Principal, Contracts Management

About the role

Fleet Data Centers designs, builds and operates mega-scale data center campuses. The Contracts Management Principal will drive the contract management process for General Contractors and operational services to support our large-scale data center programs. You will be responsible for the Request-For-Information / Quotation / Proposal (collectively “RFx”) process, preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and executing contracts with various parties such as general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants. You will also ensure compliance with all contractual obligations and industry standards, and manage any contract-related issues, claims, and/or disputes.

Responsibilities

• Create and issue RFxs for services required for the projects and evaluate and compare the bids received from suppliers.
• Create and deliver on contract execution plans, inclusive of contract formation, execution, and post-execution management/administration.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and execute contracts with various parties, such as clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants for large-scale data center construction/build programs including post-build operational services.
• Manage contract renewals, extensions, amendments, and terminations, and maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all contracts and related documents.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, construction, engineering, and procurement teams to align contract terms with technical and financial objectives.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks and liabilities associated with contracts and resolve any contract-related issues or disputes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Construction Management, Legal Studies, Contract Law, Business Law, or Supply Chain.
• 5-7 years of commercial/transactional contracts management including drafting, negotiation, execution, and management. Includes an applied understanding of commercial language, construction practices, risk management, supply chain, or similar contracts-related experience.
• 3+ years of strategic sourcing/procurement experience.
• 1+ year working for a hyperscaler and/or data center developer/operator.
• Experience working in fast-paced, large-scale infrastructure or data center projects.
• Proficiency in contract lifecycle management (CLM) software.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain management tools, data analytics, and BI tools.
• Knowledge of sustainability and social responsibility in supply chain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Construction Management, Legal Studies, Contract Law, Business Law, or Supply Chain.
• Experience with typical construction/services contracting approaches and fee structures (e.g., Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Not-to-Exceed, Cost Plus Fee, Time & Materials, Hourly Rate, Design-Build (DB) or Design-Build-Assist (DBA), etc.).
• Experience managing construction claims.
• Proven track record in implementing process improvement initiatives and driving operational excellence.

Skills

• Integrity and Ethical Standards: Build trust, ensure fairness, and foster long-term, transparent relationships with suppliers.
• Effective Communication: Clearly convey expectations and requirements to suppliers and negotiation parties, while understanding their needs and concerns. Comfortable delivering written and verbal presentations to internal leadership teams.
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Ability to understand the emotions, cultural nuances, and motivations of others, while effectively managing one's own emotions during high-pressure negotiations.
• Strategic Thinking: Recognize how supplier relationships and negotiations align with broader organizational goals, aiming for outcomes that benefit both parties.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Find innovative solutions and be flexible in addressing unexpected challenges.
• Analytical Ability: Make data-driven decisions, assess cost structures, and identify potential risks, ensuring informed and strategic outcomes.
• Influence and Persuasion: Effectively advocate for their position, build consensus, and secure favorable agreements without compromising relationships.
• Operational Paranoia: Anticipate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and proactively implement mechanisms to prevent and minimize disruptions while safeguarding safety, security, availability, and scale.
• Relationship Management: Cultivate trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships, while building a broad network that provides valuable benchmarking, industry insights, and alternative sourcing options.

Location and Travel

Work location is flexible to Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, Austin, TX, or Alexandria, VA. Hybrid schedule with 3 days in office. Regular travel as needed to Fleet offices and to meet with vendors.

Pay

Expected salary range: $180,000 to $200,000 base plus discretionary bonus.

Benefits

• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401K program.
• Standard paid holidays.
• Unlimited PTO.