Contracts Specialist

Georgian Partners; Waterloo; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology consulting firm in Waterloo is seeking a Contracts Specialist to oversee contract management, lead negotiations, and develop strategic contracting solutions. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years' experience in contract operations, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. This position offers a hybrid work model for candidates living within 50 km of the office.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in process improvement and contractual operations.
• Experience with software and technology contracts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full contract lifecycle management process.
• Independently handle complex agreements and provide strategic solutions.
• Partner with legal counsel and sales to develop contracting strategies.

Skills

Contract Management

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Self-starter

Teamwork

Education

University or college degree in business or related discipline

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

As Contracts Specialist, you will lead and execute complex contractual matters while providing strategic guidance across the organization, reporting into the Manager, Contracts. This position requires extensive experience in contract management, strong leadership abilities, and excellent analytical and negotiation skills.

Your Responsibilities Include :

Strategic Contract Management

• Lead and oversee the full contract lifecycle management process, from initial request through execution, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and risk management objectives
• Independently handle complex agreements and negotiations, providing strategic solutions to challenging contractual issues
• Serve as the primary escalation point for junior contract specialists and provide mentorship on complex matters

Legal & Business Partnership

Partner directly with Manager, Commercial Contracts and Legal Counsel to develop and implement contracting strategies for high-value and complex transactions

Provide guidance to Sales and other business units on contract structuring, risk assessment, and negotiation strategies

Assist Manager, Commercial Contracts in proactively identifying and initiating cross-functional initiatives to optimize contract processes and reduce cycle times

Technical Expertise

Analyze and negotiate complex commercial terms, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives while maintaining acceptable risk levels

Assist with developing and maintaining standard contract templates and playbooks

Assist with implement best practices for contract management and risk mitigation

Assist with the implementation of contract management technology solutions

Leadership & Process Improvement

Drive continuous improvement initiatives for the contracting process

Develop and maintain contract policies, procedures, and guidelines

Mentor junior team members and provide training on contract matters

Lead special projects related to contract management and process optimization as requested

Contract Operations

Oversee the maintenance and optimization of the contract database and related documentation

Manage complex renewal contract solutions and high-value customer custom contracts

Direct the use of electronic signature systems and ensure proper document control

Generate and analyze contract metrics and provide regular reporting to leadership

Additional Responsibilities

Participate in strategic planning sessions with leadership

Identify and assess contractual risks and propose mitigation strategies

Lead training sessions for business units on contract matters as requested

Other strategic initiatives as assigned by leadership

What We Require :

Minimum 5+ years’ demonstrated experience in process improvement initiatives and contractual and sales operations including reviewing, drafting and negotiating security service, software and technology contracts

University or college degree in business, financial or legal related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience

Demonstrable experience in the software industry / tech environment

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Experience with common contract management and sales systems

Self-starter, detail oriented and process driven

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality service, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent teamwork and team building skills

Good organizational skills and the ability to multitask on several projects simultaneously

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities, maintain patience in high pressure situations while meeting tight deadlines

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, proactive and “can-do” attitude, able to multi-task

Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with corporate departments, key business partners, sales teams and customers while being a flexible team player and able to work in cross-functional teams

High level of proficiency with Sales Force, Microsoft Office and electronic signature software

Good understanding of Canadian, US business and international business practices

Please note : If the successful candidate lives within 50 km of our office in Waterloo, Ontario this will be a hybrid position (Monday and Friday – work from home, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – work onsite). If the successful candidate lives more than 50 km from our office in Waterloo this will be a remote position.

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