Contract Manager

Penn State University • University Park, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State Office of Central Procurement is searching for a Contract Manager who will have responsibility to manage all aspects of contract management and review operations for all procurement related contracts to include expenditure, no-cost, and revenue generating contracts. This position will manage work activities in a large volume, fast paced, complex, detailed, and multifaceted environment. In addition to managing the contract administration team, this position will have responsibilities for successfully negotiating complex contracts received by Central Procurement in accordance with University guidelines. The Contract Manager collaborates with stakeholders and compliance partners to address issues within contracts and works with the Assistant Director of Procurement Compliance, Policies and Contracts when escalation is needed for resolution. The successful candidate for this position will serve as the manager of the contract administration team, including assigning workload, monitoring cycle time, and implementing efficiencies. They must possess: Extensive experience reviewing, modifying and negotiating contracts. Proven ability to manage a team, provide progressive leadership and implement positive change management for contract activities. Strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to work in an integrated team, consensus-building leadership style. Excellent analytical, research, and organizational skills to address and resolve complex issues. Ability to collaborate with researchers, faculty, staff, suppliers and other key stakeholders that consistently meets the needs of the University. The ability to stay abreast of federal and state regulations, University policies, legal and industry trends and emerging issues as they relate to contract operations and compliance. This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Requirements

• Extensive experience reviewing, modifying and negotiating contracts.
• Proven ability to manage a team, provide progressive leadership and implement positive change management for contract activities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to work in an integrated team, consensus-building leadership style.
• Excellent analytical, research, and organizational skills to address and resolve complex issues.
• Ability to collaborate with researchers, faculty, staff, suppliers and other key stakeholders that consistently meets the needs of the University.
• The ability to stay abreast of federal and state regulations, University policies, legal and industry trends and emerging issues as they relate to contract operations and compliance.
• Bachelor's Degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, Legal, or other related field
• Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
• Background in process reengineering and/or continuous improvement
• Demonstrated ability to use technology to create efficiencies in business processes

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of contract management and review operations for all procurement related contracts to include expenditure, no-cost, and revenue generating contracts.
• Manage work activities in a large volume, fast paced, complex, detailed, and multifaceted environment.
• Manage the contract administration team, including assigning workload, monitoring cycle time, and implementing efficiencies.
• Successfully negotiate complex contracts received by Central Procurement in accordance with University guidelines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and compliance partners to address issues within contracts
• Work with the Assistant Director of Procurement Compliance, Policies and Contracts when escalation is needed for resolution.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

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