Contract Administrator 4 - Oakland, CA, Job ID 85381

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 101,600 - 145,700; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Oakland, CA, is seeking an experienced Contract Administrator. The role involves complex contract negotiation, procurement, and engaging with key stakeholders. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and significant experience in contract administration. The position offers a competitive salary range of $101,600 to $145,700 annually and is eligible for hybrid work arrangements. Applications are ongoing with the first review date set for April 22, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in contract administration, procurement, sourcing, or contract negotiation.
• Strong customer service mindset with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to assess complex information and develop innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute business agreements to ensure policy compliance.
• Provide leadership and expert guidance to build strategic relationships.
• Engage with suppliers to review bid submissions and negotiate terms.

Skills

Contract Administration

Negotiation

Procurement

Customer Service

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, supply chain management, or related field

Job description

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Procurement Officer, the Contract Administrator 4 serves as an experienced contract development and negotiation analyst for the Procurement Division. The incumbent works independently and proactively with decision-making responsibility under the general supervision of the UC ANR CPO. Assists staff and administrative units with the competitive requirements and negotiation portions of procurement contracts, grant applications, and construction-related contracts and agreements. Incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of contracting responsibilities, including developing contracts, or negotiating agreements presented by non-UC parties, amendments, and ancillary documents for (1) procurement contracts, (2) grant program services, and (3) other ANR affairs, such as design & construction agreements and contracts. The position will consistently identify opportunities for competition, savings, standardization, & efficiencies while remaining flexible to evolving technologies, such as AI and automation.

Department Summary:

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of UC research and education to all 58 counties of California. UC ANR employs more than 1,600 academic and staff personnel and operates with an annual budget exceeding $300 million. UC ANR manages 10 Research and Extension Centers across the state and is present in every county and across all UC campuses, working with communities, farmers, ranchers, youth, and policymakers to develop practical, science-based solutions. Our programs advance sustainable agriculture, healthy food systems, natural resources, youth development, and community resilience, improving the lives of all Californians.

UC ANR Procurement provides value through procurement & supply chain guidance related to the acquisition of goods and services, including equipment, contracting for professional services, design and/or construction services, business contracts, maintenance services, consulting and personal services, as well as other normal and typical public procurement transactions.

This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed and ends one year from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension if funding permits. The home department is the IMM Office AVP - Business Operations. While this position normally is based in Oakland, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $101,600/year to $145,700/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 4/22/2026.

Key Responsibilities

• CONTRACT ANALYSIS, PREPARATION, IMPLEMENTATION: Prepare & execute highly complex and varied business agreements to ensure policy compliance, accountability, terms & conditions, best practices of contracting, selection procedure, and basis of award. • Perform complex negotiations as necessary and issue final contracts. Draft & finalize master agreements as opportunities are identified. Write and/or review complex & detailed specifications, drawings, & charts. Assess risk of contracts. Partner with Risk Management to establish appropriate level of insurance requirements & obtain waivers. Determine appropriate insurance coverage and ensure that contractors have required coverage documented. • Prepare & conduct formal written RFIs, RFPs & RFQs of high complexity, providing support, guidance, & leadership to the client & evaluation team throughout the process. Identify relevant contractor sources & recommend additional bidders to ensure fair & open competition. Perform cost/price analysis to determine & verify price justification. Ensure compliance with applicable State law, Federal FAR regulations, & University policy as communicated through directives, the California Public Contract Code, the Uniform Commercial Code & University Business & Finance Bulletins (e.g., BUS-34, 43, 70 & 77), & ANR directives. • Prepare and maintain fully documented agreement files which reflect a thorough knowledge of established policies & procedures to meet University & granting agency requirements.
• CUSTOMER SERVICE & OUTREACH: Provide leadership and expert guidance in order to build strategic relationships with key stakeholders to deliver the UC ANR mission and deliver value to locations. • Assist departments in the solicitation and contracting processes, development of specifications, evaluation of quotes/bids, analysis of the total cost of ownership, interpretation of policies and procedures, justification of procurements, etc. • Own or co-own contracts with program business officers to determine long-term contracting needs and to manage contract execution in terms of scope, timeline, compensation, and deliverables enforcement & compliance, and resolve any issues involving business agreements. Review and advise on the appropriateness and scope of department delegations and template agreements, defining the services to be included. • Develop new processes that support customer business needs and comply with campus and UC policies. Attend campus committee meetings.
• SUPPLIER RELATIONS: Engage with suppliers to advise on competitive bid/scope of work requirements, review bid submissions & awards, and negotiate pricing terms and conditions. • Participate in outreach efforts as may be necessary to improve the university's access to qualified business enterprises and lead quarterly/periodic business reviews.
• BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: Monitor & update policy or process changes on an as-needed basis, coordinating & integrating input for external parties as necessary. • Stay abreast of economic, business, & technical revisions, & modifications to regulations as they affect University business contracting policy. • Review agreement processes, including available services that meet price criteria & timeframes, for possible improvement. • Recommend new & innovative ways to complete agreements using the best services at the most reasonable price & within established timeframes. Engage in ongoing reviews of contract performance.
• OTHER: Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Procurement Officer, or AVP. • Maintain continuity and quality of service and operations within the Procurement division. • Represent ANR on UC Systemwide teams & councils, and externally at trade/supplier events, as needed. • Participate in professional development and training.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, supply chain management, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced organizational, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Advanced Contract Administration & Procurement: Experience in contract administration, procurement, sourcing, or contract negotiation, including developing solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs), vendor evaluation, and administering contracts.
• Advanced knowledge of contract law, the California Public Contract Code, and an advanced understanding of the University\'s Business and Finance Bulletins and other relevant rules, guidelines, policies, and practices.
• Customer Service & Communication: Strong customer service mindset with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, provide guidance on procurement & contracting processes, and ensure a positive user experience.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to assess complex information, interpret policies, and develop innovative solutions to procurement and sourcing challenges.
• Adaptability & Technology Readiness: Demonstrated ability to learn, adopt, and apply emerging technologies, including AI-driven procurement tools, automation platforms, and data analytics.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize work, and take initiative in dealing with assignments.
• Must possess excellent time management skills and be able to maintain composure in adverse situations.
• Legal experience, education, and/or comparable degree.
• Knowledge of certain programs and policies of state, federal, and local governments is required to prepare and negotiate contracts and clinical trial agreements.
• Knowledge of pertinent University policies and procedures that fall within the scope of the position and are related to University business.
• Professional Industry Certification is preferred. CPSM, CPSD, NIGP-CPP, and CPCM are examples of current certifications. Others are considered as applicable.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded and follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information is a violation of these expectations.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.