Senior Contract Manager

Xylem Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in water infrastructure is seeking a Senior Contract Manager to oversee contract lifecycle management. The role involves negotiation, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should have a strong legal background and management experience.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years experience, with at least 2 years as a people manager.
• Experience in cross-border transactions or other international experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the oversight of the entire contract lifecycle, from negotiation to termination.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within the contract management function.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to contract management.

Skills

Strategic Decision Making

Effective Communication

Fostering Team Growth

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Job description

The Senior Contract Manager is responsible for contract lifecycle management from intake to execution and other related tasks for Xylem's Water Infrastructure global business segment. This includes triaging, reviewing, negotiating, and overseeing approvals of US and international contracts in close collaboration with business colleagues, developing and enforcing contract policies, driving efficiencies and identifying other continuous improvement opportunities in the company's contracting processes, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, stakeholder trainings, and leading or supporting on other various projects.

Responsibilities

Management:

• Lead the oversight of the entire contract lifecycle, from negotiation and execution to renewal and termination

Contract Review and Negotiation:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, both in a US and international context, including sales contracts, customer framework/master agreements, channel partner and sale rep agreements, public procurement/municipal/government contracts, contract amendments, etc.
• Ensuring contract terms are aligned with company standards and objectives and other legal and regulatory requirements.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements within the contract management function.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Develop and execute improvement strategies, including change management activities.

Collaboration and Training:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand their contract needs and provide guidance.
• Conduct training sessions for staff on contract management best practices and continuous improvement techniques.
• Develop and execute policies, training and capabilities that support the maturing of the contracting process
• Identify emerging trends and developments in contracting and proactively develop strategies and tools that will help the business benefit from, and manage new risks associated with, these developments

Performance Monitoring:

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to contract management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Regularly report on the status of improvement projects and contract performance to senior management.
• Use data analysis to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with business transactions
• Ensure that all contract templates are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in regulations and business needs.

Conflict Resolution:

• Resolving conflicts or issues that may arise during contract performance

High Impact Behaviors:

• Strategic Decision Making: A manager must be able to assess complex situations, consider long-term implications, and make decisions that align with the organization’s vision and goals. This involves critical thinking, foresight, and the ability to balance various stakeholders’ interests.
• Effective Communication: Clear and transparent communication is vital for a manager. This includes articulating vision, expectations, and feedback in a way that motivates and engages team members. It also involves active listening and openness to input from all levels of the organization.
• Fostering Team Growth: A high impact manager invests in the development of their team members. This behavior includes mentoring, providing opportunities for professional growth, and creating an environment where continuous learning is encouraged and valued.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Law, Legal Studies, Business Administration, or a related field with at least 5 years experience, with at least 2-years experience as a people manager or equivalent work experience that provides exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts.
• Experience in cross-border transactions or other international experience
• Planning and Scheduling: Proficiently create project plans, define milestones, and establish timelines. Ensure that tasks are well-organized and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Budgeting: Skillfully manage project budgets, allocate resources effectively, and monitor expenses. Make informed decisions to optimize financial outcomes.
• Resource Allocation: Allocate personnel, tools, and other resources efficiently to achieve project goals. Balance competing priorities and adapt as needed.
• End-to-end Project Management: Lead improvement projects from initiation to completion. Monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure timely delivery of measurable results.