Contract Manager

Pace® Analytical Services • Roseville, MN

2d • $77,025 - $128,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Contract Manager reviews, drafts, and negotiates commercial agreements that support Pace® business objectives while protecting the company from undue legal, financial, and operational risk. The role partners closely with Sales to resolve contract issues and close deals, often on short timelines, and supports Procurement with vendor agreements. The manager assesses risk, advises internal clients on contract terms and practical alternatives, and escalates significant issues as appropriate. Routine and moderately complex matters are handled independently within established guidelines and approval authorities.

The position is expected to be hybrid, with an initial onsite training period and the possibility of remote work afterward. Once fully trained, at least one scheduled in-office day per week is expected. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The salary range is $77,025 to $128,400, with compensation commensurate with experience and final offers based on the candidate’s skills and qualifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, legal studies, or a closely related field and five years of professional experience in contract management, contract negotiation, or a similar role, including experience supporting a sales organization; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge of commercial contract drafting, negotiation, and administration.
• Knowledge of common commercial contract terms and their legal and business implications, including liability limitations, indemnification, warranties, insurance, intellectual property, confidentiality, data protection, and payment terms.
• Knowledge of risk assessment and mitigation techniques for commercial transactions.
• Knowledge of business-to-business sales processes and deal cycles, procurement processes, vendor and supplier agreement terms, and contract lifecycle management practices.
• Knowledge of work-related computer applications, especially Microsoft Office and contract management systems.
• Ability to negotiate effectively while maintaining positive business relationships and to meet short deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and manage numerous concurrent matters through completion.
• Ability to assess legal and business risks and develop practical recommendations; advise internal clients clearly on contract terms, risks, and options.
• Ability to collaborate with Sales and Procurement teams, communicate complex information effectively in writing and verbally, and interpret, apply, and explain contract terms and applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines and escalation procedures, collaborate in a virtual work environment if applicable, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining any required licenses and certificates in active status without suspension or revocation; no specific certificates, licenses, or registrations are required.
• Mobility to use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods; strength to lift and carry up to 10 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or by telephone.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in laboratory services, life sciences, environmental, or another regulated industry.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate customer agreements, including master services agreements, statements of work, confidentiality agreements, pricing agreements, customer terms and conditions, and amendments.
• Propose contract revisions and alternative language that protect company interests while supporting business goals.
• Partner with Sales to support timely deal closing, participate in client and internal deal calls, respond to customer redlines and contract questions, and develop commercially reasonable solutions to negotiation impasses.
• Identify, assess, and communicate legal, financial, and operational risks in proposed agreements, recommend mitigation strategies, and escalate high-risk or non-standard terms under applicable approval authorities.
• Advise Sales, Operations, Laboratory, and Finance leadership on contract terms, interpretation, obligations, and negotiation strategy.
• Partner with Procurement to review, draft, and negotiate vendor and supplier agreements, including purchase, service, equipment, software, and confidentiality agreements.
• Manage a high volume of concurrent contract requests, prioritize by deadlines, business impact, and risk, maintain contract records, and track key dates, renewals, and obligations.
• Develop and maintain contract templates, standard positions, and negotiation guidelines, and provide guidance and training to Sales and Procurement personnel on contracting processes.
• Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s service by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active work-team member.
• Support Pace®’s mission through courteous and cooperative interactions with customers and staff and by promoting a harmonious and effective workplace.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with immediate 100% vesting in the employer match
• Life insurance
• Disability benefits
• Voluntary benefits
• Paid holidays, sick days, and vacation days
• Health savings account
• Wellness program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance program
• Parental leave
• Optional legal coverage and identity theft protection

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level