Contract Lead

Microsoft•Durham, NC

10d•$116,900 - $203,600•Onsite

About The Position

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind the cloud, responsible for delivering over 200 Microsoft web portals, Live and Online Services globally, including infrastructure, security, compliance, operations, globalization, and manageability. The Global Supply Chain team within CO+I focuses on establishing a supply chain to meet the cloud's growth and supports complex, multi-billion dollar datacenter construction and lease projects, as well as the operations of cloud assets. This role is for a Contract Lead within the Global Contracts Management team, focusing on a program of build projects in Roxboro, North Carolina. Relocation support is provided, and candidates must relocate or reside within 50 miles of the office location (Raleigh, North Carolina and Durham, North Carolina). Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and organization to achieve more, fostering a culture of respect, integrity, accountability, and inclusion with a growth mindset. As a Contract Lead, you will be crucial in ensuring the successful execution of construction project contracts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, legal experts, and external stakeholders to manage agreements, mitigate risks, and ensure job site compliance. Attention to detail, negotiation skills, and the ability to navigate complex contractual landscapes throughout the project lifecycle are essential.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 6+ years experience (including internships) in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations OR Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 5+ years experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations OR equivalent experience.
Understanding of the construction industry and contract language associated engineering, procurement, fabrication, and construction/construction management (EPFC/CM)
Proven experience in negotiating various types of large scale construction contracts through its lifecycle including BATNA and other methodologies in owners interest.
Proven experience managing various contract types; Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Stipulated Sum, Unit Rate Contracts, T&M, Incentive Fees, etc.
Proficiency in verbal and written communication in both English and French is required for this role.
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 8+ years experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations OR Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 7+ years experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations OR equivalent experience.
Hyperscale data center or large building construction experience in an owner or general contractor capacity
Experience developing negotiating contract terms and conditions specifically for contracts related to services, construction, engineering, materials and equipment installation.
Understanding of entire life cycle of contracting principles and legal terms and conditions
Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously.
Proficiency in contract management software and tools.
Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver results.
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role.
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Responsibilities

Work with the team for performing the RFP and sourcing for large contracts
Perform sourcing activities for various professional services, such as General Contractors, Architect Engineers, Commissioning Agents, Cost Management, Project Management, and others.
Develop sourcing and negotiation strategies to meet project objectives, in relation to the various contracts.
Participate in supplier assessment and prepare contract award proposals.
Responsible for ensuring all contractual requirements are met according to the terms and conditions.
Executes procurement contracting strategies for large, complex data center construction projects and/or purchasing opportunities to achieve optimal cost and continuity of supply and services.
Serve as first line of defense/communication with site stakeholders on commercial issues.
Execute project closeout requirements.
Lead Change Order negotiations with input from key stakeholders and detailed understanding of contractual conditions.
Monitor and mitigate the impact of change orders and claims to the project, and partners cross-functionally to resolve/escalate accordingly.
Attend change management meetings and report on open change orders as applicable.
Help facilitate equipment once delivered to site, including inspections and sign offs.
Address quality-related issues as they arise and report as appropriate.
Partner with Labor Planning team on Field Service Representative (FSR) constraints during Cx (Commissioning). Ensure GC schedules are coordinated with Vendor Labor constraints.
Monitor vendor activity for timely Cx completion.
Assume all post-award contract execution responsibilities.
Own commercial decision making on all post-award activities through influencing project stakeholders.
Identify potential challenges related to the project/contract and develop strategies to mitigate the risk and maintain compliance.
Provide regular status reports on issues, risks and mitigations to leadership.
Prepare contractual notices as appropriate using language from terms & conditions.
Address and resolve any payment disputes submitted by suppliers.
Help facilitate and engage as needed in negotiations with contractors and other parties to resolve disputes with regular updates to the client team.
Collaborate with project stakeholders to review the GC’s subcontractor procurement deliverables and final recommendation of subcontractor award for each trade package.
Create and drive MIS reports and metrics of project for management awareness and action
Drives business engagement and partnership with cross-functional teams including Planning, Strategic Sourcing, Cost Management, Engineering, Quality, Construction and Project Managers.
Drives commercial compliance and problem resolution with General Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers.
Actively partners with suppliers to identify and drive continuous improvement and risk management opportunities by evaluating procedural, operational, and/or environmental factors, analyzing root causes of issues, sharing insights with key stakeholders, and influencing the adoption of needed improvements.
Plan and manage the executive sponsor meeting with key stakeholders for the successful execution of the project.