Careers

Primary Work Location:

Westborough, MA. Hybrid schedule.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Sourcing, the Contracts Manager is responsible for reviewing and processing vendor and supplier agreements within the Unified Procurement Services Team (UPST).  The contract activity may vary and require the development of specialized contract vehicles and techniques to accomplish business goals and objectives.  Generally, involves independent judgment and analysis of significant issue identification and resolution.  

Essential Functions:

• Supervises the activity of entry- to mid-level contract professionals in the review and preparation of routine contract documents in accordance with corporate policy.
• Reviews complex solicitations and prepares a specialized and/or non-routine response for proposals, bids, and contract modifications.
• Trains and develops subordinate contract professionals to assume more complex contract activity.
• Analyzes significant and/or unique contract requirements, special provisions, terms, and conditions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and corporate policies and business unit procedure and communicates results to subordinates.
• Develops negotiation strategy and leads negotiation team on complex contractual issues.
• Analyzes new law, regulation and contract trends for potential impact on business unit goals and objectives.
• Provides authoritative guidance to internal business teams and contract subordinates on corporate goals and objectives relating to contract activity.
• Operates as the focal point for all communications with General Counsel, Budget/Finance, and Controller for resolution of contract issues and disputes.
• Oversees in identification, development, and implementation of new contract policy and processes
• Develops a general understanding of the business case and an appreciation of financial/analytical issues
• Able to develop and maintain strong relationships with campus, departmental, internal, and external parties, effectively representing the interests of the UPST and the University.

Other Functions:

• Perform other responsibilities as required

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 5 – 7 years of professional experience directly related to procurement and contract administration
• 2 - 5 years of successful management experience  
• Excellent written and oral communication and listening skills

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Knowledge of Procurement practices and procedures
• Ability to supervise and train less-experienced contract professionals and to identify and develop contract skills in assigned role
• Ability to draft moderate to complex, non-routine contractual instruments
• Working to excellent knowledge of corporate policies and procedures, coupled with the ability to identify required improvement to established policies and to communicate implementation procedures to others
• Working to expert knowledge of contracting concepts, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), applicable public contract acquisition law and regulations, and applicable international contract law
• Strong to excellent analytical and communication skills
• Good presentation, leadership and management skills
• Use of independent judgment and creativity applied to the resolution of contract issues
• Excellent internal and external negotiation skills. Emerging ability to excel in an upper-level management environment

Working Conditions:

• Typical office environment
• Must be able to travel occasionally to all UMass campuses and the Boston central office

Additional Details:

Salary commensurate with experience up to $110,000.