Lead Commercial Contract Manager OR Principal Commercial Contract Manager

Duke Energy•Charlotte, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Build an exciting, rewarding career with Duke Energy, a company focused on making a difference for millions of people every day. This role offers a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits. Depending on qualifications, the position may be filled at a higher level. The Lead Commercial Contract Manager is accountable for the highest-level duties related to Services, Equipment Supply, and materials contracts. This role ensures contract compliance with Supply Chain and Duke Energy policies, manages contract provisions, and coordinates change orders with stakeholders for successful execution. The successful candidate will manage all contract activities for Solar and Energy Storage new construction projects in the Carolinas, including contracts for panels, storage equipment, major electrical equipment, and EPC labor, with values ranging from $2M to $100M. This management is critical for meeting project schedules and competitive costs. The role also involves supporting assigned contracts through contractor relationship management, expediting parts and services, and leading problem resolution through direct negotiations and troubleshooting. This may require on-site visits to contractor facilities to ensure focus on major equipment and critical services, especially when schedule impacts can lead to economic harm or regulatory commitment issues. As a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for commercial contracts, this role collaborates closely with Legal, Risk Management, and senior management. The Lead Commercial Contract Manager can also mentor and train lower-level contract managers. The position may be filled at the Principal Commercial Contract Manager level based on experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management OR Science
Minimum of 7 years required related work experience
In lieu of Bachelor's degree AND 7 years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 11 years related work experience
Five of those years in practical major projects field experience.
Familiar with one of the following: CAS, MAXIMO, or similar purchasing software
Familiar with relevant power industry equipment usage (i.e.: turbines, generators, boilers, motor control centers, breakers, valves, etc.)
Knowledge of Project Management, Plant Maintenance, or Engineering concepts
Knowledge of business case development, total cost of ownership, and net present value concepts
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence internal business partner senior management, suppliers, and other stakeholders utilizing commercial acumen skills sets
Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills
Ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in engineering, science, business, accounting, supply chain or similar
Excellent written and oral skills
Persistence and follow through in holding contractors to commitments
Excellent planning and organizational skills
Extensive knowledge in dealing with contractors in non-performing situations
Project management experience
C.P.M., CPSM, CAPM, PMP, P.E., or comparable professional certifications
Purchasing experience
Ability to effectively interact at various levels including Executive levels
Possesses strong assessment, writing, organizational, interpersonal, and judgment skills
Seven of those years in practical major projects field experience (for Principal level)
Familiar with relevant power industry equipment usage (i.e.: turbines, reactor vessel, steam generator, boilers, motor control centers, breakers, valves, etc.) (for Principal level)
Knowledge of Project Management, Plant Maintenance, or Engineering concepts (for Principal level)
Knowledge of business case development, total cost of ownership, and net present value concepts (for Principal level)
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence internal business partner senior management, suppliers, and other stakeholders utilizing commercial acumen skills sets (for Principal level)
Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills (for Principal level)
Excellent written and oral skills (for Principal level)
Ability to effectively interact at various levels including Executive levels (for Principal level)
Possesses strong assessment, interpersonal, and judgment skills (for Principal level)
Extensive knowledge in dealing with contractors in non-performing situations and holds contractors accountable to their commitments (for Principal level)
The demonstrated ability to challenge the internal BU representatives on commercial issues in the contract (for Principal level)

Responsibilities

Provide governance and oversight of strategic contracts and/or major EPC contracts.
Ensure contractor compliance with commercial contract provisions.
Function as the SPOC and SME between the BU and the contractor on commercial contractual issues.
Resolve contractual commercial issues through direct, hands-on negotiations and troubleshooting to ensure delivery of critical equipment and services to meet schedule requirements for Duke Energy work.
Facilitate a governance program to effectively manage the performance and relationships with contractors and the BUs, including regular meetings.
Work with internal clients to develop performance reporting tools for existing and potential problem contractor performance.
Consult with internal customers on standardized equipment options in lieu of non-standard items which potentially add risk to schedules and quality requirements.