contract Administrators and outside educators.Duties and ResponsibilitiesConducts pre-procurement planning to identify the best method(s) for contracting engineered equipment, engineering and construction contracts, required to satisfy project requirements, while safeguarding corporate interests.Assist and advise the project team during the preparation of technical specifications and/or scopes of work by performing reviews and assistance in support of development of such technical specifications and/or scopes of work.Assist and advise the project management team in areas of contractual risk.Prepare appropriate contract pro-formas (including general terms and conditions and commercial terms) for bid solicitation.Knowledgeable of local, regional or national business trends, risk assumption and management issues, and applicable regulatory and legal constraints and requirements.Develops and maintains supplier relations and works with the Supplier Diversity team to successfully include minority business opportunities in purchasing.Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and seminars, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional organizations.Relationships:Internal: Interfaces with all levels of management in all company and corporate departments. External: Interfaces with contractors, engineering firms, suppliers, manufacturers, external auditors, and other companies and their employees as needed to support client Energy companies.Education: Required: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering or related field. Preferred: N/AExperience: Required: Minimum of two years work experience related to business management, contract management, engineering, construction, project management, operations or other similar experience.Preferred: N/AKnowledge/Skills/Abilities: Required: Basic understanding of supply chain management and contract management principles, business principles, analytical and problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, detailed oriented, ability to work in a team environment and be proficient in oral and written presentation skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.Preferred: Working knowledge of SAP, MS Word, Excel and OutlookLevel 2 – Contract AdministratorContract Administrator II completes the Contract Administrator I primary duties independently and proficiently, and performs the additional responsibilities below with minimal supervision, receiving mentoring and training from Contract Administrator III and Manager.Duties and responsibilities:Lead the bid evaluation process coordinating the commercial evaluation with the technical evaluation. Prepare the award recommendation and formalize final agreements and coordinate proper execution.Provide contract administration support during contractor's performance including negotiating change orders, claims and disputes resolution, review invoices for compliance with contract terms, monitor for compliance with contractor lien laws and prepare contract close-out documents.Function as the team liaison with the Legal and Risk Management departments.Along with the project team, perform due diligence of potential new contractors confirming the technical and commercial where-with-all to take on and successfully complete contract requirements.Demonstrates a working knowledge of federal, state and local agency laws, regulations and ordinances that pertain to procurement practices.Education required:Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering or related field.Experience :Required: Minimum four years direct work experience performing the duties and responsibilities of this position related to construction, project engineering, contract management, and project management.Preferred: N/A Knowledge/skills/abilities:Required: Working knowledge and an understanding of construction and general contract law, negotiating experience, writing and administering contracts (strong focus on contract development up to contract execution) for consulting services, software solutions, software as a service (hosted services), non-disclosure agreements, license agreements, architect/engineer services, construction services, major engineered equipment related to electric power generation plants and energy and gas delivery facilities.Understanding of contract delivery methods such as design-build, EPC, design/engineer, construction, design and furnish with technical direction of installation. Knowledge of different contract types such as lump sum, unit price, cost plus fixed fee and cost plus incentive fee. Strong analytical and problem solving skills, be detail oriented, and have the ability to manage multiple contracts with a high degree of accuracy.Ability to work in a team environment and have effective interpersonal skills and be able to engage and effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.Preferred: Working knowledge in an ERP or SAP environment.Familiarity/experience with contract management software and e-signature tools.