Contracts Negotiator II

Job Title & Location

Contracts Negotiator II – Charlotte, NC; Dallas, TX; Knoxville, TN

Job Summary

The Contracts Negotiator II role is responsible for managing revenue contracts from development of contracting strategies through execution of agreements. This position understands EPRI’s business policies and recognizes that the work performed under these contracts provisions research and development (R&D) and commercial services, supplied primarily within the global energy industry. The Contracts Negotiator II is responsible for negotiating funding contracts and amendments involving interactions with US and International business entities and collaborates with Legal and the R&D staff to develop tailored terms and conditions to address complex legal requirements and manage risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Contract Negotiations for Assigned Accounts
• Negotiate new funding contracts and amendments to existing contracts from development of contracting strategies through execution of agreements, including contract type, funding type, terms and conditions, internal policy compliance and estimated costs and fees.
• Evaluate and analyze project statements of work to determine internal policy compliance and necessary, sometimes unique, contractual requirements for the agreement or amendment.
• Assist in the negotiation of licensing arrangements contained within Supplemental Contract agreements in conjunction with legal, technical staff and Senior Contract Negotiators.
• Work with more senior Contracts Negotiators and Manager, Revenue Contracts to address specific contractual language related to topics that include protection of intellectual property, commercialization, licensing, funding, cost sharing, payment, property, equipment, indemnification, insurance and deliverables.
• Solve any contract-related problems that may arise prior to, during, and after the course of negotiations and contract execution.
• Develop and maintain relationships with EPRI staff and assigned customers, serving as the point of contact for matters concerning Revenue/Funding contracts.
• Identify and inform management of policy issues arising during contract negotiations and recommend constructive resolution.
• Work with technical staff and legal to ensure SOW are clear, consistent and in compliance with policies and best practices.
• Assist in the review of updated or enhanced contracting policies and procedures, including the development of templates and new special agreements.
• Support special projects related to Revenue Contracts as assigned.
• Record Management: Process agreements internally through Contract Lifecycle Management system for funding recognition and records retention.
• Maintain records for correspondence and documentation in relation to established contracts and those in progress.
• Monitor contracts and move forward with close-out, extension or renewal per contract terms, EPRI policy or as requested by MTS and technical staff.
• Maintain historical and situational data regarding special contract provisions and scenarios previously developed and applied to reduce redundancy and duplication of efforts in future contract negotiations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical, financial or business field required.
• Paralegal experience preferred.
• 4+ years of contracts-related experience.
• Experience with public utilities or energy industry preferred.
• Experience in negotiating contracts, including formulation of legal and quasi-legal contractual provisions, terms and conditions.
• Experience in contract risk management and negotiations.
• Previous experience with CLM and ERP systems.
• Previous experience with Online Contracting is a plus.
• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) a plus.
• International business experience a plus.

Skills and Attributes

• Demonstrates business acumen relative to the global financial impact of contractual agreements.
• Basic understanding of industry standard commercial terms and conditions.
• Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills; expresses ideas fluently and logically.
• Ability to work independently to accomplish objectives and meet deadlines.
• Values operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Familiarity with AI-powered platforms for automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $75,000 USD to $81,000 USD annually.

Benefits

• Participation in EPRI’s annual incentive program (amount varies depending on plan terms).
• Participation in EPRI’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), STD/LTD, paid family leave, life and accident insurance, and paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave and holiday pay).

Equal Opportunity

EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled.