Contract Manager- ESS

Description & Requirements AESC is looking to add a Contract Manager to our team remotely. Job Description Description & Requirements AESC is looking to add a Contract Manager to our team remotely. About AESC US LLC AESC is an exciting, newly created global organization committed to solving the challenges of a sustainable future and becoming the leading supplier of full-value-chain battery solutions. Our lithium-ion batteries can be found in nearly one million electric vehicles worldwide and have a stellar safety record of zero-critical issues. AESC US is leading the way in battery technology. We design and manufacture EV battery technology for various electric vehicles and equipment. We are working hard towards unlocking the full potential of sustainable energy and climate change mitigation. We will continue to build upon our successes and expand into new markets and industries, producing innovative and competitive products and technologies that advance the goal of a zero-carbon emission future. AESC is headquartered in Japan and has battery manufacturing locations in Japan, UK, China, and the U.S. AESC Mission Our mission is to solve the challenges for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. About The Role We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to support our utility-scale energy storage (BESS) business. This role owns the contractual lifecycle of BESS projects: from project bidding, through contract negotiation and closing, to contract management during project execution. The Contracts Manager works closely with Sales, Legal, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain and Project Management to secure balanced contracts with utilities, IPPs, developers and EPCs, and to protect the company’s commercial position in contract negotiation and support sales to drive the contract to signature. What You Will Do Project Bidding Support sales on the commercial part of RFP / RFQ / tender responses for utility-scale BESS projects, including bid strategy, commercial offer, payment terms, validity and clarifications. Review customer contract templates and term sheets, and prepare exception / deviation lists in coordination with Legal, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain and Project Management. Coordinate pricing inputs and commercial assumptions, and run internal bid risk review processes. Contract Negotiation & Closing Lead negotiation of supply agreements (ESSA / BESS supply agreement), LNTP / early works agreements, LTSA / service agreements and related warranty documents. Negotiate key terms such as price and payment milestones, delivery and schedule, liquidated damages, warranty and performance guarantees, limitation of liability, indemnities, title and risk transfer, force majeure, change, suspension and termination, and security. Manage redline rounds, issue lists and version control; prepare negotiation positions, fallback options and escalation papers for management. Drive contracts to signature, including internal approval workflow, signing package preparation and final document check. Prepare the contract handover to the project execution team (contract summary, obligations matrix, key dates and risk register). Contract Management during Project Execution Support execution project team as the owner of signed contracts. Manage contract amendment, change orders and variations; prepare and review formal contract correspondence. Qualifications What You Need Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Engineering, Finance, or a related field; a Master’s degree or legal training is a plus. 5+ years of experience in a primary contract commercial / contract management role covering project bidding, contract negotiation and closing, and post-award contract management. Negotiating strength and aptitude is a positive attribute, willingness to coach other team members in negotiating and contract improvements. Experience with capital equipment, EPC or infrastructure contracts; utility-scale energy storage, renewable energy, power generation, or transmission & distribution is strongly preferred. Proven track record of leading negotiations of high-value contracts through to signature. Solid understanding of key commercial and legal terms (payment, LDs, warranty, performance guarantees, liability, indemnity, insurance, security instruments, change and termination). Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to draft precise contract language and correspondence. Strong negotiation, analytical and cross-functional coordination skills; detail-oriented and able to manage multiple contracts at the same time. Preferred Skills & Knowledge Familiarity with US / international contract forms for equipment supply, EPC and long-term service (e.g., ESSA, LTSA, FIDIC). Knowledge of BESS components and typical guarantee structures (capacity, availability, round-trip efficiency, degradation). Experience with contract risk assessment and deal approval processes. What is "Nice to Have" Knowledge of utility-scale BESS components (battery containers, PCS, EMS, transformers, SCADA). Understanding of grid-connected applications such as frequency regulation, capacity, energy arbitrage, and renewable integration. Experience supporting EPCs, utilities, IPPs, or project developers. Familiarity with interconnection processes, permitting, and project development phases for Utility scale ESS projects. Proficiency with Microsoft Office; using AI for contract evaluation is a plus. Mandarin is a plus. Professional certification in contract management (e.g., WorldCC / IACCM) is a plus. What We Offer Welcome to AESC, supporting our state-of-the-art Gigafactories, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. At AESC, we offer a comprehensive compensation package. In addition, we provide a range of valuable benefits, such as 401K, and health insurance. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission of changing the world. An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development. Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts 401K with company match Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available) Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives. Salary range: $88,000-110,000/annual. Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid) Tuition reimbursement Hands-on exposure to complex, high-value utility-scale infrastructure projects. Opportunity to work on large-scale energy transition projects impacting grid reliability and decarbonization. Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives. Comprehensive training in energy storage technologies and market dynamics. Career growth opportunities within utility-scale sales, project development, or commercial operations. Comprehensive benefits package including [health insurance, retirement plan, PTO, etc.]. Equal Employment Opportunity At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future. Physical Requirements Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day. Required to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 35 pounds. Work Environment The work environment is primarily an automated manufacturing plant with a concrete floor and is characterized by some temperature extremes, moderate noise, and forklift traffic. The individual must be able to perform all essential functions as appropriate on the plant floor, in meetings, and with employees, management, customers and suppliers. Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified. #J-18808-Ljbffr AESC US