Metro Contract Lead

Microsoft • Charlotte, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) delivers core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The Global Supply Chain team supports complex, large-scale datacenter construction and lease projects, as well as the operations team that manages cloud assets. Microsoft is seeking a Metro/Contract Lead for its Global Contracts Management team to lead a program of build projects in North Carolina. The role is located in Charlotte, North Carolina; relocation support is provided, and successful candidates must relocate or reside within 50 miles of the office.

The Metro/Contract Lead manages contracts for general contractor (GC), commissioning (Cx), architecture and engineering (AE), and other services throughout the project lifecycle. The position works with legal, procurement, project management, sponsor, and other cross-functional teams, as well as contractors and suppliers, to oversee contract execution, negotiate and issue contracts, manage risks and changes, monitor budgets and schedules, and ensure compliance. The lead maintains contract documentation, reports on performance and project progress, and coordinates stakeholder and executive sponsor meetings.

Microsoft describes its culture as grounded in a growth mindset, innovation, collaboration, respect, integrity, accountability, and inclusion. The role requires the ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including a Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance, or a related field and 4+ years of experience in data science/analytics, finance, project management, supply chain, and/or operations; OR bachelor's degree in one of those fields and 6+ years of relevant experience; OR equivalent experience.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.
• Detail-oriented ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver results.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance, or a related field and 8+ years of experience in data science/analytics, finance, project management, supply chain, and/or operations; OR bachelor's degree in one of those fields and 12+ years of relevant experience; OR equivalent experience.
• Experience with hyperscale data center or large building construction in an owner or general contractor capacity.
• Experience developing and negotiating contract terms and conditions for services, construction, engineering, materials, and equipment installation contracts.
• Understanding of the full lifecycle of contracting principles and legal terms and conditions.
• Proficiency in contract management software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee execution of GC, Cx, AE, and other service contracts, ensuring compliance with contract terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with legal, procurement, and project management teams to align contract execution with project objectives.
• Serve as the primary regional point of contact for contractual matters involving GC, Cx, and AE projects.
• Support negotiation and issuance of regional GC contracts in alignment with project requirements and timelines.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with contract execution and develop strategies for contractual and operational challenges.
• Coordinate with suppliers and contractors to support timely delivery of services; manage vendor relationships and address issues.
• Monitor and control budgets, manage the change order process, and prepare reports including forecasts and variance analyses.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and corporate policies, and report on contract performance and issue resolution.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and coordinate cross-functional activities to meet contract requirements, milestones, and deadlines.
• Ensure regional GC contracts are issued according to established RFP standards.
• Ensure commissioning contractors manage system startup and commissioning activities in accordance with the approved CxPOR, and coordinate safety compliance during commissioning with the GC.
• Manage issuance of AE contracts in alignment with project requirements; collaborate with sponsor teams, contractors, and leadership to support communication and on-time delivery of AE services.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of contracts, amendments, change orders, and correspondence.
• Provide stakeholders, including senior management, with regular updates on contract performance and project progress.
• Manage sponsor team meetings with contractors and plan and manage executive sponsor meetings with key stakeholders.
• Drive business engagement and partnerships with Planning, Strategic Sourcing, Cost Management, Engineering, Quality, Construction, and Project Managers.
• Drive commercial compliance and problem resolution with general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Partner with suppliers to identify and drive continuous improvement and risk management, evaluate procedural, operational, and environmental factors, analyze root causes, share insights, and influence needed improvements.

Benefits

• Relocation support is provided.
• Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation; further benefits and pay information is available through the linked Microsoft careers page.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior