Commercial Contracts Manager

Job Description –
Commercial Contracts Manager
Position
Summary:The Commercial Contracts Manager will serve as the company’s internal commercial and contracts leader, supporting contract negotiation, risk management, and compliance initiatives. This role will lead company to company contract negotiations, support construction and project related contractual matters, coordinate compliance efforts, and serve as the primary liaison to outside legal counsel. The ideal candidate brings strong experience negotiating complex commercial contracts and preferably experience within the construction or EPC industry.

This is an in office position based in Cincinnati OH and reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Key Responsibilities
Contract Negotiation & Strategy

• Negotiate customer-facing EPC agreements, subcontractor agreements, and vendor contracts, including pricing structures, scope language, risk allocation, performance guarantees, and indemnification.
• Execute negotiation strategies aligned with margin targets, risk mitigation standards, and operational feasibility.
• Prepare redlines, counteroffers, and negotiation summaries for leadership review and approval.
• Clearly communicate negotiation updates and key risk items to internal stakeholders, escalating as needed.

• Conduct detailed redline reviews of contracts, distinguishing between business decisions and legal risk issues.
• Partner with Legal (internal or external) to resolve contractual disputes and complex risk provisions.
• Evaluate insurance requirements, liquidated damages, warranties, performance guarantees, change order language, and dispute resolution clauses.
• Ensure executed contracts align with company standards and compliance requirements.

• Collaborate with Finance and Project Teams to assess financial implications of contract terms.
• Analyze margin exposure, escalation clauses, schedule impacts, and performance penalties.
• Review contract performance against agreed-upon terms and assist in enforcing compliance where necessary.
• Support forecasting accuracy by identifying contractual risks affecting revenue recognition or cost exposure.

• Maintain strong internal relationships with Business Development, Operations, Engineering, and Construction.
• Serve as SME for assigned contracts, providing guidance to PMs and leadership throughout project lifecycle.
• Participate in client meetings as needed to support contract clarification or renegotiation.
• Assist in dispute resolution and change order negotiations.

• Develop and refine contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation frameworks.
• Identify recurring risk themes and recommend process improvements.
• Support training initiatives for PMs and BD teams on contract risk awareness.

• Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business, Risk Management, or related field preferred.
• Seven (7) plus years of experience negotiating commercial contracts in a construction, EPC, manufacturing, or project based environment.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, risk allocation, indemnification, insurance, and dispute resolution.
• Experience working with outside counsel and supporting litigation or claims processes.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance environments relevant to project based industries.
• Demonstrated ability to balance commercial objectives with risk mitigation.

• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills with a practical, solution oriented mindset.
• Ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.