Contracts Administrator

Packaging Corporation of America; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in Lake Forest, IL, seeks a Contracts Administrator to support the Commercial Legal Department by reviewing, coordinating, and administering commercial contracts and related legal documentation. The role acts as a liaison between Legal and internal business partners, ensuring efficient processing in line with company policy.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years in legal operations or contract administration, strong MS Office skills, and the ability to handle

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in legal operations, contract administration, or legal department support.
• Experience reviewing, processing, and coordinating commercial agreements and contract-related documentation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Review, draft and revise commercial agreements using approved templates and guidelines.
• Coordinate contract review and approval with internal stakeholders and supervising attorneys.
• Track and manage contract status, deadlines, and renewals; maintain contract records.
• Provide administrative support to the Commercial Legal Team and coordinate meetings and travel.
• Assist with maintenance and standardization of contract templates and legal forms.

Skills

MS Office

Time management

Communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Contract management software

Document management system

Job description

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers - large and small - package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People * Customers * Trust

The Contracts Administrator plays a critical role in supporting the Commercial Legal Department by managing the review, coordination, tracking, and administration of commercial contracts and legal documentation. This position serves as a key liaison between Legal and internal business partners, ensuring contracts are processed efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with company policies and established legal procedures. In addition to contracts administration responsibilities, the Contracts Administrator provides high-level administrative and project support, manages sensitive and confidential information, and contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Legal Department's operations.

Principle Accountabilities

• Review, draft and revise commercial agreements, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), sales agreements, requests for proposals (RFPs), and other routine commercial contracts, using approved templates, contract guidelines, and established legal department procedures. Identify deviations from approved standards and elevate issues to supervising attorneys as appropriate.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the Deputy General Counsel, Senior Counsel, Risk Management, Quality, Sales, and other business teams, to prepare, revise, and route contracts for review and approval.
• Prepare and manage written communications with internal stakeholders regarding requests for legal review, contract status, and related matters.
• Explain legal review processes and procedures to internal stakeholders and assist in gathering the information necessary for efficient attorney review.
• Coordinate the contract review and execution process by tracking agreements, following up with internal and external parties, and facilitating timely completion of contract-related tasks.
• Maintain contracts and supporting documentation within the Company's contract management system in accordance with company policies, procedures, and legal retention requirements.
• Maintain an organized contract database and track critical dates, including renewals, notice periods, expirations, and other contractual deadlines. Notify attorneys and business stakeholders of upcoming action items as appropriate.
• Assist with the maintenance, updating, and standardization of contract templates and legal forms to promote consistency and efficiency.
• Provide administrative support to the Commercial Legal Team, including handling incoming correspondence, scheduling meetings and training sessions, and performing other administrative duties as assigned.
• Coordinate domestic and international business travel arrangements and facilitate attorney expense reporting and reimbursement activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders while providing a high level of customer service.
• Serve as liaison with Information Technology (IT) Support regarding computers, telecommunications equipment, software, and related technology needs.
• Administer records retention, document storage, and destruction processes in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Perform a broad range of administrative, operational, and project-support activities involving confidential and sensitive information.
• Follow company policies and procedures, share best practices with team members, and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and customer service.
• Support PCA's Commitment to Service by delivering high-quality support, focusing on value-added solutions, supporting business growth, and consistently fulfilling commitments to internal and external customers.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree, bachelor's degree, paralegal certificate, or professional administrative training preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in legal operations, contract administration, paralegal support, or legal department support required, including experience reviewing, processing, and coordinating commercial agreements and contract-related documentation
• Experience working with contract management systems, document management systems, or comparable business applications preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and requests simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team and foster open communication and information sharing.
• Ability to learn and apply company policies, procedures, and legal department processes.
• Ability to work overtime as necessary to meet business needs.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary range for position: $54,000-$67,500
• Bonus: Annual - Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance.
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
• Paid Holidays.
• Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision - and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
• Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA's good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer