Senior Procurement Contract Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia is seeking a Senior Procurement Contract Specialist to manage the full contract lifecycle, from drafting through execution, renewal, and closeout. The role acts as a liaison among procurement, schools, and suppliers to ensure contracts are accurate, compliant, and value-driven for academic, health, and research operations.

The role requires strong negotiation, legal and procurement knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex terms while preserving supplier partnerships.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree. 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience: At least two years of relevant experience.
• Licensure: None

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and edit contracts, proposals, and amendments to ensure accuracy and alignment with UVA policies.
• Negotiate favorable terms (pricing, service levels, risk allocation) while maintaining supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and procurement requirements; identify and mitigate risks.
• Oversee contracts from initiation through renewal and termination; track key deadlines and milestones.
• Collaborate with schools, departments, and suppliers to align deliverables with institutional goals.
• Maintain records of drafts, revisions, and executed agreements in UVA systems.
• Assist with resolving disputes in coordination with leadership and University Counsel.

Skills

Contract law

Procurement regulations

Negotiation

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Contract management systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, law, or related field

Certifications such as CPCM or NCMA preferred

Tools

Workday or similar

Job description

A Senior Procurement Contract Specialist plays a vital role within UVA Procurement Services by managing the full contract lifecycle, from drafting and negotiation through execution, renewal, and closeout. Serving as a key liaison between Procurement, schools/units, and suppliers, this role ensures that UVA contracts are accurate, compliant, and structured to deliver long-term value. This position contributes to UVA’s mission of stewardship, service, and collaboration by ensuring that contracts support academic, health, and research operations with integrity, efficiency, and accountability.

Key duties and responsibilities

Contract Drafting and Negotiation

Prepare, review, and edit contracts, proposals, and amendments to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with UVA’s business needs and policies. Negotiate favorable terms (pricing, service levels, risk allocation) while maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure agreements comply with applicable laws, Commonwealth of Virginia procurement requirements, and UVA policies. Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and operational risks through careful contract analysis and consultation with Procurement leadership and University Counsel.

Contract Lifecycle Management

Oversee contracts from initiation through execution, renewal, and termination. Track key deadlines (renewals, expirations, performance milestones) and proactively alert stakeholders.

Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration

Partner with schools, departments, and suppliers to align contract deliverables with institutional goals. Work closely with the Procurement services staff to ensure seamless P2P execution.

Record Keeping

Maintain accurate and comprehensive records and documentation for all contracts, including drafts, revisions, and executed agreements in UVA official system of record, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

Dispute Resolution

Assist with resolving disputes or performance concerns in coordination with Procurement leadership, suppliers, and University Counsel.

Essential skills and qualifications

• Knowledge of contract law, procurement regulations, and higher-ed/state contracting frameworks.
• Strong negotiation skills with ability to balance risk and value.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain complex provisions to non-legal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple contracts and deadlines.
• Proficiency in contract management systems and enterprise tools (Workday or similar).
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, law, or related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CPCM, NCMA) preferred.

This is a Hybrid position and is not eligible for remote work status.

This position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor's degree. 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: At least two years of relevant experience.

Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.