Lead Commercial Contract Manager OR Principal Commercial Contract Manager

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 11, 2026

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Depending upon the desired qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher level within the job hierarchy.

Job Summary

Accountable for the highest-level Lead Commercial Contract Manager duties for Services, Equipment Supply, and materials.

Ensure contract compliance with Supply Chain policy and other Duke Energy policies. Responsible for managing contract provisions and coordinating contract change orders with stakeholders to ensure successful execution of contract requirements and options

The successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for all contract management activities related to primarily Solar and Energy Storage new construction projects in the Carolinas. Contracts include panel, storage equipment, other major electrical equipment and EPC labor contracts. Contract values range from $ 2M – 100M. Management of these contracts are critical to help meet desired “placed in service” schedules at approved competitive costs.

Also integral to this position is supporting the assigned contracts (strategic and major EPC) with contractor relationship management and leadership in expediting parts and services from contractors in support of Duke Energy project schedules and commitments. This will include leading problem resolution efforts with contractors through direct hands-on negotiations and trouble-shooting to ensure delivery of critical equipment and services to meet schedule requirements, which may be driven by economics or regulatory deadlines. This may require off-site visits to contractor fabrication/equipment shops to ensure proper contractor schedule focus on major equipment for assigned contracts (strategic and major EPC) and other non-strategic contracts where schedule impact can result in economic harm or regulatory commitment impacts.

This level, Lead Commercial Contract Manager, is considered to be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for commercial contracts and works closely with Legal, Risk Management, and senior members of the BU and Supply Chain management team. This role can mentor, train, and provide oversight to the lower level Commercial Contract Managers within the organization.

This position may also be filled at the Principal Commercial Contract Manager level, based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide governance and oversight of strategic contracts and/or major EPC contracts. Ensure contractor compliance with commercial contract provisions. Function as the SPOC and SME between the BU and the contractor on commercial contractual issues
• Resolve contractual commercial issues through direct, hands-on negotiations and troubleshooting to ensure delivery of critical equipment and services to meet schedule requirements for Duke Energy work including, 1. Rapid assessment of the situation including all pertinent facts and unknowns 2. Evaluate internal Duke Energy mitigation opportunities 3. Lead decision making efforts and coordinate with Legal, Risk Management, and Senior BU representatives 4. Seek objective and fair solutions for Duke Energy and contractors. 5. Sourcing of Purchase Orders, as required.

• Facilitate a governance program to effectively manage the performance and relationships with contractors and the BUs including regular meetings between the contractors and the BU's - including senior BU representatives.

• Work with internal clients to develop performance reporting tools for existing and potential problem contractor performance

• Consult with internal customers on standardized equipment options in lieu of non-standard items which potentially add risk to schedules and quality requirements

Note: This posting is for one position. Dependent on relevant experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.

Required/Basic Qualifications (Lead Commercial Contract Manager)

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management OR Science
• Minimum of 7 years required related work experience
• In lieu of Bachelor's degree AND 7 years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 11 years related work experience

Required/Basic Qualifications (Principal Commercial Contract Manager)

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 10 years required related work experience
• In lieu of Bachelor's degree AND 10 years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 14 years related work experience

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in engineering, science, business, accounting, supply chain or similar
• Excellent written and oral skills
• Persistence and follow through in holding contractors to commitments
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Extensive knowledge in dealing with contractors in non-performing situations
• Project management experience
• C.P.M., CPSM, CAPM, PMP, P.E., or comparable professional certifications
• Purchasing experience
• Ability to effectively interact at various levels including Executive levels
• Possesses strong assessment, writing, organizational, interpersonal, and judgment skills

Working Conditions

• Hybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees must live within a reasonable commute to their designated Duke Energy facility, not greater than 50 miles one way. Employees are expected to report to their assigned Duke Energy facility as required and directed by their manager, on average 3 full workdays per regular workweek.
• Office
• Outside of normal business hours (nights, weekends, holidays) sometimes without notice
• Contractor and BU site visits
• Travel, sometimes without notice, up to approximately 50% of time, including international travel

Specific Requirements (Lead Commercial Contract Manager)

• Bachelors + 7 yrs experience OR
• Associates + 9 yrs experience OR
• HS/GED + 11 yrs experience
• Five of those years in practical major projects field experience.
• Familiar with one of the following: CAS, MAXIMO, or similar purchasing software
• Familiar with relevant power industry equipment usage (i.e.: turbines, generators, boilers, motor control centers, breakers, valves, etc.
• Knowledge of Project Management, Plant Maintenance, or Engineering concepts
• Knowledge of business case development, total cost of ownership, and net present value concepts
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence internal business partner senior management, suppliers, and other stakeholders utilizing commercial acumen skills sets
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills

Specific Requirements (Principal Commercial Contract Manager)

• Bachelors + 10 yrs experience OR
• Associates + 12 yrs experience OR
• HS/GED + 14 yrs experience
• Seven of those years in practical major projects field experience.
• Familiar with one of the following: CAS, MAXIMO, or similar purchasing software
• Familiar with relevant power industry equipment usage (i.e.: turbines, reactor vessel, steam generator, boilers, motor control centers, breakers, valves, etc. )
• Knowledge of Project Management, Plant Maintenance, or Engineering concepts
• Knowledge of business case development, total cost of ownership, and net present value concepts
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence internal business partner senior management, suppliers, and other stakeholders utilizing commerical acumen skills sets
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent written and oral skills
• Ability to effectively interact at various levels including Executive levels
• Possesses strong assessment, interpersonal, and judgment skills
• Extensive knowledge in dealing with contractors in non-performing situations and holds contractors accountable to their commitments
• The demonstrated ability to challenge the internal BU representatives on commercial issues in the contract

Travel Requirements

15-25%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

No

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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