Contract Specialist
American Electric Power
- Location
- Columbus, OH
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Senior
- H-1B history
- 16 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Sep 17, 2026
About this role
Job Posting End Date 10-03-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
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.
Job Description
What You'll Do: 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.
What We're Looking For
Bachelor's degree in related field of study + 6 years of relevant work experience. (or) In lieu of