Contract Management Lead

Job Description

The Contract Management Lead is a critical member of the Corporate Procurement team, responsible for managing the full contract lifecycle-from intake and drafting through negotiation, execution, and post-signature management. This role ensures that third-party agreements are strategically structured, thoroughly reviewed, and executed with precision, balancing speed, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and business alignment. Using independent judgment and discretion, this role reviews and negotiates legal and commercial terms to ensure contracts align with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and risk tolerance. The Contract Management Lead collaborates closely with Legal, Risk Domain Experts, and business stakeholders to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and enhance visibility into supplier obligations. This position directly supports Corporate Procurement's mission to implement scalable, efficient, and risk-aware contracting practices that drive strategic objectives and operational excellence.

Essential Functions
* Manage the full contract management life cycle from intake and drafting through negotiation, execution, and post-signature tracking
* Draft, redline, and review a variety of commercial agreements, including but not limited to: Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Software Licenses, and Software as a Service Agreements (SaaS)
* Lead or support contract negotiations with suppliers, ensuring terms are commercially sound, compliant with internal standards, and aligned with business objectives
* Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (Legal, Risk, IT, Business Units) to understand needs, communicate risks, and ensure smooth contract execution
* Serve as a key point of contact for suppliers during the contracting process, fostering collaboration and accountability
* Identify contractual risks and propose practical solutions that protect the organization without impeding operational goals
* Maintain organized records and support contract version control, status tracking, and key date monitoring
* Support continuous improvement initiatives, including playbook development, process enhancements, and future implementation of contract management tools
* Educate stakeholders on contracting standards, approval workflows, and policy requirements
* Adopt and apply contracting best practices to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk, and drive consistency, ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and applicable regulatory requirements

Additional Essential Functions
* Ensure compliance with Northwest's policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
* Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
* Work as part of a team
* Work with on-site equipment

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education
Bachelor's Degree In business, legal studies, supply chain, or a related field.

Work Experience
8 - 12 years Experience supporting contract lifecycle activities within Procurement, Legal, or a related function
8 - 12 years Demonstrated experience drafting, redlining, and negotiating commercial agreements with third-party suppliers
8 - 12 years Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to advance contracting objectives and support business needs
8 - 12 years Experience in applying contracting best practices to improve efficiency and reduce legal and operational risk
8 - 12 years Experience in managing a various contract types, including professional services, technology, and data-related agreements
8 - 12 years Working knowledge of procurement-related policies and regulatory requirements, particularly within regulated industries such as financial services
8 - 12 years Familiarity with internal governance processes and working with cross-functional review partners, including Legal, Risk, and IT Security
8 - 12 years Experience collaborating with suppliers and resolving contract-related discrepancies is a plus
8 - 12 years Hands-on experience with Microsoft Excel for advanced data tracking, reporting, and analysis
8 - 12 years Experience with e-procurement platforms (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Workday).

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to evaluate contract language, identify risk or discrepancies, and resolve issues collaboratively to support compliance and business objectives
Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with suppliers and stakeholders at all levels, both internal and external
Skilled at managing multiple priorities simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and maintaining well-organized records and tracking systems
Exercises sound judgement when evaluating legal and commercial terms; aligns decisions with enterprise risk tolerance and compliance frameworks
Ability to thrive in an evolving environment; demonstrates flexibility, self-direction, and the ability to deliver results amid changing priorities and developing structures
Builds strong partnerships across Legal, Risk, and business teams; influences decision-making through subject matter credibility and solution oriented approach
Maintains a high level of accuracy when reviewing, editing, and finalizing contract documents
Familiarity with procurement and contract management tools and platforms (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Coupa or Workday) and proficiency in Microsoft Office
Focuses on understanding and meeting the needs of internal and external stakeholders
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and build positive relationships across departments

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.