Senior Manager, Contracts - Qcells

Title:Senior Manager, Contracts
Department:SP Construction
Location:Irvine, CA
Supervisor:Director of Project Planning
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status:Permanent; Full-time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Hybrid

Senior Manager, Contracts

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (“HQC US”) develops, invests, and delivers solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects through Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) services in North America.

The company brings a decade of global leadership in solar PV to deliver utility-scale power generation plants customized for local and regional energy markets. HQC US offers the full spectrum of PV solutions – from the core technology of cells and modules to large-scale project development and investment. With proven capabilities across the solar and battery storage value chain, HQC US minimizes uncertainty and risk, and helps customers achieve a higher return on their investment in renewable energy.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea. 

SUMMARY

The Senior Manager, Contracts plays a pivotal role in our utility-scale solar Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) company, overseeing the management and coordination of prime EPC contracts with our clients. This role involves working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution and compliance of contractual obligations. The Senior Manager, Contracts will lead efforts in contract coordination, internal reviews, and establishing efficient workflows to meet project timelines. Additionally, they will be responsible for managing contract templates, collaboration tools, and facilitating effective communication with clients. This position reports to the Director of Project Planning, or another management personnel that the President of the Company may designate. This position is remote (unless located in Irvine, CA) and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 25%.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Prime EPC Contract Management
  • Oversee the management and coordination of prime EPC contracts with clients, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and project requirements.
  • Lead coordination efforts and meetings with clients to discuss contract terms, resolve issues, and ensure alignment with project objectives. Establish review timelines to ensure timely turnaround of documents.
  • Create and manage contract collaboration tools to streamline communication and document sharing between internal teams and clients.
  • Maintain open and transparent communication with internal stakeholders, clients, and subcontractors to foster strong relationships and ensure alignment on project goals.
  • Compile contracts, track document and exhibit revisions, and other related document management tasks;
  • Review contracts for accuracy;
• Internal Coordination
  • Coordinate internal reviews and workflows of all contract exhibits, liaising with cross-functional teams including legal, finance, project management, procurement, module sales, and engineering.
• Contract Template Management
  • Manage contract exhibit templates, ensuring they are up-to-date, compliant with legal standards, and reflect best practices in the industry.
  • Manage updated revisions to internal LNTP templates.
• Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate contractual risks, working closely with legal counsel and project teams to address potential issues and ensure project success.
  • Contribute to the Project Risk Register with contractual risks identified.
• Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry standards throughout the contract lifecycle.
  • Review, interpret, and assist with negotiations of contract documents to determine contractual obligations, including governmental regulations, company contracting guidelines, and other contracting requirements with necessary stakeholders;
  • Ensure contract compliance by developing compliance trackers for delivery to the execution teams.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Drive process improvements and efficiencies in contract management practices, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
  • Assist with establishing internal processes for the management of contracts between the Legal and the EPC teams;
• General Requirements
  • Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position;

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, Engineering, or related field. Advanced degree or certification in Contract Management is a plus.
• Proven experience (8 years) in contract management, preferably in the renewable energy or construction industry.
• Strong understanding of EPC contracts, including terms and conditions, scope of work, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of legal terminology and processes.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively interface with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in contract management software and collaboration tools.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft office Suite, Smartsheet, and Procore.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and analytical thinking.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to utility-scale solar projects.

The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is located in Irvine, CA, is $150,000 - $175,000 base salary per year.

The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 25% as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.