Senior Contract Strategist - Major Projects & Negotiations

American Electric Power; North Carolina; On-site; USD 98,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

401(k) Match

AEP Pension

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Contract Specialist to lead complex, high-value supplier contracts and strategic negotiations. You will develop contracting strategies, guide executive leadership, and drive risk mitigation across major projects and portfolios.

You will partner with Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, Risk Management, Engineering, and Project Management to optimize supplier performance and protect company interests, mentoring junior team members along the way.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of relevant work experience; or an Associate’s degree with 8 years; or a HS diploma with 10 years.
• Experience in contracts for services, construction, engineering, materials, equipment installation.
• Ability to lead negotiations, manage risk, and advise leadership on contractual matters.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute contracting strategies for capital projects and key supplier relationships.
• Lead complex negotiations balancing commercial, legal, regulatory and financial considerations.
• Advise leadership on contract interpretation, risk, disputes and supplier performance.
• Conduct risk and financial assessments across contract lifecycles.
• Lead cross-functional teams in evaluation, negotiation, administration, and closeout of high-value contracts.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements across supplier portfolios.
• Provide executive reporting on portfolio performance and risk exposure.
• Manage dispute resolution activities in coordination with Legal and project teams.
• Support strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and procurement activities.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic contracting

Risk management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Associate’s degree in related field

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Contract Lifecycle Management systems

Job description

American Electric Power is seeking a Contract Specialist to lead complex, high-value supplier contracts and strategic negotiations. You will develop contracting strategies, guide executive leadership, and drive risk mitigation across major projects and portfolios.

You will partner with Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, Risk Management, Engineering, and Project Management to optimize supplier performance and protect company interests, mentoring junior team members along the way.