Contracts Manager

Schneider Electric™ creates connected technologies that reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. Our 144,000 employees thrive in more than 100 countries. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Help us deliver solutions that ensure Life Is On everywhere, for everyone and at every moment: https://youtu.be/NlLJMv1Y7Hk.

Responsibilities

The Contracts Manager contributes valuable insight to the organization for the operational, short- and long-term strategic direction, management, and continued process improvement of Schneider Electric. Contracts Manager focuses on the management of contracts to maximize business performance and minimize risk throughout the contract lifecycle. As such the Contracts Manager is responsible for the management of the following aspects of a contract: compliance for funding, drafting, negotiation, approval of final contract, thorough execution and including amendments as needed.

PRIMARY DUTIES: Contract Manager will perform this job successfully; an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned on an as needed basis.

1. Development of Business Unit Strategy

a. Partner with team members to develop the material requirements as it relates to volume, performance, and replenishment strategies

b. Represent Procurement on key activities that have an impact on the performance of the business

c. Provide insights and mapping of Supply Chain capabilities and demand to effectively manage risk

d. Work closely with the Business Development, Construction and Operations teams on utility-scale development and repower projects across various projects throughout North America.

e. Liaise with the internal technical team and external consultants to obtain and verify technical specifications.

f. Develop standard contracts for EPC engagements.

g. Build and develop a global supply chain for EPC vendors & major equipment used

2. Execution of Procurement Category Strategy

a. Leads contract negotiations for, and the drafting of, complex or high-value contracts.

b. Manage the entire bid process from RFP development through Contract Execution by:

i. Preparing all commercial bid documents including contractual terms and conditions with support from Legal Counsel.

ii. Leading RFP kickoff meeting with all relevant stakeholders.

iii. Managing and maintaining the integrity of the bid process.

iv. Develop bid evaluation matrix with support from the technical team and coordinating technical evaluations, conducting commercial evaluations including normalization of all compliant proposals.

v. Preparing a final vendor recommendation for senior management.

vi. Reviewing all comments and exceptions taken to the proposed Form of Agreement and working with Legal Counsel to negotiate a final Agreement.

vii. Develop strong relationships with a network of EPC Contractors across North America.

c. Develop strategic partnerships for high-volume / long lead items.

d. Manage and maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of materials, equipment, and execution of projects.

e. Develop a reliable and fast-moving network of suppliers (vendors, construction sub-contractors).

f. Work with project managers and engineers through the entire EPC project life cycle - from expression of interest, to bid, to award, claim management and close out.

g. Manage and maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of materials, equipment, and execution of projects.

3. Compliance

a. Stays current on law, regulatory, and rules developments and disseminates this information regularly to SE staff and as needed to non-executive and non-managerial level stakeholders.

b. Identify and implement cost-saving measures throughout the supply chain.

c. Keep abreast of market trends, new technologies, and regulations to ensure that the company remains at the forefront of the industry.

d. Liaise closely with the Legal department to establish streamlined and scalable contracts and contracting strategies.

Education/Certification Required: Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis on supply chain, procurement, or related area from an accredited university

Experience Required: Relative procurement management experience (8-10 years related work experience preferred). In addition, the candidate will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of contracting and construction in Mechanical and Electrical field. An understanding of energy performance work in lower and higher education or a municipality project background is beneficial.

Skills:

· Strong communication (written and verbal) and project management / organization skills required

· Excellent time management and organization skills required

· Experience with negotiating EPC, Major Equipment and Long-Term Services Agreements for utility-scale projects

· Possesses a strong understanding of procurement contracts along with excellent negotiation skills.

· Process orientation with an enterprise mindset.

· Sound knowledge with respect to performance and risk mitigation mechanisms.

· Extensive knowledge and experience with recognized procurement practices and corporate governance principals

· Ability to work with multiple departments and to determine and interpret business needs and to translate those needs into system requirements and effective action plans.

· Knowledge of and ability to interpret contact language at a level necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

· Leadership skills: team building, empower and delegate authority, ability to build rapport and consensus required

· In-depth knowledge of the contracting/procurement/acquisition process; thorough working knowledge of generally accepted business techniques and practices; and an understanding of business and contract law and legal terminology all at a level necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

· Knowledge of contract law, codes, standards, and industry construction knowledge preferred

Travel:

· Ability to travel up to 25% Normal work schedule is Mon-Fri depending on project requirements. Special project circumstances may require additional working hours on weekends; however, this is typically scheduled in advance.

Let us learn about you! Apply today.

You must submit an online application to be considered for any position with us. This position will be posted until filled.

Looking to make an IMPACT with your career?

When you are thinking about joining a new team, culture matters. At Schneider Electric, our values and behaviors are the foundation for creating a great culture to support business success. We believe that our  IMPACT values – Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, Teamwork – starts with us.

IMPACT is also your invitation to join Schneider Electric where you can contribute to turning sustainability ambition into actions, no matter what role you play. It is a call to connect your career with the ambition of achieving a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable world.

We are looking for IMPACT Makers; exceptional people who turn sustainability ambitions into actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization. We celebrate IMPACT Makers and believe everyone has the potential to be one.

Become an IMPACT Maker with Schneider Electric – apply today!

€36 billion global revenue
13% organic growth
150 000 employees in 100 countries
#1 on the Global 100 World’s most sustainable corporations

You must submit an online application to be considered for any position with us. This position will be posted until filled.

Schneider Electric aspires to be the most inclusive and caring company in the world, by providing equitable opportunities to everyone, everywhere, and ensuring all employees feel uniquely valued and safe to contribute their best. We mirror the diversity of the communities in which we operate, and ‘inclusion’ is one of our core values. We believe our differences make us stronger as a company and as individuals and we are committed to championing inclusivity in everything we do.

At Schneider Electric, we uphold the highest standards of ethics and compliance, and we believe that trust is a foundational value. Our Trust Charter is our Code of Conduct and demonstrates our commitment to ethics, safety, sustainability, quality and cybersecurity, underpinning every aspect of our business and our willingness to behave and respond respectfully and in good faith to all our stakeholders. You can find out more about our Trust Charter here
 
Schneider Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities in the areas of recruiting, hiring, training, transferring, and promoting all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic or conduct.