Senior Contract Manager

POSTITION OVERVIEW

• The Senior Contract Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end contract management process and proactively managing contractual and commercial risk in accordance with SMA’s legal, compliance, and risk management frameworks. This role serves as a senior subject-matter expert within the organization, providing strategic guidance on complex contractual structures, negotiations, and claims management across large-scale, multi-year, and project-based agreements.
• The Senior Contract Manager plays a highly visible role across Sales, Legal, Finance, Commercial Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, and Service teams. This position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and drafting acceptable alternatives to complex contractual terms, including indemnification, intellectual property licensing, production and availability guarantees, prevailing wage requirements, and Foreign Entity of Concern provisions. The role also evaluates and manages claims, advises on exposure or recovery, and develops strategies to mitigate risk and maximize commercial outcomes.
• This is a fully remote position supporting SMA’s business primarily in the United States, with additional support across Canada and Latin America as needed.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a senior subject-matter expert in contract management, advising and partnering with Sales and bid teams to develop strategies to successfully pursue and win business
• Analyze commercial and financial risk, profitability, and exposure associated with potential opportunities and active projects
• Lead the review, analysis, drafting, and negotiation of complex contract terms, ensuring compliance with SMA policies, approval authorities, and risk management processes
• Manage the contract approval and signature process, ensuring alignment with SMA’s legal, compliance, and governance requirements
• Oversee the contracting process from bid phase through project execution, including contract handover documentation, training, and ongoing support
• Support Project Management and Finance teams by summarizing and tracking key contract terms, risks, billing structures, and financial obligations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters across Legal, Sales, Finance, Commercial Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, Product Management, and Service teams
• Maintain ownership of executed contract documentation, ensuring proper archiving, accessibility, and compliance
• Lead and support negotiations on complex contractual issues, developing negotiation strategies and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage claims processes, proactively identify risk areas, and support resolution strategies to mitigate exposure and protect project profitability
• Participate in project reviews, supporting budget adherence, quality alignment, and contractual compliance throughout execution
• Develop, improve, and implement contract templates, tools, processes, and best practices
• Prepare contract and project-related documentation to support senior management decision-making
• Provide strategic, business-oriented guidance on corporate initiatives related to contract management
• Perform other duties as required or assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in contract management within complex, project-driven environments
• Minimum of 10 years of experience supporting construction projects and project management
• Demonstrated experience managing complex contract types, including domestic and international agreements, master supply agreements, distributor agreements, and multi-year service agreements
• Proven experience managing claims, evaluating contractual exposure, and developing mitigation strategiesStrong analytical, negotiation, and risk assessment capabilities
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or similar certification
• Current or prior membership in the National Contract Management Association (NCMA)
• At least 3 years of experience as a financial analyst, project controller, or equivalent with a focus on financial evaluation and decision proposals
• Advanced interdisciplinary knowledge across construction, project management, service and O&M agreements, finance, procurement, insurance, and regulatory compliance
• Experience drafting and evaluating availability and production guarantees
• Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese
• Experience with SAP R/3
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, WebEx, and Adobe Acrobat
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, multinational teams
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

WE OFFER

• Base salary range of $134,000 – $158,000 annually, dependent on experience
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options
• Fully remote work environment with flexibility and regional collaboration
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment