Contract Program Manager

The Friedkin Group • Houston, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a senior-level Contract Program Manager to lead and orchestrate multiple workstreams within our Enterprise Data Roadmap. This individual will be accountable for driving complex, cross-functional programs involving external vendors, contractual negotiations, portfolio governance, and enterprise stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings 15+ years of experience managing high-visibility, high-complexity programs and demonstrates strong executive presence, rigorous delivery discipline, and the ability to operate with speed and transparency. This role requires a results-oriented leader who maintains focus on milestones, enforces accountability, and ensures commitments translate into measurable outcomes.

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive experience leading large-scale, complex enterprise programs with cross-functional impact.
• Preference for candidates who have led end-to-end Data & Analytics programs built on Databricks, Denodo, Tableau as part of the core platform architecture.
• Working knowledge of these platforms sufficient to engage credibly in architectural discussions, sustain informed technical dialogue, and challenge solution approaches when necessary.
• Proven track record managing multi-million-dollar portfolios with full accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and outcomes.
• Deep experience in vendor governance, contract negotiation, commercial management, and performance enforcement.
• Demonstrated expertise in integrated program planning, critical path management, milestone tracking, and deadline discipline.
• Experience leading enterprise Data, Analytics, or technology transformation initiatives.
• Strong ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-visibility environments with executive-level stakeholders.
• Solid financial acumen, including budget oversight, cost control, and vendor financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into scalable data platform capabilities, ensuring alignment with long-term architecture, governance, and performance objectives.
• Contractor candidates legally authorized to work in the United States, without Sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and govern multiple data-related workstreams within the Data Roadmap.
• Establish and maintain integrated program plans covering scope, schedules, milestones, deliverables, dependencies, and risks.
• Ensure alignment between business objectives, technology execution, and vendor commitments.
• Maintain strict control of scope to prevent unmanaged expansion or timeline slippage.
• Proactively identify risks, escalate issues, and drive resolution without delay.
• Own end-to-end program schedule management and critical path tracking.
• Enforce milestone discipline and ensure on-time delivery across all streams.
• Maintain structured reporting on progress, KPIs, risks, and financials.
• Conduct regular cadence reviews to ensure deliverables remain on track.
• Prevent deadline erosion through rigorous follow-up and action tracking.
• Oversee vendor performance across multiple contracts and statements of work.
• Lead negotiations related to scope, cost, deliverables, timelines, and change orders.
• Hold vendors accountable to contractual commitments and performance metrics.
• Identify underperformance quickly and take corrective action decisively.
• Ensure commercial and delivery alignment across all third-party partners.
• Provide clear, concise executive-level status reporting.
• Communicate program health, trade-offs, risks, and decision points transparently.
• Maintain documentation standards and governance artifacts.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment across business, data, and technology teams.
• Drive a high-velocity, execution-focused culture
• Challenge assumptions and surface unrealistic timelines or commitments.
• Call out ambiguity or unsupported claims; ensure facts support decisions.
• Maintain relentless focus on outcomes over activity.

Benefits

• As a contractor, you will play an essential role in supporting our business needs while bringing your expertise and skills to our team. Contractors are engaged for a defined period and assignment. Contractors are not employees of The Friedkin Group, and as such, they are not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed