Contracts Agent

About the role

The position exists to support the contracting needs of Southern Company’s business units and to provide guidance to Company organizations to effectively procure and pay for goods and services. The position is responsible for the daily support of all sourcing and contracting activities "from cradle to grave," including managing the sourcing (RFI or RFP) process, negotiation and contracting, through contract closeout.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Formal education or experience in contract language is preferred
• Experience in procurement or contracts preferred
• Experience with negotiating technology related contracts is highly preferred

Key Job Responsibilities

• Daily support of all sourcing & contracting activities "from cradle to grave," including advising customers and leading Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) preparation, leading pre-bid meetings, reviewing offers upon receipt from bidders, cost & price analysis, negotiations, risk assessment, preparing contract documents and agreements; assisting in contract administration, incorporation of changes, expediting & follow-up, disposition of claims, and contract closeout
• Support a high volume of projects concurrently with defined turnaround parameters (target days) for all contract related documents (RFPs, Master Agreements, Non-Disclosure, Amendments, Statements of Work, etc.)
• Lead negotiations of all legal and commercial terms to ensure that overall risk is properly controlled and mitigated
• Ensure all required terms and conditions are included in procurement documents and work with Legal, Risk Management and Accounting to resolve contractor exceptions and issues in a timely manner
• Build and maintain a detailed knowledge and understanding of essential legal provisions, contract common law, contract formation issues, remedies, liquidated damages, litigation avoidance, and dispute resolution
• Draft contract language, including special conditions for complex, non-standard purchases
• Identify and evaluate new sources of supply, domestic and globally, when necessary to meet customer needs, including performing market research and analysis
• Collecting and coordinating the update of supplier information and required compliance documentation (safety records, certificates of insurance, etc.)
• Build and maintain a proficient knowledge of and consistently use our sourcing, contracting, procurement and payment systems (GEP, Maximo, Oracle)
• Resolve any conflicts that arise during the course of contract performance, including negotiating any contractual revisions that may be required
• Communicate effectively with business partners at all levels of management regarding contract terms, status, and processes
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and provide guidance to business partners on the Southern Company procurement policies/procedures
• Manage relationships with the Company’s vendors and ensure efficient and transparent contracting and negotiation process to reduce costs, improve commercial terms and reduce duplication of efforts

Additional Job Responsibilities - Specific to Technology Support

• Negotiate Software License Agreements, Software as a Service Agreements, Subscription Service Agreements, Master Technology Equipment Purchase Agreements, etc.
• Support sourcing projects and assist in developing and implementing strategic decisions for the procurement of Technology Services, Software, Software as a Service, and Hardware
• Understand IT Security related risks and apply mitigation strategies to address data breaches, malicious and harmful code, security vulnerabilities, etc.

Behavioral Attributes

• Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Southern Company values of unquestionable trust, superior performance, and total commitment
• Self-motivated
• Customer focused
• Strong work ethic
• Exhibits a strong sense of urgency
• Promotes teamwork
• Practices ethical behavior
• Displays creativity, initiative, and flexibility

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Benefits

This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.