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, and multi-year datacenter construction 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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidates must ​relocate or reside within 50 miles of the office location. We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Contract Lead to join our Contract Management team supporting the delivery of large-scale construction projects. This role plays a critical part in maintaining contractual governance, documentation integrity, and commercial administration throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will support contract execution activities, manage contract records, coordinate contractual communications, and enable effective change management processes while ensuring compliance with company policies and project requirements. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced project environment, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and takes ownership of ensuring contractual information is accurate, timely, and audit-ready. 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. Responsibilities As a 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 a High Performing team to execute projects in the region. Pre ‑ Award & Contract Set ‑ Up Support RFP readiness by reviewing contract documents for completeness and commercial alignment Coordinate timely issue of RFPs in line with project schedules Drive closure of technical and commercial deviations prior to contract award Contribute to bid evaluations, contract strategy development, and negotiation preparation Coordinate closely with cost, procurement, and project teams to support award decisions Post ‑ Award Contract Management Manage contracts through execution, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and governance requirements Lead administration of change orders and variations, maintaining clear entitlement positions Review and approve contractual correspondence, including notices, non‑compliance letters, and formal communications Monitor contractor performance against contractual obligations, milestones, and commercial commitments Support resolution of billing, valuation, and payment issues in collaboration with cost teams Change, Claims & Risk Management Coordinate review of Time Impact Analyses (TIAs), extension‑of‑time requests, and schedule recovery measures Support dispute avoidance and resolution, including escalation of complex commercial issues where required Identify and proactively mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout project delivery Ensure compliance with insurance, bonding, and other contractual risk controls Stakeholder & Site Engagement Lead regular commercial / contract review meetings with contractors and internal stakeholders Act as a key commercial interface between site teams, the Contracts function, and cross‑functional partners Provide clear, structured commercial updates to the Contracts team and project leadership Closeout & Continuous Improvement Manage contract closeout activities, ensuring all contractual deliverables and obligations are satisfied Support final account settlement and documentation handover Drive continuous improvement in contract management processes, tools, and execution practices Qualifications Required Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND 6+ 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 5+ years’ experience in Data Science/Analytics, Finance, Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Operations OR equivalent experience. Experience in construction contract management across pre‑ and post‑award phases Strong knowledge of construction contracts, change management, and commercial governance Proven experience managing variations, claims, and contractual correspondence Excellent stakeholder management and written communication skills Ability to operate effectively in site‑based, delivery‑focused environments Preferred 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. Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver results. Background Check Requirements: Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter. #COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers Sourcing and Category Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $116,900 - $203,600 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $148,400 - $222,600 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.