Commercial Counsel - Supply Chain Sourcing

Job Description:

Nextpower innovates and delivers a leading solar power technology platform with integrated tracker, electrical solutions, and yield management and control systems for utility-scale and distributed generation projects. Nextpower offers innovative solutions that accelerate solar power plant construction, increase energy output, and enhance long-term reliability. Our culture is rooted in sustainability, innovation, and collaborative problem solving—and we’re excited to grow our Legal Team.

We are looking to hire a Commercial Counsel onsite in Fremont, CA who will drive supplier side contract review, negotiate contracts with suppliers, manage claims, and ensure tight back to back alignment between our customer commitments and our direct material supplier agreements. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial contracting experience, sound legal judgment, and the ability to balance legal risk with business priorities. Experience may come from a combination of law firm and in-house roles. Direct experience in renewable energy, manufacturing, hardware, technology, or supply chain contracting is preferred but not required. Attorneys with strong experience negotiating supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, or commercial contracts in other industries are encouraged to apply.

Location: Fremont, California

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, 4 days per week in office

Experience: 6+ years

Education: J.D. from an accredited law school

What You'll Do:

• Partner with the Global Sourcing team to draft, review, and negotiate direct material supplier contracts globally (e.g. NDAs, supply agreements, purchase order terms, amendments, and change orders), structuring transactions, ensuring compliance with regulation and company guidelines—especially in areas impacting Operations such as delivery schedules, change control, quality requirements, packaging/logistics, Incoterms, title/risk of loss, warranties, and liquidated damages.

• Manage disputes and claims—including drafting notices for late delivery, shortages, nonconformances, serial defects, field failures, and any related pass through costs. Support disputes, claims, and contract interpretation issues arising from supplier or operational relationships

• Coordinate with the Contract Management team – assist in managing contract lifecycle processes, approvals and documentation standards, and work with Contract Managers to minimize gaps between Nextpower’s customer facing contracts and supplier facing contracts.

• Work cross functionally with Sourcing, Operations, Quality, Logistics, Project Management, and Legal to align supplier terms with project needs and obtain approvals for non standard terms. Identify legal, commercial, and operational risks in contracts and recommend balanced solutions aligned with company policies and business priorities

• Contribute to continuous improvement – Develop and maintain contract templates, fallback positions, clause libraries, playbooks and guidance notes for supply chain agreements; share best practices and provide training to Sourcing teams.

• General advisory and legal guidance to Executive/Leadership and functional leads on legal and regulatory issues affecting global supply chain contracts.

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• 6+ years of relevant legal experience, which may include a combination of law firm and in-house experience.

• Strong experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts.

• Experience with supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, hardware, technology, energy, infrastructure, or other operationally complex commercial agreements.

• Ability to identify and clearly communicate legal, commercial, and operational risks to business stakeholders.

• Strong business judgment and ability to provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice in a fast-paced environment.

• Self motivated, organized, and comfortable operating within a global environment, coordinating with colleagues and stakeholders across time zones.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting direct material sourcing, supplier contracts, manufacturing, renewable energy, solar, battery storage, hardware, semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, or industrial supply chains.

• Prior in-house experience supporting procurement, sourcing, operations, or supply chain teams.

• Experience at a top-tier law firm or strong commercial transactions practice.

• Experience negotiating global supply agreements, purchase terms, quality agreements, logistics terms, Incoterms, warranty provisions, liquidated damages, and supplier dispute provisions. Familiarity with contract management systems, contract lifecycle processes, templates, playbooks, and approval workflows.

• Experience advising on compliance issues affecting global supply chains.

Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextpower’s benefits please view our company website at www.nextpower.com.   Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $175,000 - $200,000. This role is also eligible for bonus and equity as part of the total compensation package

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.