Construction Contract Lead

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services. 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. Contract Lead will support construction contract governance, documentation integrity, commercial administration, and change management across large-scale construction projects. We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Contract Lead  to join our Construction Contracts 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. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced project environment, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and takes ownership of ensuring contractual information is accurate, timely, and audit-ready.

Construction Contract Lead Location:  San Jose, CA. Project / Site‑Based (with coordination across regional teams) Reporting to: Contracts / Commercial Management Team Role Overview We are seeking a high‑performing Construction Contract Lead to join our Contracts team and support the delivery of complex construction projects. This role is responsible for end‑to‑end contract management , spanning pre‑award support through post‑award execution and closeout. The successful candidate will bring strong commercial judgement, disciplined change control practices, and the ability to operate confidently in a fast‑paced construction environment.

Pre‑Award & Contract Set‑Up 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