Contracts Specialist

The Contracts Specialist will manage a portfolio of Vestas contracts to ensure compliance, cost control and risk management. Responsible for operational and commercial (i.e., non-legal) aspects of contractual compliance, execution and performance. Team responsibilities include contracts for wind project development, construction, vendor subcontracts and service operations. (Individual specialists may focus in one or more of those areas. 

Responsibilities:

• Support Vestas operational colleagues (e.g., development team, project managers, construction managers and service site managers) by interpreting contractual provisions in context of situation in the field; identify possible contractual approaches and negotiating tactics to avoid or resolve customer disputes; and help execute the chosen strategy through drafting letters, notices and amendments.

• Develop and maintain contracts database that captures life-cycle requirements for easy reference and management of operational and commercial obligations.

• Where appropriate, participate in direct customer conversations and negotiations, as part of coordinated account team or ad hoc team to resolve specific issues.

• Ensure that all contracts and other legal instruments are consistent with Vestas internal guidelines for acceptable commercial commitments and other risk policies.

• Review existing contracts for lessons learned, and direct that input to Sales and Service Sales teams to support negotiation of new sales and service agreements. Review and provide timely input on draft agreements during closing process. Support the handover of close contracts from Sales to Service and Construction teams.

• Develop and maintain very effective professional working relationship with Vestas Sales, Legal, Construction, Development, Finance and other departments.

• Initiate internal process improvements necessary to support job requirements, including document management and reporting tools.

• Identify opportunities to create mutual value for Vestas and customers while protecting Vestas profitability and risk appetite.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors' degree in Business Administration or related field, plus three to five years of directly related experience in administration of service or construction contracts. For some positions, high emphasis on administration of vendor subcontracts. May substitute a graduate law degree plus two years of relevant commercial experience.

• Working knowledge of commercial regulations and law.

• Knowledge of practices, procedures and processes of contract administration as well as interpretation of regulations and contract clauses.

• Effective oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and compelling written materials; in particular, ability to communicate with field personnel lacking specialized contract knowledge; solid customer presence and ability to negotiate contentious issues.

• Demonstrated capabilities in problem solving, negotiations, and conflict resolution

• Ability to plan, organize, handle several tasks at once, prioritize, and execute assigned workload to meet multiple deadlines. Must be detail oriented.

• High proficiency with standard IT tools including Microsoft Office, and comfort learning and using new internal IT platforms.

• Notary Public a useful skill.

Competencies:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite computer skills (Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and SAP)

• Regular and reliable attendance.

• Effective written and oral communication skills; able to express oneself clearly and in technical and non-technical terms.

• Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.