Why Work at SMA America
At SMA America, we believe in Energy that Changes. Since 1981, we’ve been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems — all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy.
But we’re not just transforming power — we’re empowering people.
We’ve built a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, collaboration is second nature, and your career growth truly matters. With our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, we offer a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.
Whether you’re a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you’re ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy — we’d love to meet you.
POSTITION OVERVIEW
- The Senior Contract Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end contract management process and proactively managing contractual and commercial risk in accordance with SMA’s legal, compliance, and risk management frameworks. This role serves as a senior subject-matter expert within the organization, providing strategic guidance on complex contractual structures, negotiations, and claims management across large-scale, multi-year, and project-based agreements.
- The Senior Contract Manager plays a highly visible role across Sales, Legal, Finance, Commercial Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, and Service teams. This position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and drafting acceptable alternatives to complex contractual terms, including indemnification, intellectual property licensing, production and availability guarantees, prevailing wage requirements, and Foreign Entity of Concern provisions. The role also evaluates and manages claims, advises on exposure or recovery, and develops strategies to mitigate risk and maximize commercial outcomes.
- This is a fully remote position supporting SMA’s business primarily in the United States, with additional support across Canada and Latin America as needed.
PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as a senior subject-matter expert in contract management, advising and partnering with Sales and bid teams to develop strategies to successfully pursue and win business
- Analyze commercial and financial risk, profitability, and exposure associated with potential opportunities and active projects
- Lead the review, analysis, drafting, and negotiation of complex contract terms, ensuring compliance with SMA policies, approval authorities, and risk management processes
- Manage the contract approval and signature process, ensuring alignment with SMA’s legal, compliance, and governance requirements
- Oversee the contracting process from bid phase through project execution, including contract handover documentation, training, and ongoing support
- Support Project Management and Finance teams by summarizing and tracking key contract terms, risks, billing structures, and financial obligations
- Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters across Legal, Sales, Finance, Commercial Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, Product Management, and Service teams
- Maintain ownership of executed contract documentation, ensuring proper archiving, accessibility, and compliance
- Lead and support negotiations on complex contractual issues, developing negotiation strategies and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders
- Manage claims processes, proactively identify risk areas, and support resolution strategies to mitigate exposure and protect project profitability
- Participate in project reviews, supporting budget adherence, quality alignment, and contractual compliance throughout execution
- Develop, improve, and implement contract templates, tools, processes, and best practices
- Prepare contract and project-related documentation to support senior management decision-making
- Provide strategic, business-oriented guidance on corporate initiatives related to contract management
- Perform other duties as required or assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in contract management within complex, project-driven environments
- Minimum of 10 years of experience supporting construction projects and project management
- Demonstrated experience managing complex contract types, including domestic and international agreements, master supply agreements, distributor agreements, and multi-year service agreements
- Proven experience managing claims, evaluating contractual exposure, and developing mitigation strategiesStrong analytical, negotiation, and risk assessment capabilities
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
- Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or similar certification
- Current or prior membership in the National Contract Management Association (NCMA)
- At least 3 years of experience as a financial analyst, project controller, or equivalent with a focus on financial evaluation and decision proposals
- Advanced interdisciplinary knowledge across construction, project management, service and O&M agreements, finance, procurement, insurance, and regulatory compliance
- Experience drafting and evaluating availability and production guarantees
- Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese
- Experience with SAP R/3
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, WebEx, and Adobe Acrobat
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, multinational teams
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
WE OFFER
- Base salary range of $134,000 – $158,000 annually, dependent on experience
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options
- Fully remote work environment with flexibility and regional collaboration
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment
Our EEO Policy
We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (includes HIV/Aids), medical condition (cancer, genetic characteristics), veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by law.
In accordance with applicable law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, SMA will attempt to reasonably accommodate qualified applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on SMA. Any qualified applicant with a disability who believes he or she requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job for which he or she is applying should identify the accommodation(s) needed in the application.
Our Privacy Policy
During your job application or recruitment process with us: (a) SMA may collect your personal information directly from you, such as when you submit your application and resume on our online portal or when you have job interviews with us. We may also obtain your personal information from third parties, including but not limited to your former employers, background or employment check service providers or third-party recruiters; and, (b) SMA may use or process applicants' personal information for relevant purposes including but not limited to general communications with you, identity verification, background or employment checks, determination of eligibility, and making hiring decisions. For successful job applicants who become SMA’s staff, we may retain and integrate your personal information collected during the recruitment process into your records at SMA. For unsuccessful job applicants, [SMA may retain your application for internal records or for future recruitment purposes].
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended including by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its implementing regulations (the “CCPA”). This Company Personnel and Covered Individuals Privacy Notice for California Residents issued by SMA is applicable to you and explains your CCPA rights and our collection, use or disclosure of your personal information.
If you have any question regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at [email protected]
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