Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to work within the Solar asset management team, with a focus on management of outsourced service providers (including Asset Managers, O&M providers, EPCs and technical advisers). This individual will be responsible for the development and implementation of the contractual strategy for our ecosystem of third party contractors and customer stakeholders. This role will lead on the delivery of contracted services, and resolution of escalated commercial issues.

Reporting to, and working closely with, the Solar Asset Director he/she will be accountable for managing the delivery of services within the contract frameworks which cover the lifecycle of the asset base from development, through to construction and operation of the solar assets. This individual will take pride in improving the performance of the assets through building collaborative and effective relationships with competent third parties. The role will be London based and will require some travel to sites within the UK and Europe.

Whilst we are looking for a permanent appointment, we will consider fixed term contract. Please advise in your covering note whether you are looking for a permanent or fixed term contract.

Outline of responsibilities

• Ownership and development of Octopus Renewables contracting strategy, processes and standards for contract development and management across the lifecycle Asset Management.
• Development, oversight, reporting, and management of the Solar counterparty risk register.
• Management of the delivery of services within the contract framework covering the lifecycle of the assets. Development of contract management systems and tools to facilitate delivery.
• Work closely with the Investment team to assess new contractual arrangements being considered for acquisition, including reviewing contract structure draft contracts, schedules, heads of terms and SLAs.
• Articulate and embed a culture of effective and collaborative counterparty management throughout the in-house asset management team and those contractors with responsibility for managing counterparties on our behalf.
• Support Commercial Asset Managers to develop their contract management capability and ensure escalated incidents are minimized and handled effectively.
• Work closely with in-house and outsourced legal, commercial and technical teams on the counterparty risk programme, escalated incidents and disputes.
• Advise the Commercial Asset Managers on the contractual aspects of commercial/project issues and negotiations and identify where matters need to be escalated to legal.
• Investigate the root causes of any contractual underperformances and/or issues affecting the contracts associate with new assets and advise on resolutions.
• Input to the scoping of new operational contracts to be executed, such as O&M or asset management.
• Oversee the development of process to ensure compliance with grid, planning and other obligations.
• Work closely with the commercial team on any due diligence prepared for transactions such as bank financing or sale of the assets and in the preparation and negotiation of the EPC, AM and O&M Contracts.
• Develop modular templates that can be used as standards (e.g. schedules of services).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive experience of contract development and service delivery management It would be beneficial to have knowledge of the UK and European energy industry, in particular solar. Expertise in the development and management of contractual frameworks, contract negotiation and drafting. Degree or professional qualification preferably in relevant engineering or legal discipline. Background in relevant professional discipline is preferable: commercial project management; quantity surveyor; commercial law. It would be beneficial to have experience in the management of EPC/O&M and other contractors for solar projects as well as contract management, (including the management of Health & Safety and commercial claims management for on-going operations). Expertise in contracts, commercials, relationship management, invoicing and payment authorization. It would be beneficial to have a working knowledge of technical, operational, and commercial aspects and documentation related to distributed generation, preferably solar. Knowledge of HS&E and CDM Experience of dispute management and resolution. Experience managing contract escalations (for example step-in/thru, liquidate damages, notice of defect and breach). Claims management. Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines on multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent communicator at all levels, particularly when translating technical information for non-technical teams. Flexibility and “can do” attitude. Willingness to train and support others. Able to critically examine and question information from a variety of sources. High commercial and numerical acumen.