Contract Specialist

About the role

Are you ready to work in a supportive, fast-moving environment where your work matters? This position serves as a Contract Specialist and management professional and is responsible for complex, high-value, and strategically critical supplier contracts. The role is responsible for developing and executing contracting strategies, leading sophisticated negotiations, managing commercial risk across a portfolio of contracts, and advising leadership on contractual, operational, financial, and regulatory impacts. The position partners closely with Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, Risk Management, Engineering, Project Management, and executive leadership to optimize supplier performance, protect company interests, and achieve business objectives. In this high-visibility position, you will provide guidance and direction to junior contract professionals and lead cross-functional teams during major contracting initiatives. This is an On-Site role based out of Columbus, OH.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive contracting and commercial strategies for major capital projects, enterprise procurement initiatives, and strategically important supplier relationships.
• Lead complex negotiations involving commercial, legal, operational, regulatory, and financial considerations, securing favorable terms while balancing business objectives and risk tolerance.
• Serve as the primary commercial advisor to business leadership, project teams, and stakeholders regarding contract interpretation, risk allocation, dispute resolution, claims management, and supplier performance issues.
• Conduct detailed commercial, financial, and contractual risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the evaluation, negotiation, administration, and closeout of high-value and high-risk contracts.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, value creation, process improvement, and contractual optimization across assigned supplier portfolios.
• Develop and maintain executive-level reporting on contract portfolio performance, supplier risk exposure, claims activity, commercial outcomes, and key performance indicators.
• Lead formal dispute resolution efforts, including claims analysis, settlement negotiations, mediation support, and coordination with Legal on litigation-related matters.
• Perform commercial analysis of supplier proposals, pricing structures, cost escalation provisions, market conditions, and total cost of ownership considerations.
• Establish governance frameworks for strategic supplier relationships, including performance scorecards, business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate changing regulatory, market, and industry conditions and recommend contract modifications or risk mitigation strategies to protect company interests.
• Lead negotiations associated with contract amendments, renewals, terminations, transitions, and supplier restructuring events.
• Manage the commercial impacts of force majeure events, supply disruptions, regulatory changes, and other significant business contingencies.
• Develop, improve, and standardize contract templates, policies, procedures, negotiation playbooks, and best practices to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Contract Specialists and other team members regarding contract strategy, negotiation techniques, risk management, and contract administration practices.
• Represent the organization in executive discussions with suppliers, industry partners, regulators, and external stakeholders on contract-related matters.
• Support strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and procurement activities through commercial leadership, due diligence, and negotiation expertise.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field of study + 6 years of relevant work experience.(or) In lieu of Bachelor’s degree must possess an Associate’s degree in related field of study, and a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience.(or) In lieu of Associate’s degree must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience. Demonstrate significant experience in a moderate range of subject categories relevant to areas of contract responsibility. Apply problem-solving skills and use creativity in problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree such as a Masters in Business Administration, Law degree or global equivalent.
• Nine (9) years of contract administration, subcontract administration, and procurement experience.
• Experience developing and negotiating contracts terms and conditions for contracts related to services, construction, engineering, materials and equipment installation.
• Experience administering the Request for Proposal/Request for Quotation process.
• Experience in work change, claims evaluation and negotiation.
• Experience with Contract Lifecycle Management systems.

Benefits

• Annual Bonus
• 401(k) Match
• AEP Pension
• Comprehensive Benefits Package

Pay

Compensation Grade: SP20-007
Compensation Range: $98,000.00 - $125,000.00