Consulting Contract Administrator

Puget Sound Energy•Bothell, WA

9d•$94,300 - $156,900

About The Position

In this role you will serve as a trusted advisor to department staff, bringing deep expertise in contracting strategy, methods, and processes to solve complex, broadly defined technical challenges. In this role, you will lead the negotiation, execution, and administration of high-impact, often unique contracts for consulting, engineering, construction, and maintenance services that support Gas and Electric Transmission, Distribution, Energy Production, Energy Storage, and other critical program work. You will own the full lifecycle of Engineering-related contracts—from solicitation and negotiation through execution, administration, and performance management—ensuring seamless delivery from start to finish. As a key driver of contractor strategy, cost control, and supplier performance, you will play a pivotal role in aligning contracting outcomes with business objectives, project schedules, and financial targets. This position calls for a recognized subject matter expert in contracting practices, someone who can lead cross-functional coordination between internal stakeholders and engineering partners with confidence and clarity. You'll take on assignments of significant complexity, navigating interrelated elements and novel challenges that require sound judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to forge new solutions. Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety. Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically, and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, economics, related fields, or equivalent work experience.
Six (6) years of experience successfully managing a portfolio of progressively complex contracts and completion of a Contract Manager certification by National Contract Management Association (NCMA), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or equivalent certification; or eight (8) years of relevant contract experience.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across departments, organizational levels, and external partners while fostering teamwork and a strong customer focus.
Demonstrated expertise in contract drafting, negotiation strategy, and structuring complex service agreements.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence outcomes without direct authority.
Demonstrated continuous improvement mindset with experience driving process enhancements and standardization.
Advanced organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage ambiguity and drive solutions.
Advanced knowledge of procurement and contracting policies, procedures, and negotiation practices.
Strong working knowledge of procurement legal aspects, commercial law, risk management, contracting for services and contract administration processes.
Strong decision-making skills with the ability to exercise independent judgment on complex contracting matters.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to facilitate stakeholder discussions, manage conflict, lead negotiations, and influence outcomes.
Ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, complex environment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Ten (10) years of experience in services procurement or contracting.
Experience working in the utility industry.

Responsibilities

Contributes to development of contractor management strategies aligned with program delivery goals.
Documents and shares work to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE’s contracting workforce while mentoring staff.
Ensures contracts are structured to support operational, schedule, and financial objectives.
Serves as primary liaison and team coordinator between the Contractor community and internal clients.
Leads development of Statements of Work (SOWs) and contract templates and supports the full contract lifecycle, including contractor pre-qualification, solicitation, negotiation, execution, modification, and bid/RFP processes in coordination with sourcing and business stakeholders.
Reviews the work of internal and external (consulting or contract) contract administrative staff.
Leads ongoing management of contract partners, including performance tracking, issue resolution, and risk mitigation.
Drives process improvement initiatives that strengthen data quality, reporting, and performance tracking while improving contract efficiency, standardization, and scalability.
Leads and facilitates contractor Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and continuous improvement discussions to enhance contractor performance and drive operational improvements.
Identifies contractor performance risks and drives mitigation strategies in coordination with quality and operations teams.
Leads cost control strategy implementation within assigned contracts, including tracking, forecasting, and variance identification.
Supports invoice validation processes in coordination with business support and project teams.
Monitors contract thresholds and ensures appropriate approvals and controls are in place.
Drives alignment between contracted rates, unit costs, and financial targets.
Supports maintenance and accuracy of contract and project data within enterprise systems.
Ensure contract-related workflows are properly tracked and documented.
Formulates and conducts presentations to executive staff and industry.
Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
Supports vendor workload balancing.
Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
Performs other duties as assigned.