Microsoft Construction Contract Lead 

United States, Washington, Wenatchee 

982278210

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind the cloud. We

As a Contract Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of contracts related to site operations and 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 will be essential for this role.

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 6+ years experience (including internships) in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations
  • OR Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 5+ years experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Experience in contract management, preferably in construction, real estate, or infrastructure projects.
• Understanding of the construction industry and contract language associated engineering, procurement, fabrication, and construction/construction management (EPFC/CM)
• Experience in negotiating various types of large scale construction contracts through its lifecycle including BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement)and other methodologies in owners interest.
• Experience managing various contract types; Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Stipulated Sum, Unit Rate Contracts, Time & Materials, Incentive Fees.

Other Requirements:

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check every two years thereafter.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 8+ years experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations

  • OR Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 7+ years experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations

  • OR equivalent experience.

• Hyperscale data center or large building construction experience in an owner or general contractor capacity
• Experience developing negotiating contract terms and conditions specifically for contracts related to services, construction, engineering, materials and equipment installation.
• Understanding of entire life cycle of contracting principles and legal terms and conditions
• Proficient communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously.
• Proficiency in contract management software and tools.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver results.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:Microsoft will accept applications for the role until December 10, 2024.

Procurement and Contracts

Project Procurement:

• Perform sourcing activities for various professional services, such as GC (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 contract
• 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 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 OFCI (Owner-Furnished, Contractor Installed) 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 responsibilities.
• Own commercial decision making on all post-award activities through influencing project stakeholders.
• Identify potential challenges related to the project/contract and develop strategies to mitigate the risk and maintain compliance.
• Provide regular status reports on issues, risks and mitigations to leadership.
• Prepare contractual notices as appropriate using language from terms & conditions.
• Address and resolve any payment disputes submitted by suppliers.
• Help facilitate and engage as needed in negotiations with contractors and other parties to resolve disputes with regular updates to the client team.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to review the GC’s subcontractor procurement deliverables and final recommendation of subcontractor award for each trade package.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Drives business engagement and partnership with cross-functional teams including Planning, Strategic Sourcing, Cost Management, Engineering, Quality, Construction and Project Managers.
• Drives commercial compliance and problem resolution with General Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers.
• Actively partners with suppliers to identify and drive continuous improvement and risk management opportunities by evaluating procedural, operational, and/or environmental factors, analyzing root causes of issues, sharing insights with key stakeholders, and influencing the adoption of needed improvements.