Commercial Contracts Manager

Melink Solar; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Melink Solar in Cincinnati, OH seeks a Commercial Contracts Manager to lead internal commercial and contracts activities, negotiate EPC and vendor agreements, assess risk, and ensure compliance. This in-office role reports to the CFO and requires experience negotiating complex contracts in construction or EPC environments.

You will partner with Legal, Finance, Operations and Project teams, develop templates and negotiation playbooks, and support disputes and change orders.

Qualifications

• Seven+ years negotiating commercial contracts in construction, EPC, manufacturing or project-based settings.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, risk allocation, insurance and dispute resolution.
• Experience working with outside counsel and supporting litigation or claims processes.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance environments relevant to project-based industries.
• Proven ability to balance commercial objectives with risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract negotiation strategies for customer-facing EPC, subcontractor, and vendor agreements.
• Review contracts for risk, align with company standards, and coordinate with Legal.
• Analyze financial implications, margins, and performance terms with Finance and Project teams.
• Support dispute resolution, change orders, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Develop templates, playbooks, and negotiation frameworks; train PMs and BD teams.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Integrity & judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business, Risk Management, or related field

Job description

Position Summary:

The Commercial Contracts Manager will serve as the company’s internal commercial and contracts leader, supporting contract negotiation, risk management, and compliance initiatives. This role will lead company to company contract negotiations, support construction and project related contractual matters, coordinate compliance efforts, and serve as the primary liaison to outside legal counsel. The ideal candidate brings strong experience negotiating complex commercial contracts and preferably experience within the construction or EPC industry. This is an in office position based in Cincinnati OH and reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Negotiation & Strategy

• Negotiate customer-facing EPC agreements, subcontractor agreements, and vendor contracts, including pricing structures, scope language, risk allocation, performance guarantees, and indemnification.
• Execute negotiation strategies aligned with margin targets, risk mitigation standards, and operational feasibility.
• Prepare redlines, counteroffers, and negotiation summaries for leadership review and approval.
• Clearly communicate negotiation updates and key risk items to internal stakeholders, escalating as needed.

Contract Review & Risk Management

• Conduct detailed redline reviews of contracts, distinguishing between business decisions and legal risk issues.
• Partner with Legal (internal or external) to resolve contractual disputes and complex risk provisions.
• Evaluate insurance requirements, liquidated damages, warranties, performance guarantees, change order language, and dispute resolution clauses.
• Ensure executed contracts align with company standards and compliance requirements.

Financial & Performance Oversight

• Collaborate with Finance and Project Teams to assess financial implications of contract terms.
• Analyze margin exposure, escalation clauses, schedule impacts, and performance penalties.
• Review contract performance against agreed-upon terms and assist in enforcing compliance where necessary.
• Support forecasting accuracy by identifying contractual risks affecting revenue recognition or cost exposure.

Stakeholder Management & Account Support

• Maintain strong internal relationships with Business Development, Operations, Engineering, and Construction.
• Serve as SME for assigned contracts, providing guidance to PMs and leadership throughout project lifecycle.
• Participate in client meetings as needed to support contract clarification or renegotiation.
• Assist in dispute resolution and change order negotiations.

Continuous Improvement

• Develop and refine contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation frameworks.
• Identify recurring risk themes and recommend process improvements.
• Support training initiatives for PMs and BD teams on contract risk awareness.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business, Risk Management, or related field preferred.
• Seven (7) plus years of experience negotiating commercial contracts in a construction, EPC, manufacturing, or project based environment.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, risk allocation, indemnification, insurance, and dispute resolution.
• Experience working with outside counsel and supporting litigation or claims processes.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance environments relevant to project based industries.
• Demonstrated ability to balance commercial objectives with risk mitigation.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills with a practical, solution oriented mindset.
• Ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

Melink Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.