As the Contracts Manager in the Department of Procurement Services, you will play a vital role in optimizing the University of Virginia’s contract management process. This position oversees the University's contract activities for academic division goods and services and major consulting and contractual services. Responsibilities include drafting, negotiating, executing, and monitoring contracts to ensure compliance with legal and business requirements, while also leading a team of contract professionals.

Why Join Us?

• Shape the future of Procurement Services at the University by building strong connections across the Grounds community.
• Work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, continuous improvement, and stakeholder-centric solutions.
• Be part of impactful initiatives that align with the University’s mission and create lasting value for the Grounds community.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

Contract Lifecycle Management

• Draft, negotiate, and execute contracts or supporting documentation resulting from strategic sourcing activities to include RFPs, adoption of cooperative contracts, or department-submitted requisitions.
• Manage the contract repository system in Workday and/or other designated system of record.
• Monitor, manage and report on contract renewals/extensions in collaboration with Sourcing teams and delegated buyers across Grounds.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including research units, faculty, and administration, to understand contracting needs and tailor strategies accordingly.
• Evaluate and effectively leverage cooperative contracts as appropriate to include those originated by VASCUPP peer institutions and the VHEPC.
  
  

Value Optimization

• Deploy cost-saving and/or revenue-generating initiatives such as rebates, incentives, discounts, etc. through contracting initiatives. 
• Promote value-based procurement through strategies like bulk purchases and supplier consolidation. Ensure that delegated buyers across Grounds understand value-based procurement.
• Monitor and track financial benefits like rebates, incentives, and volume-based discounts and work with AP to ensure terms adherence.
  
  

Team Management

• Provide leadership, daily oversight, and management of the contracting team, including workload assignment, performance monitoring, and professional development.
• Set clear goals, provide guidance, and foster a high-performance, collaborative, and supportive work environment.
• Offer mentorship to junior contracting staff and assist with complex contracting decisions and issue resolution.
  
  

Operational Analytics Interpretation

• Track key operational data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and efficiency enhancements.
• Leverage data insights to inform strategic decisions and enhance overall contracting performance.
  
  

Compliance Management

• Partner with contracts review officer and contracts director to ensure that all contracts comply with relevant standards, laws, regulations, and university policies. Actively manage third-party risk to include the protection of Highly Sensitive Data (HSD).
• Support contract-related audits and coordinate with Financial Compliance on responses to Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) public records requests. Establish contracting quality control processes to mitigate risks and ensure adherence to legal and industry standards.
  
  

Data Protection

• Collaborate with the Information Security Office and UVAFinance Compliance team to establish and maintain robust data protection protocols within contracting processes, ensuring the confidentiality and security of sensitive information.
  
  

Research Collaboration

• Work closely with the Office of the VP of Research to ensure that contracting practices comply with regulatory requirements, particularly in research funding, grants management, and intellectual property rights.
  
  

Small and Local Business Support

• Work with the Sourcing team to identify those small and/or local businesses which may be eligible for enhanced contract and payment terms.
  
  

Contract Process Management

• Manage the end-to-end contracting process to include contract negotiation, terms and conditions acceptability, and contract renewal.
• In collaboration with Sourcing team and departmental buyers, monitor supplier performance and conduct regular reviews to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
  
  

Continuous Improvement And Industry Expertise

• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in contract management.
• Promote contracting streamlined practices that minimize risk and maximize value (i.e. using UVA contract template, addressing digital accessibility and sustainability).
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or contract management, preferably in a higher education or research institution setting. 5+ years is preferred.
• Proven track record of developing and executing contracting strategies that achieve cost savings and operational improvements.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience in fostering professional growth and high-performance teams.
• Expertise in contract-related legal and regulatory requirements, contract management, and risk mitigation.
• Proficiency in contracting technologies, data analytics, and contracting management tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  
  

Core Competencies

• Analytical Excellence: Ability to analyze data to generate actionable insights and drive continuous improvement.
• Strategic Thinking: Skill in viewing expense operations as part of a larger financial strategy, positioning programs as key strategic tools.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a dynamic environment, embracing technology and innovative approaches to improve processes.
• Customer-Centric Mindset: Commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to all University stakeholders.
  
  

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and be a pivotal part of our University’s financial operations, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join us in shaping a future of efficiency and excellence!

This position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at [email protected].

Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA, and search for R0072388.

There is an in-office expectation of 3 days per week.

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with qualifications ($95,000 - $125,000 per year) and eligible for University benefits.

Please submit a resume and a cover letter to be considered for this position, applications that do not contain both pieces of information will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs’ or through their ‘Jobs Hub’. Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents: a resume and cover letter.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: At least four years of experience. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Licensure: Project Management Institute (PMI) certification is typically possessed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.