Commercial Contracts Manager - Construction & EPC

Melink Solar LLC; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Melink Solar LLC seeks a Commercial Contracts Manager to lead internal contracts, negotiate complex EPC and vendor agreements, and manage risk and compliance across projects. The role reports to the CFO and is based in Cincinnati, OH, requiring in-office work.

You will drive redlines, coordinate with Legal, and align negotiation strategies with margin targets while supporting project teams. Strong contract drafting and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business, Risk Management, or related field preferred.
• 7+ 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Stakeholder comms

Collaboration

Communication

Education

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

Job description

Melink Solar LLC seeks a Commercial Contracts Manager to lead internal contracts, negotiate complex EPC and vendor agreements, and manage risk and compliance across projects. The role reports to the CFO and is based in Cincinnati, OH, requiring in-office work.

You will drive redlines, coordinate with Legal, and align negotiation strategies with margin targets while supporting project teams. Strong contract drafting and cross-functional collaboration are essential.