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As part of the AES Clean Energy E&C Project Management Team, the Contracts Manager will oversee the contract strategy in high-impact large renewable projects through development, construction, commissioning, and turnover to Operations. The Contracts Manager will define EPC scopes of work for projects nearing construction and lead the structuring and implementation of construction RFPs and contract strategies, including preparing the EPC RFP packages and drafting and negotiating EPC contracts in accordance with AES standards and directives. Additionally, the Contracts Manager will be responsible for dispute prevention and resolution of contractual claims of those contracts, including drafting and preparation of the associated documentation (contractual letters, draft agreements/settlements, negotiations presentations and negotiating term sheets, etc.). This position will report to the VP of Project Management.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS
· Responsible for timely execution of contracts and ensuring that 3rd party contractors are obligated to stay in sync with excellent standards in safety, the environment, quality, costs, and schedule.
· Project a positive image to peers, to third parties, to clients, to the industry in which we participate, and to the community in which we live by ensuring new renewable plants are cost-efficient energy sources taking into consideration our environment
· Foster the AES Values, Put Safety First, Act with Integrity, Honor Commitments, Strive for Excellence and Have Fun through Work.
· Ability to work effectively with all levels both in and outside of the organization.
· Highly organized with efficient written, oral, computer, reporting skills and presentation skills.
Scope of Works and Request for Proposals
· Responsible for the definition and documentation RFPs and scope of work packages for 3rd party EPC contractors.
· Responsible for the draft of the EPC contracts and their technical specifications.
· Collaborate with senior leadership in project's contract strategy.
· Lead coordination with SCM, E&C, Legal, EHSS and O&M teams for timely execution of the contracts and adequate handover.
Ensure efficient and timely procurement process, including implementation of sourcing techniques to achieve savings for AES.
· Lead the EPC selection process.
· Standardization of technical specifications and RPF process across all projects in accordance with AES standards.
· Create strong relationship between AES and EPC contractors to promote collaboration in future projects.
Contract Strategy and Negotiations
· Lead in EPC contract negotiations.
· Lead coordination with Legal, Supply Chain, E&C, EHSS and O&M teams for timely execution of the contracts.
· Responsible for the compliant and timely execution of contracts, ensuring that every contract that is signed contributes to the project’s goals and objectives, including compliance with project-approved budget and schedule.
· Manage and coordinate activities of an internal team of subject matter experts, including engineers, construction managers, commissioning managers, procurement, asset management, legal, finance, accounting, regulatory, and EHSS teams during contract negotiations.
· Lead the coordination of contract/project turnover exercises to Construction Project teams for assigned projects.
· Extract and implement contractual Lessons Learned for future contracts, considering the experience of ongoing Projects.
· Standardization of contracts and negotiation techniques across all projects in accordance with AES standards.
· Responsible of the creation and update of the contract risk matrix.
Contracts Execution and Claim Management
· Support the Owner’s Representative for Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contract Management on high impact and utility-scale projects in the US (East Coast).
Accountable for the prevention, precaution, and management of contractual claims from contractors performing works in renewable energy Projects at the East Coast for AES Clean Energy.
· Responsible for the structuring and implementation of dispute prevention and resolution strategies.
· Leader for drafting and preparation of claims management documentation (contractual letters, draft agreements/settlements, negotiations presentations and negotiating term sheets, etc.).
· Responsible for establishing a unified dispute prevention and resolution strategy through standardized processes, implementing best practices, optimizing the drafting of contractual documentation (and eventual litigation evidence) in accordance with AES standards.
· Leader of contractual risk management and implementation of mitigatory and preventive action at the time of materialization of those risks, considering the applicable contractual framework.
· Lead the structuring, creation, preparation, review, modification and adjustment of the contract and claims management strategy.
· Responsible for the review, preparation and implementation of the strategy to manage contractor claims in ongoing Projects.
· Responsible for the analyses of ongoing or foreseeable contractual disputes and determine possible mitigatory actions to prevent, avoid and/or diminish potential damage/loss to the Projects.
· Lead good coordination between the Project and each contractor in relation to contract performance, reporting and contractual risk management.
· Create standard deliverables in the form of contract/agreement revisions, contractual letters, negotiation documents and other contractual documents. Unify, centralize, and update internal contractual documents and deliverables (templates) for use and adjustment on a case-by-case basis.
· Responsible for advising Project Managers in their discussions with their counterparts in each contract, in relation to contractual, business and commercial matters.
· Responsible for advising other team members of each Project on contractual matters (including contractual strategy, dispute prevention and dispute resolution).
· Maintain excellent, fluid, and efficient relations with members within the organization, ensuring permanent counseling in construction contractual matters.
Responsible for finding opportunities to improve business processes, and devise, structure and create the strategy to implement such improvements within the construction contractual practices.
· Responsible for establishing strong and articulate relations of the Projects with the Legal department in relation to contractual and claims matters.
· Responsible for collecting Lessons Learned during contract execution of the construction projects to be implemented in future contracts.
· Support project turnover exercises from Construction to the Asset Operations team for assigned projects.
· Assist with the development of internal operating policies, standards, and procedures.
Personal Development
· Responsible for providing ongoing training to team members and other stakeholders within the organization, in relation to dispute settlement, adequate contract management and claims management.
Health, Safety & Environmental
· Responsible for including all AES EHSS standards in contracts.
· Ensuring that contracts and technical specifications stay in sync with all Environmental regulations and permits.
· Ensure projects and contracts comply with community and social regulations, bringing valuable contributions to neighboring communities.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
· Undergraduate Degree in engineering, project management, construction management, legal or equivalent.
· Master’s degree is a plus.
· 7+ years of experience in construction project management, contract management, claim management or related roles.
· Demonstrable experience with construction and supply contracts, including on site experience.
Demonstrated success in high-impact and utility-scale construction contract negotiations.
· Demonstrable experience with large solar, battery storage and wind design and technical standards.
· Experience in the construction of utility-scale solar and/or battery storage and wind projects.
· Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, CPM scheduling, and Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
· Strong negotiation skills with extensive contract negotiation experience.
· Superior communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
· Outstanding interpersonal skills, including an ability to maintain calm and effective exchanges by all parties during stressful situations.
· Demonstrated success working to develop consensus from diverse opinions in a highly fluid and sometimes ambiguous multicultural environment.
· Experience in contractor qualification and contractor development.
· Excellent organizational skills demonstrated by clear and effective project plans and executive level reporting that ensure timely action and decision-making in time-pressured scenarios.
· Willingness and ability to travel to various project locations up to 30%.
· Familiarity Project Management Institute best practices and with the PMBok.
· Experience working effectively in cross-functional team settings
· Flexible, willing to work extra hours
· Spanish language skills a plus.
AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $135,000 and $169,150/Annual; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements such as annual bonus, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, vision, life, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
