Senior Principal Contract Specialist

The Ed Wallach Search Group; Redlands (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ed Wallach Search Group is seeking an accomplished contracts leader to oversee strategy, negotiation, and execution of high-value agreements across commercial, federal, and international programs in Redlands, CA. The role requires deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, risk management, and a track record of mentoring contract professionals.

Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to the Redlands area; you will influence senior leadership and drive improvements across contracting

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressively responsible experience managing and negotiating complex contracts.
• Proven success structuring, negotiating, and administering diverse agreement types.
• Deep understanding of contract law, risk management, and procurement best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership including mentoring professionals and supporting team development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• U.S. citizenship and ability/willingness to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, legal studies, political science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full contract lifecycle for complex services agreements from RFP through negotiation, execution, and closeout.
• Advise senior leadership on contract strategy, deal structure, pricing, and risk mitigation.
• Negotiate and resolve complex contractual issues with cross‑functional teams.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid‑level contract professionals.
• Drive improvements in contract management processes, tools, and standards.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of commercial, federal, and international agreements.
• Apply FAR/DFARS knowledge as applicable.
• Ensure contractual terms align with objectives, regulatory requirements and risk tolerance.

Skills

Contract negotiations

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Federal contracting

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Redlands, CA

Security Clearance: US Citizen/Clearable

Position Overview

Lead high-impact contract negotiations, shape business strategy, and drive successful outcomes across complex agreements.

We’re seeking an accomplished contracts leader to oversee the strategy, negotiation, and execution of high-value agreements supporting complex business initiatives. In this role, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing guidance on contract structure, pricing strategy, risk mitigation, and deal execution.

Beyond managing critical agreements, you’ll mentor contract professionals, strengthen contracting practices, and drive process improvements across the organization. This is an opportunity for a seasoned contracts professional to combine strategic influence, hands‑on deal leadership, and team development.

Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to the Redlands, California area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full contract lifecycle for complex services agreements, from RFP and proposal development through negotiation, execution, and closeout.
• Advise senior leadership on contract strategy, deal structure, pricing, and risk mitigation.
• Negotiate and resolve complex contractual issues in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level contract professionals, promoting best practices and professional growth.
• Drive improvements in contract management processes, tools, and organizational standards.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of commercial, public sector, federal, and international agreements.
• Apply expertise in federal contracting regulations, including FAR and DFARS, as applicable.
• Ensure contractual terms align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and risk tolerance.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressively responsible experience managing and negotiating complex contracts.
• Proven success structuring, negotiating, and administering diverse agreement types.
• Deep understanding of contract law, risk management, and procurement best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring professionals and supporting team development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability and willingness to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, legal studies, political science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal contracting regulations, including FAR, DFARS, SBA requirements, EAR, and ITAR.
• Familiarity with complex agreements involving large systems integrators.
• Experience negotiating professional services agreements, cloud computing contracts, software licensing, and intellectual property provisions.
• Master’s degree in business administration, legal studies, political science, or a related field, or a Juris Doctor (J.D.).