Senior Contracts Analyst / Specialist

Position: Senior Contracts Analyst / Specialist
Location: South Plainfield, New Jersey
Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (up to 3 days per week in office)

About CARIAN

CARIAN is a leading, women-owned consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power, renewables, and utilities sectors. We partner with clients to navigate complex challenges, deliver transformative results, and shape a more resilient and sustainable energy future. Our team is trusted by some of the largest utilities in the U.S. to deliver mission-critical programs with discipline, precision, and unmatched sector expertise.

Position Overview

The Senior Contracts Analyst / Specialist will support CARIAN’s client by managing the full lifecycle of complex contracts within the utilities sector. This role requires a strong understanding of contract negotiation, compliance, and administration, with the ability to collaborate across internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure successful contract execution.

Responsibilities

• Contract Development & Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements, including service agreements, vendor contracts, and procurement contracts, ensuring alignment with client objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Compliance & Risk Management: Monitor compliance with legal, regulatory, and client-specific standards, mitigating risk and ensuring operational integrity.

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Maintain and track all contract documentation, including amendments, renewals, and expirations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with current policies.

• Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams (legal, procurement, finance) and external vendors to resolve contract issues and ensure smooth execution.

• Performance Monitoring: Track performance against KPIs, deliverables, and timelines, providing updates and reports to leadership.

• Dispute Resolution: Support resolution of contractual disputes in accordance with company policies and legal guidelines.

• Cost Analysis & Optimization: Review contract terms for cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.

• Contract Audits: Conduct periodic audits to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with strategic objectives.

• Project Support: Provide contract support from project initiation to closeout, including for project management, project controls, and construction management activities.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Supply Chain, or related field (Master’s or professional certification a plus).

• 6+ years of contract analysis and management experience, ideally within the utilities or energy sectors.

• Strong understanding of contract administration, review, and interpretation.

• Skilled in negotiation, communication, and relationship management.

• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and contract management tools (e.g., SAP Ariba).

• Ability to attend off-site meetings as needed.

Preferred Skills & Knowledge

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Familiarity with FERC regulations and other utilities/energy regulatory frameworks.

• Experience in contract dispute resolution and bid event management.

• Strong business and legal writing skills.

• Proficiency with project/document management tools (SharePoint, McLaren, etc.).

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 race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any legally protected class.

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