Contract Manager

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Commerce’s Office of Neighborhood Economic Development (ONED) team seeks a detail-oriented, solutions-driven Contract Manager to join the ONED team. This exempt role is responsible for supporting the department’s contracting processes and executing administrative contracting functions. The Contract Manager will play a critical role in optimizing workflows, enhancing internal controls, and ensuring timely contract execution and compliance. This position serves as a key liaison between program staff, vendors, and internal City departments, while also supporting broader initiatives in project management, change management, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong technical knowledge of contract administration, public sector finance, and internal process improvement.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of contract development, execution, and compliance in a public or nonprofit setting.
• Knowledge of municipal procurement regulations, city cost principles, and financial systems.
• Experience with process improvement, change management, or workflow optimization initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to interpret budgets, invoices, and financial data accurately and efficiently.
• Excellent communication, project management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Strong coordination skills with the ability to work across multiple departments, stakeholder organizations, and the public.
• Values and encourages diversity of thought, background, and perspective.
• Helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Receptive to constructive feedback and embraces positive change.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in public administration, business, finance, or a related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in contract management, administrative operations, or public sector finance required.
• Equivalent combinations of education, certification, and relevant experience will be considered.
• Familiarity with public procurement and city government processes is a plus.
• The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Nice To Haves

• Project management or process improvement certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Prosci) are desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end contract lifecycle management, including Request for Proposals processes, planning, scope and budget development, document preparation, and compliance monitoring.
• Serve as primary liaison with Procurement, Law, Finance, and program teams to ensure contracts are executed in a timely and compliant manner.
• Participate in the development and implementation of contract policies and procedures with quasi-City agencies such as Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development
• Monitor vendor deliverables and contract timelines to minimize delays and maintain audit readiness.
• Ensure accurate and consistent use of City contract systems, including the Automated Contract Information System (ACIS), and maintain organized contract records.
• Identify bottlenecks in current contracting and administrative workflows and implement process improvements.
• Lead or support process mapping, documentation of standard operating procedures, and other initiatives that enhance internal efficiency and transparency.
• Partner with leadership and cross-departmental teams to manage organizational change, including training and communication strategies.
• Prepare reports; Help develop and implement performance tracking tools related to contracts and administrative operations.
• Maintain contract, audit, and procurement schedules to support internal controls and timely reporting.
• Research and compile data for reports and presentations on departmental financial activity and vendor engagement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40% savings on educational expenses for employees, spouse and dependents in some cases).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree