Head of Contract Management for Renewable Energy is a senior executive responsible for overseeing all contractual aspects of a company's renewable energy projects, from initial negotiation through execution and close-out. This role involves minimizing financial and legal risks, ensuring compliance, and maximizing commercial opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Contract Negotiation : Lead and manage complex, high-value negotiations for major contracts, including Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) agreements, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and equipment supply contracts (e.g., inverters, solar panels, wind turbines, BESS).
- Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) : Oversee the entire contract lifecycle, from drafting and review to execution, administration, renewal, or termination, ensuring all stages are managed efficiently and comply with internal policies and external regulations.
- Risk Management : Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks and opportunities, providing strategic advice to senior leadership on potential legal, commercial, and financial impacts.
- Compliance and Governance : Ensure all contractual activities adhere to relevant local, national, and international laws and industry-specific regulations, such as those from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) or other governing bodies.
- Team Leadership and Development : Manage, mentor, and provide technical leadership to a team of contract managers and specialists, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Stakeholder Collaboration : Serve as a primary point of contact for internal teams (legal, finance, sales, project management, engineering) and external parties (vendors, contractors, developers, government agencies) to align contract terms with organizational objectives.
- Process Optimization : Drive continuous improvement and digital transformation initiatives, including the selection and implementation of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.
- Dispute Resolution and Claims Management : Lead the resolution of contractual disputes and manage claims processes, working with legal teams to protect the company’s interests.
Qualifications and Experience
Education : A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil), Quantity Surveying, Business Administration, or Law is typically required. A J.D., Master's degree, or professional certifications (e.g., Certified Contract Management (CCM)) can be advantageous.Experience : A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in contract management and procurement, with substantial experience in large-scale EPC or infrastructure projects, preferably within the renewable energy (solar, wind, BESS) or power sector.Skills : Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving abilities are essential. The role demands strong leadership capabilities, commercial acumen, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.Industry Knowledge : In-depth understanding of industry-standard contract forms (e.g., FIDIC), supply chain dynamics in the renewable sector, and technical aspects of renewable energy projects is highly valued.