Southern Company

Contracts Agent

Southern Company$70K — $95K *
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Formal education or experience in contract language preferred
  • Experience in procurement or contracts preferred
  • Experience negotiating technology-related contracts highly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of contract law and drafting required
  • Excellent organizational and analytical skills necessary
  • Superb written and oral communication skills essential for negotiation

Responsibilities

  • Support all sourcing and contracting activities from RFI to contract closeout
  • Manage a high volume of contract-related documents with defined turnaround timelines
  • Lead negotiations on legal and commercial terms to mitigate overall risk
  • Ensure inclusion of required terms in procurement documents, resolving exceptions promptly
  • Draft contract language for complex purchases and special conditions
  • Evaluate new supply sources through market research and analysis
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert on procurement policies and practices

Benefits

  • Dynamic work environment with strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Company values emphasizing trust, performance, and commitment
  • Commitment to ethical behavior and a strong work ethic
  • Emphasis on creativity, initiative, and flexibility in the workplace
Full Job Description
Job Description

Contracts Agent - SCS Enterprise Services

Supply Chain Management Transaction Team

This position will be located in Atlanta, GA

JOB SUMMARY:

The position exists to support the contracting needs of Southern Company's business units and to provide guidance to Company organizations to effectively procure and pay for goods and services. The position is responsible for the daily support of all sourcing and contracting activities "from cradle to grave", including managing the sourcing (RFI or RFP) process, negotiation and contracting, through contract closeout.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Formal education or experience in contract language is preferred


Experience:
  • Experience in procurement or contracts preferred
  • Experience with negotiating technology related contracts is highly preferred


Knowledge and Skills:
  • Contract law and drafting
  • Legal and commercial negotiation
  • Self-motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Customer focused with ability to build and maintain relationships with internal customers, suppliers, contractors and other key stakeholders at all levels
  • Effectively handle tight deadlines, large workloads, and multiple projects with positive enthusiasm
  • Superior written and oral communication, to successfully negotiate contract terms and write such contracts in a clear, logical and concise manner
  • Excellent organizational skills are required to plan and manage assigned workload and customer expectations effectively to meet internal business unit requirements
  • Ability to think strategically and apply broad seasoned judgment to decisions
  • Effective communications skills with ability to excel in high-level communications with Management at multiple levels
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Analytical and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to effectively work and participate in cross-functional and cross-company teams at all levels in the organization to ensure buy-in by multiple stakeholders when working on system projects
  • Effective influencing and consensus-building skills
  • Ability to acquire proficiency in supply chain and basic business technology tools, including procurement systems, SharePoint, etc.


KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Duties will include the daily support of all sourcing & contracting activities "from cradle to grave," including advising customers and leading Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) preparation, leading pre-bid meetings, reviewing offers upon receipt from bidders, cost & price analysis, negotiations, risk assessment, preparing contract documents and agreements; assisting in contract administration, incorporation of changes, expediting & follow-up, disposition of claims, and contract closeout
  • Support a high volume of projects concurrently with defined turnaround parameters (target days) for all contract related documents (RFPs, Master Agreements, Non-Disclosure, Amendments, Statements of Work, etc.)
  • Lead negotiations of all legal and commercial terms to ensure that overall risk is properly controlled and mitigated
  • Ensure all required terms and conditions are included in procurement documents and work with Legal, Risk Management and Accounting to resolve contractor exceptions and issues in a timely manner
  • Build and maintain a detailed knowledge and understanding of essential legal provisions, contract common law, contract formation issues, remedies, liquidated damages, litigation avoidance, and dispute resolution
  • Draft contract language, including special conditions for complex, non-standard purchases
  • Responsible for identification and evaluation of new sources of supply, domestic and globally, when necessary to meet customer needs, including performing market research and analysis
  • Collecting and coordinating the update of supplier information and required compliance documentation (safety records, certificates of insurance, etc.)
  • Build and maintain a proficient knowledge of and consistently use our sourcing, contracting, procurement and payment systems (GEP, Maximo, Oracle)
  • Resolve any conflicts that arise during the course of contract performance, including negotiating any contractual revisions that may be required
  • Communicate effectively with business partners at all levels of management regarding contract terms, status, and processes
  • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and provide guidance to business partners on the Southern Company procurement policies/procedures
  • Maintain the primary interface with contractors in an ethical and respectful manner while protecting the company's interest
  • Manage relationships with the Company's vendors and ensure efficient and transparent contracting and negotiation process to reduce costs, improve commercial terms and reduce duplication of efforts

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFIC TO TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
  • This position will support technology related procurement activities. Duties will include the negotiation of Software License Agreements, Software as a Service Agreements, Subscription Service Agreements, Master Technology Equipment Purchase Agreements, etc.
  • Duties will require leading sourcing projects and assist in developing and implementing strategic decisions for the procurement of Technology Services, Software, Software as a Service, and Hardware.
  • Duties will require a strong understanding of IT Security related risks and application of mitigation strategies to address data breaches, malicious and harmful code, security vulnerabilities, etc.


BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES:

  • Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Southern Company values of unquestionable trust, superior performance, and total commitment
  • Self-motivated
  • Customer focused
  • Strong work ethic
  • Exhibits a strong sense of urgency
  • Promotes teamwork
  • Practices ethical behavior
  • Displays creativity, initiative, and flexibility
  • Learns from and utilizes experience


***This position will report to a Company location in-person a minimum of 4 days per week.***

About the Team

Georgia Power

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Southern Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Southern Company, a leader in energy innovation and a champion of sustainable practices. As one of the most respected companies in the energy sector, Southern Company offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise not only professional growth but also a commitment to diversity and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At Southern Company, we are not just about power generation; we are about empowering our team to innovate and lead the industry. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, using your skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Southern Company has a place for you. Our wide range of employment options ensures that every team member can find a path that best suits their career ambitions and skills.

Innovate and Lead

Southern Company is at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy sector. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible in energy production and management.

Grow and Develop

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through targeted diversity training, leadership workshops, and continuous professional development. Career growth at Southern Company is not just a possibility—it is an expectation.

Be Part of Our Culture

Southern Company’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and believe that it drives innovation. Our team is our family, and we support each other in achieving personal and professional goals.

Benefits That Go Beyond

Choosing a career at Southern Company means enjoying a range of benefits designed to enrich your life and support your lifestyle. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Ready to power up your career? Explore the job opportunities at Southern Company today. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven individuals. Enhance your skills, join a community of innovators, and work towards a sustainable future.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Southern Company by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and practical tips to advance your career.

Networking and Career Advancement

At Southern Company, networking and internal mobility are key components of career advancement. Connect with leaders, engage in cross-departmental projects, and take your professional journey to new heights.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make your mark from the first interview. Visit our career site for tips on crafting your resume, preparing for interviews, and making a lasting impression.

Join Southern Company—where careers glow brighter!

SEARCH SOUTHERN COMPANY JOBS Stay ahead of the curve in your career with Southern Company, where innovation meets tradition and every employee is empowered to excel.
Learn more about Southern Company
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$77.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion

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