Sr. Principal Contract Specialist

Esri; Redlands (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) and profit-sharing

Vacation leave (80 hours/year minimum)

Job summary

Esri is seeking a Sr. Principal Contract Specialist in Redlands, CA to lead a contracts team and drive complex service agreements from RFP to closeout. This role advises leadership on structure, risk mitigation, and pricing, while guiding the next generation of contract professionals.

The position supports a relocation program and emphasizes collaboration with legal, finance, and delivery teams to deliver geospatial solutions worldwide.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressively complex contract administration experience.
• Proven success negotiating and structuring a variety of agreement types.
• Strong expertise in contract law, risk management, and procurement practices.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring and team development.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor junior and mid-level contract professionals.
• Lead the full lifecycle of complex services contracts- from RFP through negotiation, execution, and closeout.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on contract structure, risk mitigation, and pricing strategy.
• Navigate and resolve complex contractual issues across cross-functional teams.
• Drive process improvements and best practices in contract management.
• Support a diverse portfolio of agreements (commercial, public sector, federal, international).
• Apply knowledge of federal contracting frameworks (FAR/DFAR) where applicable.

Skills

Contract administration

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or related field

Master's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, Juris Doctorate, or related field

Job description

Overview

Are you a strategic contracts leader ready to take your impact to the next level? At Esri, you’ll do more than manage agreements and a team, you will help shape how we deliver innovative geospatial solutions that make a difference around the world.

Are you a strategic contracts leader ready to take your impact to the next level? At Esri, you’ll do more than manage agreements and a team, you will help shape how we deliver innovative geospatial solutions that make a difference around the world. As a Sr. Principal Contract Specialist, you will manage a team of Contract Specialists as well as lead high-visibility, complex deals. This role will advise leadership on critical business decisions, and mentor the next generation of contract professionals. This is a career-defining opportunity to operate as a trusted advisor and manager while driving meaningful process improvements across a growing, collaborative organization. Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Redlands, CA area for this position.

Why Join Esri`s Professional Services Team?

• Strategic Impact: Influence pricing, negotiations, and contract structures that directly support enterprise-level programs
• Leadership Opportunity: Manage, mentor, and guide a talented contracts team while help elevate overall practices
• Variety & Challenge: Work across commercial, public sector, federal, and international agreements
• Collaborative Culture: Partner with legal, finance, and delivery teams in a highly supportive environment
• Mission-Driven Work: Contribute to technology that helps organizations solve real-world problems globally

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor junior and mid-level contract professionals
• Lead the full lifecycle of complex services contracts- from RFP through negotiation, execution, and closeout
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on contract structure, risk mitigation, and pricing strategy
• Navigate and resolve complex contractual issues across cross-functional teams
• Drive process improvements and best practices in contract management
• Support a diverse portfolio of agreements (commercial, public sector, federal, international)
• Apply knowledge of federal contracting frameworks (FAR/DFAR) where applicable

Requirements

• 12+ years of progressively complex contract administration experience
• Proven success negotiating and structuring a variety of agreement types
• Strong expertise in contract law, risk management, and procurement practices
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring and team development
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels
• US citizenship and ability and willingness to obtain a US Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or a related field

Recommended Qualifications

• Experience with federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFAR, SBA, EAR, ITAR)
• Familiarity with large systems integrator agreements
• Knowledge of professional services, cloud, and software licensing terms
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, Juris Doctorate, or related field

Total Rewards

Total RewardsEsri’s competitive total rewards strategy includes industry-leading health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance for employees (and their families), 401(k) and profit-sharing programs, minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Base salary is one component of our total rewards strategy. Compensation decisions and the base range for this role take into account many factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range is: $100,880 USD - $212,160 USD

The Company

At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life’s best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri’s Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.

Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address. Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.