Contracts Manager

Title: Contracts Manager
Department: Operation 1
Location: Ankeny, IA
Supervisor: Director of Preconstruction Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent; Full-time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Hybrid

CONTRACTS MANAGER 

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future. 

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.  

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea. 

SUMMARY

The Contracts Manager plays a pivotal role in our utility-scale solar Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) company, overseeing the management and coordination of prime EPC contracts with our clients. This role involves working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution and compliance of contractual obligations. The Contracts Manager will lead efforts in contract coordination, internal reviews, and establishing efficient workflows to meet project timelines. Additionally, they will be responsible for managing contract templates, collaboration tools, and facilitating effective communication with clients. This position reports to the Director of Preconstruction Operations, or another management personnel that the President of the Company may designate.

This position is hybrid position, working out of your home office and the project sites, working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 10%.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Prime EPC Contract Management
  • Oversee the management and coordination of prime EPC contracts with clients, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and project requirements.
  • Lead coordination efforts and meetings with clients to discuss contract terms, resolve issues, and ensure alignment with project objectives. Establish review timelines to ensure timely turnaround of documents.
  • Create and manage contract collaboration tools to streamline communication and document sharing between internal teams and clients.
  • Maintain open and transparent communication with internal stakeholders, clients, and subcontractors to foster strong relationships and ensure alignment on project goals.
  • Compile contracts, track document and exhibit revisions, and other related document management tasks;
  • Review contracts for accuracy;
• Internal Coordination
  • Coordinate internal reviews and workflows of all contract exhibits, liaising with cross-functional teams including legal, finance, project management, procurement, module sales, and engineering.
• Contract Template Management
  • Manage contract exhibit templates, ensuring they are up-to-date, compliant with legal standards, and reflect best practices in the industry.
  • Manage updated revisions to internal LNTP templates.
• Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate contractual risks, working closely with legal counsel and project teams to address potential issues and ensure project success.
  • Contribute to the Project Risk Register with contractual risks identified.
• Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry standards throughout the contract lifecycle.
  • Review, interpret, and assist with negotiations of contract documents to determine contractual obligations, including governmental regulations, company contracting guidelines, and other contracting requirements with necessary stakeholders;
  • Ensure contract compliance by developing compliance trackers for delivery to the execution teams.
• General Requirements
  • Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position;

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, Engineering, or related field. Advanced degree or certification in Contract Management is a plus.
• Paralegal is a plus.
• Proven experience (3 years) in contract management, preferably in the renewable energy or power generation industry.
• Strong understanding of EPC contracts, including terms and conditions, scope of work, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of legal terminology and processes.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively interface with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in contract management software and collaboration tools.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft office Suite, Smartsheet, and Procore.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and analytical thinking.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to utility-scale solar projects.

EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 10% as needed

EXAMPLE OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at [email protected].

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.