Senior Contract Manager

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind the cloud.  We are responsible for delivering over 200 Microsoft web portals, Live and Online Services around the world including infrastructure, security and compliance, operations, globalization, and manageability. Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering a trusted experience to customers and partners worldwide. We are looking for a passionate, high energy individual to help build the network that powers the world’s largest online services.  Within CO+I, the Global Supply Chain team is responsible for establishing a supply chain that can meet the ever-growing growth of the Cloud and our customers. We support a portfolio of complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-billion, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. Furthermore, we support the Operations team that manages and runs the cloud assets. We are seeking a Contract Lead for our Global Contracts Management team to lead a program of build projects in Charlotte, NC 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.  In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.   As a Contract Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of contracts related to construction projects. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, legal experts, and external stakeholders to manage contractual agreements, mitigate risks, and drive compliance at the job site. Your attention to detail, negotiation skills, and ability to navigate complex contractual landscapes across the lifecycle of the project will be essential for this role.

Procurement and Contracts   Project Contract Sourcing :   Work with the team for performing the RFP and sourcing for large contracts Perform sourcing activities for various professional services, such as General Contractors, Architect Engineers, Commissioning Agents, Cost Management, Project Management, and others.   Develop sourcing and negotiation strategies to meet project objectives, in relation to the various contracts. Participate in supplier assessment and prepare contract award proposals.  Contract Review and Compliance:   Responsible for ensuring all contractual requirements are met according to the terms and conditions.  Executes procurement contracting strategies for large, complex data center construction projects and/or purchasing opportunities to achieve optimal cost and continuity of supply and services.   Serve as first line of defense/communication with site stakeholders on commercial issues.   Execute project closeout requirements.   Change Order Management:   Lead Change Order negotiations with input from key stakeholders and detailed understanding of contractual conditions.   Monitor and mitigate the impact of change orders and claims to the project, and partners cross-functionally to resolve/escalate accordingly.   Attend change management meetings and report on open change orders as applicable.   OFCI Management & Quality Assurance:    Help facilitate equipment once delivered to site, including inspections and sign offs.   Address quality-related issues as they arise and report as appropriate.  Partner with Labor Planning team on Field Service Representative (FSR) constraints during Cx (Commissioning).  Ensure GC schedules are coordinated with Vendor Labor constraints.  Monitor vendor activity for timely Cx completion.   Execution Coordination & Communication:    Assume all post-award contract execution