Sr Contracts Mgr

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.  

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to Parnall located in Jackson, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).  

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Company’s Clean Energy Plan, including annual competitive solicitations for the procurement of wholesale electric generation representing approximately $1.4 billion in obligations, as well as negotiating corresponding multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”). This role also includes representing the Company as an expert witness in regulatory proceedings and collaborating with Legal, Credit, Accounting, and other cross‑functional teams to protect and advance Consumers Energy’s interests. The position requires a strong working knowledge of the Company’s electric system, MISO energy and capacity markets, MPSC regulations, and sound business and contractual judgment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the negotiation and drafting (as needed) of multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar PPAs resulting from annual competitive solicitations, ensuring appropriate contractual, economic, and commercial terms that best serve and protect the Company’s interests
• Lead all aspects of annual competitive solicitations for the procurement of wholesale electric generation, fostering competition to deliver improved performance at low cost while adhering to MPSC guidelines
• Ensure commercial, legal, and contractual compliance across all procurement transactions, including adherence to Company processes, policies, and procedures
• Oversee regulatory compliance reporting and serve as an expert witness in regulatory proceedings
• Lead negotiations and drafting of complex amendments to existing PPAs
• Lead negotiations and drafting of relatively straightforward amendments or other agreements related to existing PPAs or Master EEI agreements
• Manage third‑party interactions, both internal and external, to build and maintain strong supplier relationships and secure cost‑effective, constructive PPAs
• Provide escalation, presentation, and communication support to senior leadership
• Mentor and coach team members
• Perform other duties as assigned or as necessary

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the end‑to‑end procurement cycle, including experience developing Request for Proposal (RFP) packages
• Strong understanding of business law, commercial terms and conditions, and related legal considerations
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, including advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Power BI, ServiceNow, SAP, and DocuSign
• Working knowledge of MPSC regulations and strong business and contract acumen
• Experience creating, analyzing, negotiating, and editing contracts in alignment with Company standards and business partner interests
• Knowledge of procurement processes and escalation mechanisms, with demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, deliver exceptional customer service, and resolve issues effectively and efficiently

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business‑related field with four (4) or more years of experience in contracts, procurement, or related roles within the engineering industry
  • [OR] Associate degree with six (6) or more years of experience in three or more of the areas listed above
  • [OR] High School Diploma or GED with eight (8) or more years of experience in three or more of the areas listed above

 

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports