Director of Contracts - Supply Chain

Blue Energy•Chevy Chase, MD

About The Position

Blue Energy’s mission is to unlock energy abundance, energy affordability, energy security, and turn-key decarbonization by developing the fastest path to deploying new nuclear MWs at scale. We are utilizing shipyard manufacturing supply chains and techniques from offshore oil and wind to reduce the cost of nuclear plants by over 60% and the manufacturing timeline to 24 months. Blue Energy is a platform technology that makes use of the latest NRC-approved reactors and is in negotiations with existing nuclear and industrial sites, enabling a much faster regulatory pathway to deploy our first unit. With our innovative centralized shipyard manufacturing approach, we can put nuclear power on a cost-reduction learning curve akin to wind, solar, and lithium-ion batteries. Role Summary Reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the Director of Contracts will lead the commercial and contracting backbone of Blue Energy’s supply chain. You will set contracting strategy, run competitive sourcing, negotiate and execute complex agreements, and manage post-award performance across a global supplier base (fabrication yards, shipyards, OEMs, EPC/EPCM partners, logistics providers, and specialty contractors). You will also help translate nuclear quality and regulatory requirements into clear, auditable supplier obligations without losing cost and schedule discipline.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in contracts, procurement, commercial management, or supply chain leadership for large industrial or energy projects (e.g., LNG, offshore wind, petrochemical, mining, power generation, heavy construction).
Demonstrated success negotiating and managing complex agreements across the full lifecycle (pre-award strategy through post-award execution).
Working knowledge of EPC/EPCM contracting, supplier qualification, and performance management; strong command of risk allocation and commercial terms.
Experience partnering with engineering and project controls to align scope, schedule, and cost baselines; disciplined approach to change management.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence across functions and levels, including executive stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience in regulated industries (nuclear, aerospace, oil & gas) and/or implementing supplier QA programs, audits, and documentation controls.
Professional certifications such as PMP, CPCM/CCM, MCIPS, or equivalent; familiarity with contract law and claims management.
Experience building framework agreements and strategic supplier partnerships for long-lead equipment or large construction scopes.
Lean/Six Sigma training or demonstrated experience improving procurement/contracting processes and cycle time.
International sourcing experience and comfort operating across cultures, geographies, and time zones.

Responsibilities

Define contracting strategies by package (EPC/EPCM/EPCCM, OEM supply, fabrication, construction, installation, logistics, services).
Select pricing and risk models (lump sum, unit rates, T&M, target cost, cost-plus) and align them to scope maturity and delivery risk.
Build and maintain contract templates, commercial terms, flow-down requirements, and approval workflows.
Lead end-to-end sourcing events (market scan, vendor qualification, RFP/RFQ, clarifications, commercial evaluation, award recommendation).
Negotiate and execute high-value agreements, including long-term framework agreements and master service agreements.
Partner with Engineering and Project teams to drive value engineering, standardization, and cost-down opportunities.
Own contract administration, including notices, correspondence, change orders, payment provisions, deliverables tracking, and closeout.
Establish disciplined change management and claims-avoidance practices; support fact-finding and resolution of disputes when needed.
Run supplier business reviews and performance management (quality, schedule, cost, safety, responsiveness).
Translate nuclear QA/regulatory requirements into supplier-facing requirements, audit criteria, and contract language.
Coordinate supplier qualification, audits, and corrective-action follow-up with Blue Energy QA and Regulatory teams.
Right-size QA rigor by commodity and safety significance to expand the supply base while maintaining compliance.
Build and lead a high-performing team across contracts, sourcing, and supplier performance as the function scales.
Serve as a key interface with executive leadership and cross-functional partners; communicate trade-offs and recommendations clearly.