What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Contracts Mgr position at Consumers Energy?
Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.
Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to Parnall located in Jackson, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).
General Summary Of Job Responsibilities
The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Company’s Clean Energy Plan, including annual competitive solicitations for the procurement of wholesale electric generation representing approximately $1.4 billion in obligations, as well as negotiating corresponding multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”). This role also includes representing the Company as an expert witness in regulatory proceedings and collaborating with Legal, Credit, Accounting, and other cross‑functional teams to protect and advance Consumers Energy’s interests. The position requires a strong working knowledge of the Company’s electric system, MISO energy and capacity markets, MPSC regulations, and sound business and contractual judgment.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.
What We Offer
We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.
All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.
Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to Parnall located in Jackson, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).
General Summary Of Job Responsibilities
The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Company’s Clean Energy Plan, including annual competitive solicitations for the procurement of wholesale electric generation representing approximately $1.4 billion in obligations, as well as negotiating corresponding multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”). This role also includes representing the Company as an expert witness in regulatory proceedings and collaborating with Legal, Credit, Accounting, and other cross‑functional teams to protect and advance Consumers Energy’s interests. The position requires a strong working knowledge of the Company’s electric system, MISO energy and capacity markets, MPSC regulations, and sound business and contractual judgment.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead the negotiation and drafting (as needed) of multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar PPAs resulting from annual competitive solicitations, ensuring appropriate contractual, economic, and commercial terms that best serve and protect the Company’s interests
- Lead all aspects of annual competitive solicitations for the procurement of wholesale electric generation, fostering competition to deliver improved performance at low cost while adhering to MPSC guidelines
- Ensure commercial, legal, and contractual compliance across all procurement transactions, including adherence to Company processes, policies, and procedures
- Oversee regulatory compliance reporting and serve as an expert witness in regulatory proceedings
- Lead negotiations and drafting of complex amendments to existing PPAs
- Lead negotiations and drafting of relatively straightforward amendments or other agreements related to existing PPAs or Master EEI agreements
- Manage third‑party interactions, both internal and external, to build and maintain strong supplier relationships and secure cost‑effective, constructive PPAs
- Provide escalation, presentation, and communication support to senior leadership
- Mentor and coach team members
- Perform other duties as assigned or as necessary
- Comprehensive knowledge of the end‑to‑end procurement cycle, including experience developing Request for Proposal (RFP) packages
- Strong understanding of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal considerations
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, including advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Power BI, ServiceNow, SAP, and DocuSign
- Working knowledge of MPSC regulations and strong business and contract acumen
- Experience creating, analyzing, negotiating, and editing contracts in alignment with Company standards and business partner interests
- Knowledge of procurement processes and escalation mechanisms, with demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, deliver exceptional customer service, and resolve issues effectively and efficiently
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business‑related field with four (4) or more years of experience in contracts, procurement, or related roles within the engineering industry
- [OR] Associate degree with six (6) or more years of experience in three or more of the areas listed above
- [OR] High School Diploma or GED with eight (8) or more years of experience in three or more of the areas listed above
At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation packages
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- 401k with company match
- Paid parental leave
- Up to 13 paid Holidays
- Paid time off
- Educational Assistance Program
We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.
All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.