Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager - Department of Procurement Services
University of Virginia

As the Contracts Manager within the Department of Procurement Services, you’ll play a key role in enhancing the University of Virginia’s contract management operations. You’ll oversee contracts for academic division goods, services, major consulting engagements, and complex agreements-managing the full lifecycle from drafting and negotiation to execution and compliance. You’ll also lead a team of contract professionals and collaborate with stakeholders across Grounds to support strategic initiatives.

Why Join UVA Procurement Services?

• Make an Impact: Help shape the future of procurement at UVA through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a team-oriented environment that values continuous improvement and creative problem-solving.
• Mission-Driven: Contribute to meaningful initiatives that support the University’s academic and research goals.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Lifecycle Management

• Draft, negotiate, and execute contracts based on strategic sourcing activities (RFPs, cooperative contracts, requisitions).
• Maintain and oversee the contract repository in Workday or other designated systems.
• Monitor contract renewals and extensions, coordinating with sourcing teams and delegated buyers.
• Partner with internal stakeholders-faculty, research units, and administrators-to tailor contracts to specific needs.
• Evaluate and utilize cooperative contracts, including those from VASCUPP and VHEPC, when appropriate.

Value Optimization

• Lead initiatives to secure cost savings or revenue through rebates, discounts, incentives, and bulk purchasing.
• Educate buyers on value-based procurement strategies, such as supplier consolidation.
• Track and report on financial benefits and ensure adherence to terms in partnership with Accounts Payable.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and support a team of contract professionals, ensuring workload balance and performance excellence.
• Set clear objectives, offer guidance, and create a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Mentor junior team members and assist in resolving complex contracting challenges.

Operational Analytics

• Track key performance indicators and operational data to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency.
• Use data insights to inform strategic decisions and improve contract performance.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Work closely with the Contracts Review Officer and Director to ensure adherence to laws, policies, and regulations.
• Manage third-party risk, with emphasis on the protection of Highly Sensitive Data (HSD).
• Support audits and FOIA requests and establish quality control processes to mitigate risk.

Data Protection

• Partner with the Information Security Office and UVAFinance Compliance to ensure confidentiality and security in contracting processes.

Research Collaboration

• Coordinate with the Office of the Vice President for Research to ensure contracts meet requirements related to funding, grants, and IP rights.

Supporting Small & Local Businesses

• Collaborate with the Sourcing team to provide enhanced contract and payment terms for eligible small and local businesses.

Process & Supplier Management

• Oversee the end-to-end contracting process, including negotiation, terms review, and renewals.
• Monitor supplier performance and collaborate with sourcing teams to ensure contract compliance and service quality.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in contract management.
• Promote streamlined, value-driven practices including the use of UVA templates, accessibility considerations, and sustainability efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred fields: Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related).
• Minimum 4 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or contract management; 5+ years preferred.
• Proven success in executing cost-saving contracting strategies and improving operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing high-performing teams.
• Expertise in legal and regulatory aspects of contract management and risk mitigation.
• Proficiency in contract management systems, analytics tools, and procurement technologies.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Core Competencies

• Analytical Excellence: Ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Strategic Thinking: Understands procurement's role in broader financial strategy.
• Collaboration: Builds effective relationships with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Adaptability: Embraces change and leverages innovation to improve processes.
• Customer Focus: Committed to exceptional service across all University departments.

Ready to take your career to the next level?
Apply today and become an essential part of a team dedicated to delivering procurement excellence at the University of Virginia.

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. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu.

Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA , and search for R0072388.

There is an in-office expectation of 3 days per week.

Anticipated Hiring Range : Commensurate with qualifications ($95,000 - $ 12 5 ,000 per year) and eligible for University benefits.

Please submit a resume and a cover letter to be considered for this position, applications that do not contain both pieces of information will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs’ or through their ‘Jobs Hub’. Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents: a resume and cover letter.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: At least four years of experience. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Licensure: Project Management Institute (PMI) certification is typically possessed.

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. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.