Contracts & Procurement Manager

Urban Grid; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Flexible spending account

Company-paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Retirement plan with matching contributions

Paid parental leave

Competitive bonus structure

Paternal leave

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company is seeking a Contracts and Procurement Manager in Houston, Texas. This role involves managing procurement, sourcing discussions, and supplier negotiations for renewable energy projects. Candidates should have 5+ years of experience in procurement and a relevant degree. The position offers a competitive compensation package along with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, EPC Contracting or related role in Renewable Energy.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills focused on sustainability.
• Must be able to travel domestically as needed (less than 10% of work time).
• Strong negotiation, vendor management, risk management.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement software.
• Willingness to travel domestically (<10%).
• Excellent communication for technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers of renewable energy equipment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Negotiate favorable terms and contracts with suppliers.
• Manage contracts, change management, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, import/export laws and regulations.
• Monitor market trends and optimize lead times and costs.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Vendor management

Analytical abilities

Problem-solving

ERP procurement software

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or related field

Master's degree or certification (plus)

Tools

ERP systems (Procore)

Procurement software

Data analytics tools

Job description

Urban Grid is a leading independent power producer (IPP) delivering reliable, utility-scale solar and storage solutions to help meet America's unprecedented energy demand. We develop, own and operate projects that strengthen local economies through long-term partnerships and responsible land stewardship. By integrating agrivoltaics into our land management practices, we enhance soil health, support local farmers and benefit the communities we serve. With a strong focus on execution and integrity, we are committed to being a trusted domestic energy provider and responsible corporate citizen. Urban Grid is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and operates across the United States with a growing portfolio that includes 12,000 megawatts of development assets. We continue to maintain our optionality to co-locate with battery storage based on customer demand, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness in our energy solutions. Since becoming an IPP in 2023, we have successfully brought five solar projects online, begun construction on three additional projects and are actively advancing one gigawatt of capacity into pre-construction. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com. Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the world's largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Job Summary

Urban Grid is seeking a Contracts and Procurement Manager to play a critical role in managing the procurement, contracting, and supply chain operations related to the development and construction of renewable (solar & BESS) energy projects. You will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, contracting, and managing the procurement and contracts responsibility related to our Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and Major High Voltage Equipment needs, ensuring that projects are developed and executed efficiently and cost-effectively.

Responsibilities

• Identify, prescreen, and evaluate potential suppliers of renewable energy equipment, including solar panels, BESS, HV Equipment, inverters, mounting systems, and related materials
• Identify, prescreen, and evaluate potential suppliers of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and consulting/technical services for renewable energy projects balance of system, substations, switchyards, and transmission and distribution lines
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure a reliable supply chain
• Lead the sourcing process from Initial Supplier Engagement/Management, RFI to contracting negotiation and execution
• Negotiate favorable terms and contracts with suppliers, including pricing, delivery schedules, risk management and quality standards
• Analyze and manage the cost structure of renewable energy (solar & BESS) projects, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and optimization
• Monitor market trends and pricing fluctuations in the solar industry
• Develop and implement strategies to minimize procurement costs while maintaining quality
• Implement quality control measures and protocols for incoming materials and equipment
• Resolve any quality issues with suppliers and work to continuously improve product quality
• Optimize the supply chain to reduce lead times and streamline the procurement process
• Ensure that all procurement activities comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as environmental standards and import/export requirements
• Stay up-to-date with industry regulations and certification requirements
• Prepare RFPs, coordinate bid schedules, and evaluate vendor proposals to determine cost-competitive pricing and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Manage and administer contracts, including contract administration, change management, and dispute resolution, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and integrity

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or a related field. A master's degree or relevant certification is a plus
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, EPC Contracting, or a related role in Renewable Energy, with a focus on Project Procurement, Engineering and Services
• Preferred but not required, In-depth knowledge of solar and/or BESS technologies, equipment, and industry trends
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills, with a focus on sustainability and risk management
• Adept knowledge of procurement fundamentals, contracting drafting principles, and project management methodologies
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in technology and data-driven decision-making
• Familiarity with project management principles and software including (but not limited) to ERP systems (Procore), procurement software, or data analytics tools
• Must be able to travel domestically as needed (less than 10% of work time)
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Must be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, promoting transparency and alignment
• Must have a strong work ethic and a commitment to ongoing process improvement

Benefits

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, voluntary life, and long-term disability, paid paternal leave, and a retirement plan with matching contributions. Full-time position with competitive compensation package, including bonus.