Principal, Contracts Management

Fleet Data Centers designs, builds and operates mega-scale data center campuses.  Fleet provides its customers with flexibility and predictability to meet their upside demand forecasts, addressing a key need in the market as traditional leased models are struggling to keep pace with the demand for new Cloud and AI infrastructure.  Fleet is led by a team of industry veterans that have already made a lasting imprint on the evolution of global digital infrastructure and are committed and uniquely capable of upleveling data center development scales and operations in the face of rising demand. Fleet is well positioned to bring in-house design, engineering and operational capabilities to collaborate with customers on tailored solutions for campuses of 500MW+.  This unique model enables Fleet to provide the world’s largest and most sophisticated customers with a seamless extension of their own data center fleets with constant access to design innovation.

Fleet Data Centers is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Contracts Management Principal for our data center construction builds including data center services required to maintain data center operations. The successful candidate will drive the contract management process for General Contractors and operational services to support our large-scale data center programs.   You will be responsible for the Request-For-Information / Quotation / Proposal (collectively “RFx”) process(s), in addition to preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and executing contracts with various parties, such as, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants. You will also ensure compliance with all contractual obligations and industry standards, and manage any contract-related issues, claims and/or disputes.

If you have experience with complex construction and technology agreements?, strong negotiation skills?, and a solid understanding of the data center industry?, Then please read on!

How will you make a difference?

• Competitive Bid(s): Create and issue RFxs for services required for the projects and evaluate and compare the bids received from the suppliers.
• Contract Formation, Execution, Management, and Administration: Create and deliver on contract execution plans, inclusive of contract formation, execution, and post-execution management/administration.  
• • Draft, review, negotiate and execute contracts with various parties, such as clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants for large-scale data center construction/build programs including post-build operational services. 
  • Manage contract renewals, extensions, amendments, and terminations, and maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all contracts and related documents.
  • Collaborate with legal, finance, construction, engineering, and procurement teams to align contract terms with technical and financial objectives.
  • Identify and mitigate potential risks and liabilities associated with contracts and resolve any contract-related issues or disputes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Finance, Construction Management, Legal Studies, Contract Law, Business Law, or Supply Chain.
• 5-7 years of commercial/transactional contracts management including drafting, negotiation, execution, and management.   Includes an applied understanding of commercial language, construction practices, risk management, supply chain or similar contracts-related experience. 
• 3+ years of strategic sourcing/procurement experience
• 1+ year working for a hyperscaler and/or data center developer/operator. 
• Experience working in fast-paced, large-scale infrastructure or data center projects.
• Proficiency in contract lifecycle management (CLM) software.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain management tools, data analytics, and BI tools.
• Knowledge of sustainability and social responsibility in supply chain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in business administration, Economics, Finance, Construction Management, Legal Studies, Contract Law, Business Law, or Supply Chain.
• Experience with typical construction/services contracting approaches and fee structures (e.g., Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Not-to-Exceed, Cost Plus Fee, Time & Materials, Hourly Rate, Not to Exceed, Design-Build (DB) or Design-Build-Assist (DBA), etc.
• Experience managing construction claims. 
• Proven track record in implementing process improvement initiatives and driving operational excellence

Required Traits and Skills

• Integrity and Ethical Standards: Build trust, ensure fairness, and foster long-term, transparent relationships with suppliers. 

• Effective Communication: The ability to clearly convey expectations and requirements to suppliers and negotiation parties, while understanding their needs and concerns. Comfortable delivering written and verbal presentations to internal leadership teams. 

• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Ability to understand the emotions, cultural nuances, and motivations of others, while effectively managing one's own emotions during high-pressure negotiations. 

• Strategic Thinking: Recognize how supplier relationships and negotiations align with the broader organizational goals, while aiming for outcomes that benefit both parties. 

• Critical Thinking Skills: Finding innovative solutions and being flexible in addressing unexpected challenges. 

• Analytical Ability: Make data-driven decisions, assess cost structures, and identify potential risks, ensuring informed and strategic outcomes.  

• Influence and Persuasion: Able to effectively advocate for their position, build consensus, and secure favorable agreements without compromising relationships. 

• Operational Paranoia: Anticipate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and proactively implement mechanisms to prevent and minimize disruptions and safeguard safety, security, availability, and scale.  

• Relationship Management: Cultivate trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships, while building a broad network that provides valuable benchmarking, industry insights, and alternative sourcing options.  

Location and Travel

• Work location is flexible to Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, Austin, TX or Alexandria, VA. Hybrid - 3 days in office. 100% remote employees will be considered on an individual basis.
• Regular travel as needed to Fleet offices and to meet with vendors.

Expected Salary Range

• $180,000 to $200,000 base plus discretionary bonus

Fleet Data Centers Employment 

Fleet Data Center employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K program, standard paid holidays, and unlimited PTO. 

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

Fleet Data Centers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at [email protected].