Sr. Specialist, Contracts

Overview

Reporting to the Director of Contracts, the Sr. Specialist, Contracts is responsible for leading end‑to‑end strategic sourcing and contract lifecycle activities for complex, high‑value commercial agreements.

This role manages sourcing events, competitive bidding, negotiations, contract drafting, and post‑award administration while ensuring alignment with company governance, risk frameworks, and business objectives. The Sr. Specialist collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to drive optimal commercial outcomes, maintain contractual compliance, and support continuous improvement across sourcing and contracting processes. This is a strategic, hands‑on role that requires strategic thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to drive results in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing events for high‑value and high‑risk contracts, including planning, market analysis, competitive bidding, evaluation, negotiation, and award.
• Develop sourcing strategies based on market intelligence, supplier capability, spend analysis, risk assessment, and business requirements.
• Prepare and manage RFx packages (RFI, RFP) and ensure clarity, completeness, and alignment with company standards.
• Coordinate fair and transparent bid evaluations across technical, commercial, and legal teams, including price normalization and consensus scoring.
• Prepare award recommendations and secure approvals in accordance with Delegation of Authority.
• Lead commercial negotiations for MPSA, MSA, FEED, EPC, and similar agreements to secure optimal pricing, terms, and risk allocation.
• Draft, redline, and revise contract language to reflect negotiated terms and mitigate commercial and contractual risk.
• Maintain version control and ensure accuracy and integrity of negotiation documentation.
• Support post‑award transition, including supplier kickoff, contract handover, and communication of key contractual obligations.
• Perform contract administration by tracking deliverables, obligations, milestones, and performance to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve contract‑related issues, disputes, or claims.
• Prepare and issue amendments, change orders, and notices in coordination with stakeholders.
• Maintain complete and accurate contract records within the contract management system.
• Ensure sourcing and contracting activities comply with internal governance, procedures, and audit requirements.
• Develop and improve standard templates, playbooks, and tools to enhance the sourcing and contracting process.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen commercial outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Build strong internal and external relationships and proactively anticipate business needs and challenges.

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in contract management in the energy sector, particularly with strategic sourcing, PSA, and MSA contracts.
• Experience working in a matrixed organization and excelling in a dynamic team environment with matrixed objectives.
• Excellent negotiation skills and oral and written communication.
• Excellent people skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively cross‑functionally.
• Strategic thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong understanding of contract law and procurement principles.

• National Contracts Management Association (NCMA) membership.
• Supply Chain certifications such as CPSM, CCCM, CPCM, CSCP, MCIPS, or another relevant certification.

Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. as required; lift files and boxes, open filing cabinets, bend, stand on a stool, or climb as necessary; perform tasks requiring hearing and speaking; use hands and arms to handle, feel, and reach; move throughout office/site locations; wear necessary PPE.

Next Decade provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Next Decade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.