Contracts Specialist - Clean Energy Programs

Job DescriptionJob Description

Title: Contracts Specialist – Clean Energy Programs
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days a week in office)

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, women-owned consulting and advisory firm exclusively focused on the utilities and power sectors. Our teams are trusted by leading electric utilities and engineering firms to deliver large-scale capital projects with integrity, precision, and speed. We specialize in program management, field execution oversight, and business intelligence services that power the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Position Overview

CARIAN is hiring a Contracts Specialist – Clean Energy Programs to support a major clean energy initiative for a utility client. This role will provide full lifecycle contract management from supporting RFP development and contract negotiations to execution, compliance tracking, and closeout. You’ll work cross-functionally with project managers, procurement, legal, and other client stakeholders to ensure contracts are structured effectively and drive performance aligned with regulatory and business goals.

This is a high-impact role ideal for a professional with strong contract acumen, utility or infrastructure experience, and a detail-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage contract lifecycle from scope development and solicitation through execution and closeout

• Draft, review, and negotiate scopes of work, pricing structures, and contract terms

• Identify key contract obligations and risks; prepare summaries and ensure all requirements are documented and tracked

• Monitor supplier performance and support resolution of contractual issues or disputes

• Maintain contract records, templates, and compliance documentation in alignment with program and corporate standards

• Collaborate with internal and client-side stakeholders, including Legal, Procurement, Risk, and Program Management

• Contribute to process improvements and documentation of contracting workflows

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in contract administration or legal support,
  or a JD and 3+ years of relevant experience

• Demonstrated understanding of contract drafting, negotiation, and lifecycle management

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management tools

• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel to client sites in New Jersey as needed

Qualifications

• Experience in utility, clean energy, or energy efficiency programs

• Familiarity with procurement processes and supplier performance management

• General knowledge of contract law, UCC, or FIDIC contract formats

• Experience with SAP, Ariba, SharePoint, PowerAdvocate, or similar systems

• Business or technical writing experience

• PMP certification

Why CARIAN?

• Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities

• Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results

• Career growth – Opportunities to lead major programs and mentor high-performing teams

• Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationships

• Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work

CARIAN takes pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on , , , , , , , citizenship, , veteran status, , or any legally protected class.

As a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, CARIAN is committed to providing employment opportunities to women, veterans, and underrepresented minorities.