What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Contracts Manager position at Desert Financial Credit Union?
The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for managing the lifecycle and administration of all types of agreements and contracts. This position requires advanced experience in managing the entire lifecycle of contracts, including preparation, evaluation, negotiation, compliance, and execution in compliance with organizational policies and procedures. The Senior Contracts Manager owns, manages and leads the implementation of the company’s Contract Lifecycle Management system (Ironclad), and is responsible for developing and maintaining a library of contract clauses in collaboration with business partners and legal counsel. The role also contributes to strategic decisions regarding contract governance, policy development, and process improvements. The Senior Contracts Manager collaborates with legal, business, and procurement teams to ensure that contracts align with organizational objectives and mitigate potential risks. This role may serve as a mentor to junior contract administrators, driving best practices and ensuring a high level of consistency and quality in contract management.
What you will do here:
Contract Drafting & Negotiation: Lead the drafting, negotiation, and finalization of contracts of various type and complexity. Provide high-level guidance to business partners, ensuring they understand key terms, obligations, and risks associated with each agreement. Resolve complex contract issues and disputes, working closely with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and legal teams. Provide timely, effective solutions that protect the organization's interests while maintaining positive business relationships.
Contract Lifecycle Management: Own, manage, and administer contracting processes and technology. Implement and mature of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) software (Ironclad). Utilize CLM software to implement changes and manage contract workflows efficiently and effectively. Support the continuous improvement of contract processes and templates. Develop and deliver reports related to contract activity.
Clause Library Development & Maintenance: Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of contract clauses and pre-approved alternative clauses for commonly negotiated terms. Lead efforts to standardize templates, language and terms that align with legal, compliance and business needs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Risk Management: Partner with Procurement, Vendor Management, Legal, and other business units to establish contract priorities and timelines. Facilitate communication across teams, ensuring seamless execution and resolution of complex contract-related matters. Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) and mentor to junior staff and internal stakeholders on contract best practices. Support contract risk assessment processes, identifying and mitigating potential risks to the organization. Ensure that all contracts comply with legal, regulatory, and company policies. Provide strategic guidance to business partners on managing risks related to contract terms and changes.
Strategic Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve contract processes, templates, and workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and promote consistency. Lead initiatives for process automation and technology integration to streamline contract management.
As a senior member of the contract administration team, perform additional duties as assigned, including but not limited to special projects, process audits, and organizational initiatives related to contract governance.
What you will need:
Bachelor's degree in related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
7 years of contract management experience required.
3 years of experience working in the technology, financial, or fintech industry required.
2 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and guiding team members required.
Experience managing CLM software and Microsoft Office Suite required.
Experience implementing CLM software and/or using Ironclad CLM preferred.
Experience with designing and managing efficient contract processes required.
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal required.
Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of staff and leadership required.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, motivated, self-starter required.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities required.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
For additional information about our organization, careers, and benefits visit: http://www.desertfinancial.com/careers.
