Principal Contract Manager

TekWissen ®; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

TekWissen LLC in Oakland, CA seeks a Principal Contract Manager to oversee the lifecycle of strategic contracts within the Propel program. This hybrid, full-time role leads supplier relationships and ensures contract compliance and governance.

The ideal candidate will navigate complex sourcing strategies, advance negotiations, and drive process improvements while collaborating with Legal, Risk, and senior leadership to minimize value leakage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 9+ years in a similar role managing complex contracts and sourcing strategies
• Master’s degree in related discipline
• PMI certifications (PMP, PgMP) and Lean Six Sigma
• QA/QC experience with contract documents; process development
• Utility industry experience in transmission pipelines
• Subject matter expert in contracts, change orders and negotiation
• Ability to manage conflict with win-win resolutions; budgets, contracts, bids, RFPs
• Strong reporting, analytical and technical thinking
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and contract systems (SRM, Ariba, SAP)

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier relationship management for critical system integration partners.
• Advise senior leadership on contracting strategy and negotiations.
• Negotiate complex contract issues independently.
• Identify, analyze, and improve existing business processes or create new ones within the department.
• Work with key stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Act as primary liaison for the contracts team to the Legal Department and other compliance departments.
• Provide guidance, mentorship and training to less experienced contract management staff.
• Develop and deliver contract management training to stakeholders.
• Track program contracts and their obligations.
• Analyze contracts for potential compliance issues; resolve discrepancies or non-compliance.
• Evaluate effectiveness of compliance programs and procedures; conduct audits and inspections to verify compliance.
• Communicate compliance requirements to stakeholders; provide training and guidance on procedures.
• Prepare reports on contract compliance activities and outcomes.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiations

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Compliance

Risk management

Process improvement

Reporting

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PMP Certification

PgMP Certification

Lean Six Sigma

Tools

SRM

Ariba

SAP

Scheduling software

Job description

Overview:

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to our clients world-wide. This Client is a holding company that primarily operates through Gas and Electric Company subsidiary. The subsidiary provides natural gas and electric service to residential and business clients. It also offers building and construction programs, energy efficiency financing, electric vehicle charge networks, wireless solutions, battery storage systems, etc. This Client is an AA/EEO employer that actively pursues and hires a diverse workforce.

Job Details

Job Title: Principal Contract Manager

Location: Oakland, CA 94612

Duration: Full Time

Job Type: Full Time

Work Type: Hybrid

Pay rate: $132k to $190k per year

Base pay range: $132,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr

Position Summary

The Contract Manager, Principal will play a pivotal role in the client's Propel program, overseeing the lifecycle of multiple strategic 3rd party contracts. This role is responsible for ensuring that all parties adhere to the agreed terms, tracking key milestones, and managing renewals or amendments. The ideal candidate will monitor, analyze, ensure compliance, and report while working with other departments to implement consistent compliance practices.

Reporting Relationship

• The Contract Manager, Principal will report directly to the Director of Supply Chain Propel.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier relationship management for critical system integration partners.
• Advise senior leadership (internal and external) on contracting strategy and negotiations.
• Negotiate complex contract issues independently.
• Identify, analyze, and improve existing business processes or create new ones within the department to meet goals.
• Work with key stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Act as primary liaison for the contracts team to the client’s Legal Department and other compliance departments (e.g., Risk).
• Provide guidance, mentorship and training to less experienced contract management staff.
• Develop and deliver contract management training to stakeholders.
• Track program contracts and their obligations.
• Analyze contracts for potential compliance issues; resolve discrepancies or non-compliance.
• Evaluate effectiveness of compliance programs and procedures; conduct audits and inspections to verify compliance.
• Communicate compliance requirements to stakeholders; provide training and guidance on procedures.
• Prepare reports on contract compliance activities and outcomes.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 9 years of direct experience in a similar role with ability to navigate complex sourcing strategies and contract compliance for large-scale digital transformations (e.g., managing system integrator services and software professional services) while managing sophisticated contracts to minimize value leakage.
• Master’s degree in related discipline
• Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), Lean Six Sigma (green/black belt)
• Experience with QA/QC regarding contract documents; process development, review, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in transmission pipeline construction; utility industry experience.
• Subject matter expertise in contracts, change orders, and negotiation; ability to apply business knowledge and project management methodologies.
• Ability to manage conflict constructively with win-win resolutions; knowledge of budgets, resources, contracts, bids, and RFPs.
• Develops and delivers multi-mode communications for diverse audiences; strong analytical, critical, and technical thinking skills.
• Ability to develop reports, models, and simulations; prioritize workload independently.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and contract information systems (e.g., SRM, Ariba, SAP, scheduling software).

EEO Statement: TekWissen Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.