Contracts Manager, Digital Infrastructure

Ares Management Corporation•Bellevue, WA

1d•$125,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Ares Management Corporation is seeking its first Contracts Manager in the Digital Infrastructure vertical. The role will help build and optimize the legal function while managing department programs and initiatives. The manager will implement systems and processes to improve efficiency, manage contract lifecycles and entity management, coordinate cross-functional legal projects, and negotiate standard agreements. This is an opportunity to shape the legal function at a growing global company. Ares is a global alternative investment manager offering primary and secondary investment solutions across credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure. As of June 30, 2026, its global platform had approximately $671 billion in assets under management and approximately 2,100 employees across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. The anticipated base salary range is $125,000–$145,000 per annum. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in contract management, legal operations, or a related field.
Experience implementing and managing contract lifecycle management systems.
Strong understanding of contract terms, legal concepts, and business implications.
Demonstrated program management experience, preferably in a legal or corporate environment.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously with competing priorities.
Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.
Proven track record of improving operational efficiency through process design.
Excellent negotiation skills for standard commercial agreements.
Self-starter able to work independently and take initiative.
Strong problem-solving skills and an analytical mindset.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strategic thinker able to translate vision into executable plans.
Adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
Collaborative team player able to work effectively across departments.
Process-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
Resilient under pressure and able to manage competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in technology, infrastructure, or data center industries.
Knowledge of legal technology tools and automation solutions.
Experience leading enterprise-wide initiatives or transformation programs.
Experience working in high-growth environments.
Familiarity with corporate governance best practices.

Responsibilities

Design and implement legal department processes and workflows to improve efficiency.
Improve and manage the contract lifecycle management system.
Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and approval workflows.
Manage full contract lifecycles from request through execution and renewal.
Lead entity management across multiple jurisdictions.
Negotiate standard commercial agreements.
Develop and execute strategic program plans for legal department initiatives.
Manage multiple legal projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery and quality.
Coordinate cross-functional workstreams and align legal programs with business objectives.
Track program milestones, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
Lead change management efforts for new legal processes and systems.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline legal operations.
Track key metrics and provide regular reporting on legal department performance.
Manage program budgets and resource allocation when applicable.
Support the legal team with special projects as needed.