Metro Contract Lead

Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud.  Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services.  This role is located in Columbus, OH.  Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidates must ​relocate or reside within 50 miles of the office location. 

Within CO+I, the Global Supply Chain team is responsible forestablishing a supply chain that can meet the ever-growing growth of the Cloud and our customers. We support a portfolio of complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-billion, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. Furthermore, we support the Operations team that manages and runs the cloud assets. We are seeking a Metro/Contract Lead for our Supply Execution Chain team to lead a program of build projects in the US Central Region. 

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.  

As a Metro/Contract Lead for GC, Cx , AE and other service contracts you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of contracts related to construction projects in the region. You will be an influential leader and collaborate with cross-functional teams, legal experts, and external stakeholders to manage contractual agreements, mitigate risks, and drive compliance at the job site. Your attention to detail, negotiation skills, and ability to navigate complex contractual landscapes across the lifecycle of the project will be essential for this role. You will be part of the High Performance team to execute projects in the region.  

Contract Management: 

• Oversee and manage all aspects of execution of GC, Cx, AE and other service contracts, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. 

• Collaborate with legal, procurement, and project management teams to align contract execution with project objectives. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters related to GC, Cx, and AE projects for the region 

• Support in negotiating and issuance of GC contracts in alignment with project requirements and timelines for the region 

Risk Management: 

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with contract execution, ensuring project objectives are safeguarded. 

• Develop and implement risk management strategies to address contractual and operational challenges. 

Supplier/Contractor Coordination: 

• Coordinate with suppliers and Contractors to ensure timely delivery of services 

• Manage vendor relationships, addressing issues and ensuring high-quality outcomes. 

Budget and Change Order  Management: 

• Monitor and control budgets, ensuring expenditures remain within approved limits. 

• Manage the change order process and ensure proper change order management  

• Prepare and submit reports, including forecasts and variance analyses. 

Compliance & Reporting: 

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and corporate policies. 

• Generate regular reports on contract performance, including progress updates and issue resolution. 

Project Management: 

• Develop and maintain project schedules, ensuring milestones and deadlines are achieved. 

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align all activities with contract requirements. 

Contractor Compliance 

• GC Contracts 

• Ensuring that the contracts are issued in the region in accordance with the established standards for RFP’s  

• Commissioning (Cx) Execution 

• Ensure contractors are accountable for managing system startup and commissioning activities in accordance with the approved CxPOR 

• Ensure safety compliance during commissioning activities in collaboration with the General Contractor (GC). 

• Issuing AE Contracts: 

• Manage the issuance of AE contracts, ensuring alignment with project requirements. 

• Collaborate with sponsor teams, contractors, and leadership to facilitate communication and ensure on-time delivery of AE services. 

Documentation & Communication: 

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation of contracts, amendments, change orders, and correspondence. 

• Provide regular updates to stakeholders, including senior management, on contract performance and project progress. 

• Manager Sponsor team meetings with the contractors.  

Stakeholder Collaboration   

• Drives business engagement and partnership with cross-functional teams including Planning, Strategic Sourcing, Cost Management, Engineering, Quality, Construction and Project Managers.  

• Drives commercial compliance and problem resolution with General Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers.  

• Actively partners with suppliers to identify and drive continuous improvement and risk management opportunities by evaluating procedural, operational, and/or environmental factors, analyzing root causes of issues, sharing insights with key stakeholders, and influencing the adoption of needed improvements.  

• Plan and manage the executive sponsor meeting with key stakeholders for the successful execution of the project. 

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 8+ years experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations 

• OR Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 7+ years experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations OR equivalent experience. 

• Hyperscale data center or large building construction experience in an owner or general contractor capacity  

• Experience developing negotiating contract terms and conditions specifically for contracts related to services, construction, engineering, materials and equipment installation.  

• Understanding of entire life cycle of contracting principles and legal terms and conditions  

• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously.  

• Proficiency in contract management software and tools.