Senior Manager - Contracts

We are currently assisting our client, a ­high net-worth family office, with a search for a Sr. Manager, Contracts.

Job Summary:

The Sr. Manager, Contracts will collaborate with company teams to prepare, review, negotiate, and administer contracts. The role will lead contracting strategy and execution, implement best practices, and negotiate to increase value and reduce cost for the organization, while meeting or exceeding service-level expectations. This position is expected to communicate company positions to third parties with the goal of achieving business-friendly outcomes.

The role is responsible for oversight of the team managing contracting and compliance, procurement policies and procedures, vendor management, insurance risk management, and legal filings/entity management. These responsibilities include new vendor qualification, bid package preparation, RFP/RFQ/RFI processes, negotiation of contracts and NDA’s, audits of vendor billing compliance, and insurance management. The role is also responsible for creating and maintaining an environment of continuous process improvement, pushing for process simplification in alignment with the company’s tolerance for risk.

Core Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their core responsibilities.

Contract Management & Legal

• Manage the organization’s contracting function; oversee the negotiation and administration of contracts in accordance with company policies and legal requirements
• Oversee the organization’s Legal program including compliance with pertinent laws and regulations, requests for information, annual filings, and maintenance of the legal library
• Develop, update, and maintain contracting policies and procedures; communicate policies to suppliers and manage compliance
• Lead and develop the Contracts staff; provide expert guidance on complex contracts
• Prepare and administer contracts and purchase orders with specific vendors
• Negotiate non-standard terms with opposing counsel, securing necessary approvals and driving efficient contract completion
• Work with legal counsel to make sure contract templates are updated to best meet organization’s needs
• Perform periodic internal reviews of organization’s compliance to contracting policies and process
• Collaborate with Technology to maintain and enhance a contract tracking and storage system (ServiceNow)
• Implement contract workflow best practices
• Evaluate new Contract Management solutions
• Implement new contract management/purchasing solutions as required
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Procurement Policies and Procedures

• Develop, update, and maintain procurement policies and procedures; ensure organizational compliance
• Partner with Finance to oversee vendor management requirements
• Manage vetting of potential vendors and resolve findings with responsible Director/Manager
• When required, help manage the RFP/RFQ/RFI process for the organization
• Review cost proposals and pricing information
• Compare bids from vendors and help determine to whom contracts will be awarded
• Perform audits of vendor billing to contract terms; resolve findings with vendor and responsible Director/Manager
• In partnership with Finance, manage vendor onboarding/offboarding

Insurance/Risk Management

• Manage day-to-day administrative needs including insurance renewals, certificate requests, and general questions
• In collaboration with stakeholders, manage insurance profile across all entities; implement strategies based on coverage needs and risk profiles
• Manage claims process for property, casualty, and other placed insurance
• Provide financial analysis and reporting as required
• Collect and maintain information for renewal purposes
• Review insurance policy and indemnification language in proposed contracts

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly manages one or more employees and will make recommendations on employment actions such as hiring, and termination. May also oversee the work of contract staff and/or vendors.

Budget Responsibilities:

• Develops and manages the budget for the Contracts department. Identifies needs, reviews and approves requests from within the department, reviews budget reports monthly to ensure information is accurate and reliable.

Education and Experience:

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in contracting procedures, insurance/risk management, demonstrated knowledge of procurement processes
• 2+ years of audit experience
• Strong knowledge of contracts/legal terminology
• Strong general ledger and accounts payable knowledge
• Strong working knowledge of insurance and risk concepts
• Strong knowledge of the construction industry, construction invoicing, and real estate ledgers and receipts
• Strong knowledge of business licensing/filing a plus
• Must have a proven track record of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, requiring a high level of attention to detail while maintaining focus on the big picture

Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to work collegially and collaboratively.
• Extensive knowledge of contract principles and procedures
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent administrative skills
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software; proficiency in contract management software
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to speak effectively with individuals and to groups of internal and external customers/business partners
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use problem-solving/analytical skills
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, legal contracts, technical procedures, and governmental regulations

Working Conditions:

• Work is done in a typical open office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, wet or humid conditions (non-weather), work near moving mechanical parts, and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

Physical Demands:

• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some occasional light lifting may be required. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; talk; hear; use hands/manual dexterity, and fingers to handle or touch/sense, and reach and stretch with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, night vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to climb or balance, crouch, squat, kneel, stoop or crawl.

Travel Requirements:

• Domestic and International travel may be required.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain international travel documents such as a US passport or other equivalent documents.

Background Review/Interview:

• Must be able to satisfy background check and related requirements.

Location:

• Kirkland, WA – Hybrid work environment 3 days in-office, 2 days remote
• Relocation assistance available to exceptional non-local candidates
• US citizens and those authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. Work sponsorship is not available at this time.

Compensation Range:

• $189,355 -$201,060 annual salary depending on experience (Salary exempt). 20% performance bonus eligibility.

Benefits:

• Full Benefits: Medical/dental/vision benefits, 401K + match, sick leave, PTO, + more!

*This Organization Participates in E-Verify* This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.