Contracts Manager

SunEnergy1; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SunEnergy1 is seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of contracts for utility-scale solar projects, ensuring commercial protection and compliance from pre-construction through closeout. The role supports EPC execution and interfaces with legal, procurement, and project teams.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with EPC contracts, subcontracts, and major equipment procurement, plus strong negotiation and risk analysis capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• JD or advanced degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, review, and negotiation of EPC agreements, subcontracts, supply agreements, and service contracts.
• Collaborate with legal, procurement, and project teams to align commercial terms with project objectives.
• Support RFP/RFQ processes with contract structuring and risk analysis.
• Manage contract execution, amendments, change orders, and claims throughout project lifecycle.
• Maintain contract logs, obligations tracking, and documentation control.
• Ensure all parties comply with contractual terms and conditions.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks.
• Advise project teams on risk exposure related to schedule, cost, scope, and performance guarantees.
• Support dispute resolution, claims preparation, and negotiations.
• Partner with Project Managers, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction teams to interpret contract requirements.
• Provide guidance on contract compliance, deliverables, and milestone obligations.
• Coordinate with finance on payment terms, invoicing, and cash flow alignment.
• Ensure contracts align with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Support audits and internal reviews related to contract performance and compliance.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement in contract management processes.

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD or advanced degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Contract management systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Contracts Manager oversees the full lifecycle of contracts for utility-scale solar projects, supporting EPC execution from pre-construction through project closeout. This role ensures commercial protection, risk mitigation, and compliance across owner contracts, subcontracts, and vendor agreements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contract Development & Negotiation

• Lead drafting, review, and negotiation of EPC agreements, subcontracts, supply agreements, and service contracts
• Collaborate with legal, procurement, and project teams to align commercial terms with project objectives
• Support RFP/RFQ processes with contract structuring and risk analysis

2. Contract Administration

• Manage contract execution, amendments, change orders, and claims throughout project lifecycle
• Maintain contract logs, obligations tracking, and documentation control
• Ensure all parties comply with contractual terms and conditions

3. Risk Management

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks
• Advise project teams on risk exposure related to schedule, cost, scope, and performance guarantees
• Support dispute resolution, claims preparation, and negotiations

4. Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Project Managers, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction teams to interpret contract requirements
• Provide guidance on contract compliance, deliverables, and milestone obligations
• Coordinate with finance on payment terms, invoicing, and cash flow alignment

5. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure contracts align with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Support audits and internal reviews related to contract performance and compliance
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement in contract management processes

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• JD or advanced degree (preferred but not required)

Experience

• 5–10+ years of contract management experience in utility-scale solar, renewable energy, or EPC infrastructure projects
• Strong experience with EPC contracts, subcontracting, and major equipment procurement (modules, inverters, BOP)

Skills

• Deep understanding of contract law, commercial terms, and risk allocation
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Proficiency with contract management systems and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Experience

• Experience with large-scale solar (>50MW) or energy infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with FIDIC or similar contract frameworks
• Exposure to transmission/interconnection agreements and utility requirements