Contracts Manager

IA Interior Architects; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

IA Interior Architects in Boston seeks a highly organized Contracts Manager to oversee the full contract lifecycle for client, consultant, and vendor agreements. The role collaborates with Studio Leadership, Project Management, Legal, Finance, and Operations to support architectural project delivery.

The ideal candidate will ensure accurate drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and executing contracts, while tracking staffing, invoicing, and project documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, or Legal Studies with related field experience in architecture/engineering/construction management.
• 5+ years of experience in contract administration/management or related roles.
• Experience reviewing and managing professional services agreements.
• Strong understanding of contract terminology, risk allocation, and commercial practices.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of client, consultant, subcontractor, and vendor agreements from initiation through execution and closeout.
• Review, track, and coordinate contract negotiations with clients, legal counsel, and project teams.
• Ensure contract terms align with IA standards, risk management practices, and business objectives.
• Maintain contract templates, exhibits, amendments, change orders, and related documentation.
• Monitor contract status, expiration dates, renewal requirements, and key contractual obligations.
• Identify and elevate contractual risks and non-standard terms, collaborating with Legal and Studio Leadership to resolve issues.

Skills

Contract administration

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, or Legal Studies

Job description

IA Interior Architects is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Contracts Manager to support the Boston Studio's project delivery, business operations, and project management functions. The Contracts Manager will oversee the full contract lifecycle for client agreements, consultant contracts, and related project documentation, partnering closely with Studio Leadership, Project Management, Legal, Finance, and Operations teams.

This role is to provide strong support for architectural project delivery. This includes, but is not limited to responsibility for ensuring contracts are accurately drafted, reviewed, negotiated, executed, staffing support, proposal/additional service documentation/tracking, invoicing, financial tracking of each project. The ideal candidate combines strong architectural contract administration expertise with excellent communication skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Administration & Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of client, consultant, subcontractor, and vendor agreements from initiation through execution and closeout.
• Review, track, and coordinate contract negotiations with clients, consultants, legal counsel, and project teams.
• Ensure contract terms align with IA standards, risk management practices, and business objectives.
• Maintain contract templates, exhibits, amendments, change orders, and related documentation.
• Monitor contract status, expiration dates, renewal requirements, and key contractual obligations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and elevate contractual risks and non-standard terms.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk Management, and Studio Leadership to resolve contract issues and negotiate acceptable terms.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, insurance requirements, licensing requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate records and audit-ready documentation.

Project & Business Operations Support

• Partner with Project Managers and Studio Leaders during project pursuit, contract execution, and project delivery phases.
• Support fee proposals, scope documentation, amendments, and contract modifications.
• Assist with consultant onboarding and consultant agreement administration.
• Track contract metrics and provide reporting on execution timelines, outstanding agreements, and contractual obligations.

Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain best practices, workflows, and procedures related to contract management.
• Support implementation and optimization of contract management systems and document repositories.
• Train project teams on contract requirements, risk awareness, and documentation standards.
• Recommend improvements that increase efficiency, consistency, and compliance.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as a primary point of contact for contract-related inquiries within the Boston Studio.
• Coordinate with Finance regarding project setup requirements and contract compliance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Legal Studies coupled with experience in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in contract administration, contract management, project administration, project management, legal operations, or a related role.
• Experience reviewing and managing professional services agreements.
• Strong understanding of contract terminology, risk allocation, and commercial business practices.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience within architecture, interior design, engineering, construction, or professional services industries.
• Familiarity with AIA contracts and related industry-standard agreements.
• Knowledge of insurance, indemnification, limitation of liability, and professional services risk management concepts.

Interior Architects, Inc. (IA) provides equal opportunity in all aspects of recruitment and employment to all persons without regard to their race, color, creed, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed service member and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunities.