Contract Associate Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview:

The Sr. Contract Manager will be responsible for managing, negotiating, and ensuring compliance with all contractual agreements related to the operation of a utility-scale renewable energy Operations Control Center (OCC) contracted on behalf of Generation Owner Participants (GOPs). This role ensures that all obligations to and from GOP clients are met, risks are mitigated, and operations align with regulatory and market requirements (NERC, FERC, ISO/RTO, etc.).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead negotiation, drafting, execution, and renewal of OCC service agreements with GOP clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Ensure all contract activities comply with applicable laws, regulations (NERC, FERC, ISO/RTO), and company policies, particularly in relation to grid operations and critical infrastructure.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related communications between the OCC, GOP clients, and internal departments (legal, regulatory, operations, compliance).
• Identify contractual and operational risks; advise stakeholders on mitigation strategies to ensure reliability and continuity of OCC operations.
• Develop KPIs and monitor contract performance, ensuring fulfillment of service level agreements (SLAs), reporting obligations, and deliverables to GOPs and other stakeholders.
• Lead efforts to resolve disputes or claims related to contractual obligations, collaborating with legal and external counsel as necessary.
• Oversee and document change order processes, amendments, and contract modifications resulting from shifts in operational requirements or regulatory mandates.
• Coordinate with internal/external auditors to ensure contract processes withstand regulatory scrutiny, with a focus on NERC CIP and reliability standards.
• Continuously assess and improve contract management processes for efficiency and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Engineering, or related field. JD or Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years in contract management, preferably with large-scale utility, energy generation, or grid operations projects. Strong experience working with GOPs, ISOs/RTOs, or OCCs is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with utility-scale renewable energy operations, NERC/FERC compliance, OCC functions, and energy market structures.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States of America. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Required Skills:

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills
• Proficiency in contract management systems
• Ability to interpret complex legal and technical documents
• Project management and cross-functional leadership
• Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or equivalent preferred.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience supporting critical infrastructure or OCC compliance activities.
• Deep knowledge of grid operations, reliability, and regulatory environment for renewable energy.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Physical, Mental & Emotional Requirements

Employee may be required to sit for long periods of time using a keyboard and monitor display, and travel to other locations. Must be able to organize and prioritize work in accordance with deadlines, adapt behavior and work methods in response to changing conditions or challenges. Employee will be involved with sustained activity required for analysis, reasoning, and problem solving. Must be able to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships, recognize emotionally charged issues and respond appropriately, act with professionalism, and work both independently and collaboratively. Must be able to proactively encourage a work environment that encourages innovation and creative solutions and be able to develop effective working relationships with all levels of the company and outside partners.