Contract Lead

About the role

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization delivers core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The role is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidates must relocate or reside within 50 miles of the office location.

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Contract Lead to join our Contract Management team supporting the delivery of large-scale construction projects. This role plays a critical part in maintaining contractual governance, documentation integrity, and commercial administration throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will support contract execution activities, manage contract records, coordinate contractual communications, and enable effective change management processes while ensuring compliance with company policies and project requirements.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Award & Contract Set-Up Support
  • Support RFP readiness by reviewing contract documents for completeness and commercial alignment
  • Coordinate timely issue of RFPs in line with project schedules
  • Drive closure of technical and commercial deviations prior to contract award
  • Contribute to bid evaluations, contract strategy development, and negotiation preparation
  • Coordinate closely with cost, procurement, and project teams to support award decisions
• Post-Award Contract Management
  • Manage contracts through execution, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and governance requirements
  • Lead administration of change orders and variations, maintaining clear entitlement positions
  • Review and approve contractual correspondence, including notices, non-compliance letters, and formal communications
  • Monitor contractor performance against contractual obligations, milestones, and commercial commitments
  • Support resolution of billing, valuation, and payment issues in collaboration with cost teams
• Change, Claims & Risk Management
  • Coordinate review of Time Impact Analyses (TIAs), extension-of-time requests, and schedule recovery measures
  • Support dispute avoidance and resolution, including escalation of complex commercial issues where required
  • Identify and proactively mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout project delivery
  • Ensure compliance with insurance, bonding, and other contractual risk controls
• Stakeholder & Site Engagement
  • Lead regular commercial/contract review meetings with contractors and internal stakeholders
  • Act as a key commercial interface between site teams, the Contracts function, and cross-functional partners
  • Provide clear, structured commercial updates to the Contracts team and project leadership
• Closeout & Continuous Improvement
  • Manage contract closeout activities, ensuring all contractual deliverables and obligations are satisfied
  • Support final account settlement and documentation handover
  • Drive continuous improvement in contract management processes, tools, and execution practices

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 6+ 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 5+ years’ experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations
• OR equivalent experience
• Experience in construction contract management across pre- and post-award phases
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, change management, and commercial governance
• Proven experience managing variations, claims, and contractual correspondence
• Excellent stakeholder management and written communication skills
• Ability to operate effectively in site-based, delivery-focused environments

Preferred

• 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 and negotiating contract terms and conditions specifically for services, construction, engineering, materials, and equipment installation
• Understanding of the entire lifecycle 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. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Pay

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $116,900 - $203,600 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $148,400 - $222,600 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.