ESS, Contract Manager

SK Battery America, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SK Battery America, Inc. is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to support energy storage projects from sales to operations.

You will review, negotiate, and manage contracts with IPPs, developers, and suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and technical requirements. You will lead contract changes, oversee supplier and vendor agreements, and collaborate with sales, engineering, project management, and legal teams to mitigate risks and protect SK On's interests while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, law, finance or related field; MBA/JD is a plus.
• At least 3 years in contract management or legal management in BESS industry for utility-scale projects; 7+ years in related roles.
• Strong contract law knowledge, with ability to analyze, draft and mitigate risk.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating MSAs, vendor and supplier contracts; cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Review and understand contract terms for Battery Energy Storage system sales and components.
• Negotiate with suppliers and contractors to optimize terms and reduce risk.
• Maintain and track contract data in the contract management system.
• Manage contract changes and amendments with cross-functional teams.
• Support project teams from sales through operations to ensure timely obligations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, law, finance or related field

MBA or JD is a plus

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

SKOn, a proud member of SK Group, the second largest conglomerate with a revenue size of $150 billion, is one of the fastest-growing battery manufacturers globally. With ambitious plans to reach over 180GWh manufacturing capacity in the US, SKOn is at the forefront of innovation in the energy storage sector. In response to the increasing domestic demand, SKOn is set to manufacture state-of-the-art 5.3MWh DC Blocks, fully compliant with the latest US domestic content requirements and eligible for full ITC benefits. Additionally, SKOn has contracted and awarded projects totaling 7GWh to be installed in the US starting 2026.

As SKOn continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Contract Manager to join our Energy Storage team at SKBA, our US subsidiary. Reporting to the Senior Contracts Manager, the Contract Manager plays a key role in supporting energy storage project risk mitigation, from sales to operation by ensuring that contracts, MSAs and scopes of work are negotiated and executed with customers and our key suppliers in timely support of our customer contract requirements. At the direction of the Senior Contracts Manager, this person reviews, negotiates, and manages contracts and flow down terms with independent Power Producers (IPPs), developers and suppliers - including partners for Power Conversion Systems (PCS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), battery components, system integration - and other agreements, making sure everything meets legal, regulatory, and technical requirements. By spotting and addressing risks early, the Contract Manager helps protect SK On's interests and supports our goal.

Main duties include helping project teams with contract issues, building strong relationships with vendors, and working closely with our sales, engineering, project management, and legal teams. The Contract Manager also handles financial and regulatory reporting, keeps track of contract performance, and makes sure all parties meet their obligations on time. This role involves solving problems, communicating effectively across teams, and focusing on delivering great results and client satisfaction through all stages of our projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Review and Management
  • Review and understand Battery Energy Storage system sales contracts: Carefully read and interpret sales contracts for DC Battery Blocks and full system sales covering DC Battery, Power Conversion System (PCS), and Energy Management System (EMS). Make sure all terms, obligations, and performance guarantees are clear, meet SK On's standards, and follow legal rules.
  • Check and manage supplier contracts: Review contracts with suppliers for PCS and EMS components. Compare sales and vendor contracts to find gaps or risks, and suggest ways to cover them. Work with legal, engineering, and sales teams to fix any contract issues and protect SK On's interests.
  • Oversee contract management system: Enter and keep track of key contract terms, obligations, and deadlines in the contract management system. Make sure all contract details are documented and organized to support audits and clear contract management.
  • Handle contract changes and amendments: Manage all steps of contract change orders and amendments. Work with sale, engineering, project management, and legal teams for quick and accurate updates. Share changes with all stakeholders, update records, and track how changes affect projects.
  • Other contract related tasks as assigned by the Senior Contracts Manager

Contract Negotiation

• Negotiate with suppliers, vendors, and contractors, to get the best terms and reduce risks for SK On. Use market knowledge, technical skills, and an understanding of SKOn's goals to guide negotiations. Make sure contracts are clear, protect SK On from risks, and include performance guarantees that limit liability.
• Work with legal, finance, and project teams to make sure contracts match project needs, timelines, and budgets. Regularly review contract details with legal counsel to stay compliant with laws and company policies. Coordinate with finance and project management to keep costs under control and meet project milestones. Maintain good communication with all teams to ensure clients are satisfied and projects run smoothly.

Qualifications

Education Background:

A bachelor's degree, degrees in business administration, law, finance, or related field. MBA or JD is a plus.

Experience:

At least 3 years in contract management or legal management in BESS industry, focusing on utility-scale projects. A minimum of 7 years in contract, paralegal, legal research, legal drafting or commercial negotiation or related role.

Contract Law Knowledge:

Demonstrated expertise in contract law, including a thorough understanding of essential contract principles, standard and complex clauses, and their legal implications. Ability to analyze, interpret, and draft contractual provisions to ensure compliance, minimize risks, and safeguard SK On's interests. Skilled in identifying potential legal issues, advising on risk mitigation strategies, and collaborating with legal counsel to address contract disputes or ambiguities.

Technical Skills:

Have general knowledge of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), including how the cells, batteries, and modules are designed and integrated DC Power Block.

Software Proficiency:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Soft Skills:

Demonstrated leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Certifications (Optional):

Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) is a plus.