Senior Contracts Specialist

University of Massachusetts; Westborough (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts is seeking a Senior Contracts Specialist to support daily operations within the Contracts team. This position involves advising team members, managing high-profile contracts, and improving the contracting process. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in contract management, strong negotiation skills, and a bachelor's degree. The role offers a hybrid work schedule and a salary commensurate with experience, up to $85,000.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of contracting experience.
• Experience working in higher education preferred.
• Ability to draft contractual documents.

Responsibilities

• Manage and assign contract cases among the team.
• Advise on complex contracts and conduct training sessions.
• Negotiate with suppliers and ensure compliance with laws.

Skills

Contract Management

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Jaggaer

People Soft

Job description

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Senior Contracts Specialist

Apply now Job no: 527393
Position type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass President's Office
Campus Location: Westborough
Department: Unified Procurement Serv Team
Categories: Business & Financial Services, UPST, Procurement
Advertised: May 30 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

Primary Work Location:

Westborough, MA. Hybrid schedule.

Job Summary:

The Senior Contract Specialist (SCS) will support the day to day operations of the Contracts team. This will include assigning cases and contracts, and ensuring an equal distribution of workloads to the Contract Specialists. Additionally, the SCS will advise the Contract Specialists on difficult cases/ contracts (provide an escalation path), and handle high profile contracts as assigned by the Contracts Manager.

The Senior Contracts Specialist will help identify and implement contract process improvements, with a focus on improvements in the Buyways system. The SCS will also support the Contracts Manager with planning team meetings focused on team training and system-wide communications regarding changes and improvements to the contracting process.

The SCS will also be responsible for managing the contract and related templates (contract template librarian) and working with the Office of General Counsel to approve for use.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the SCS will be responsible for managing a portfolio of contracts and cases on a daily basis.

This position is intended to support the Contracts Manager with providing leadership and support to the contracts team.

Essential Functions:

• Supports Contracts Manager with daily operations of the contracts team.
• Assigns workloads (cases, contract requests) to ensure equal distribution amongst Contract Specialists.
• Advises Contracts Specialists as required on difficult contracts or cases (services as first point of escalation for contract related questions and issues).
• Creates contract templates and related documents.
• Responsible for the contract template library, including coordination with the Office of General Counsel and the execution of templates in the contract management system.
• Responsible for complex and high profile contracts as assigned by the Contracts Manager.
• Identify opportunities to improve the contract process and work with Contract Manager to implement those improvements.
• Conducts training sessions as required, including training of other UPST staff and campus and third parties.
• Reviews requests and prepares routine responses to proposals, bids, and contract modifications; may also prepare requests for proposals (RFPs).
• Negotiates with suppliers on behalf of the University
• Analyzes contract requirements, special provisions, terms, and conditions to make sure they comply with relevant laws, regulations, corporate policies, and department procedures.
• Communicates contract policy and practice to internal business teams as well as external customers.
• Reviews, approves and executes contracts in accordance with corporate and/or department guidelines.
• Prepares and administers routine correspondence, negotiation memos, and contract documentation to ensure timely and coordinated submittal.
• Prepares, organizes and maintains records and files documenting contract performance and compliance.
• May conduct research to support contract audit and or facilitate department contracting trends.
• Performs contract closeout activities.
• Assists staff with the use of business applications that are used to manage contracts.

Other Functions:

• Assume departmental leadership role when Contracts Manager is unavailable
• Other projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of contracting experience

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Experience working in an institution of higher education
• Experience with managing contract systems (Jaggaer, others)
• Demonstrated ability to understand the contracting process and supporting workflow
• Experience with People Soft
• Advanced knowledge of corporate policies and procedures
• Advanced knowledge of contracting concepts and public contract acquisition law and regulations
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Ability to draft contractual documents in accordance with prescribed templates and guidelines

Working Conditions:

• Typical office environment- including work from home options with managerial approval

Salary commensurate with experience up to $85,000

The University of Massachusetts President’s Office welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.