Description

The Contracts Manager performs professional level duties related to complex contracting responsibilities within the University of Illinois Chicago Purchasing and Contract Management contracting unit, with a focus on procurement, and revenue generating, and no fund contracts. The Contracts Manager negotiates and oversees contractual relationships that are in the best interest of the University, reflecting established standards of legally-compliant business practices for a wide-range of commodities and services, while utilizing various procurement and contract systems. This position oversees complex contract negotiations, including drafting and negotiating vendor contract terms protective of the University. The Contracts Manager supervises and provides leadership and training in the areas of contract review, negotiation, execution, tracking and maintenance. The Contracts Manager will also lead and participate in special projects/initiatives and serve as a subject matter expert to UofI.

• Assist colleges and departments in the development, review, negotiation and execution of complex procurement contracts for goods and services. Represent the University in determining the best method for contracting for procured goods and services in accordance with IL State Procurement Code and Rules; Federal procurement laws, rules and requirements; and University guidelines.
• Develop, review, negotiate and coordinate execution of revenue-generating and other complex contracts to ensure that pricing and contractual terms and conditions are in the best interests of the University; including ensuring legal and statutory rules, and requirements and University policies are employed throughout the contract process; and incorporated into all contracts.
• Act as lead with colleges and departments to provide assistance and guidance during the contracting process, to resolve complex issues necessary to secure University-preferred terms and provisions for incorporation into resultant contracts.
• Document the contracting process, including assisting in drafting and updating contract terms and templates, and related forms and contracting activities, to properly address complex projects and improve efficiencies in the contract process.
• Collaborate with and develop an effective working relationship with Office of University Counsel, University Risk Management, Privacy and other functional groups to ensure contractual terms and conditions are acceptable and serve to mitigate potential contractual risks.
• Ensure compliance with legal and statutory rules, and requirements and University policies. Serve as primary interface with external regulatory oversight entities, including the Chief Procurement Officer for Higher Education and State Purchasing Officer(s), Procurement Policy Board, to ensure that contracting is consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements and approvals.
• Serve as University contact for and provide technical assistance to resolve deficiencies affecting the administration and approval of contracts, and performs other contract administration related activities.
• Supervises assigned staff members in the areas of contract review, negotiation, execution, tracking and document maintenance to effectively manage contracts and compliance. Responsible for administering other human resource activities related to job performance including: involvement in hiring and staffing decisions; conducting performance appraisals; addressing work-performance issues; and participation in salary decisions that recognize staff contributions to the overall success of operations and services.
• Prepare various reports related to procurement and contracting activities as requested by management.
• Work with University units to monitor and document contract performance to ensure compliance with all agreed-upon contractual requirements and that applicable regulatory, safety and risk issues are appropriately addressed.
• Assist with the training and education of purchasing and contract management staff, as well as staff in University colleges and departments on contracts topics.
• Provide guidance to University units regarding standard contracting procedures, as well as state, federal and University rules and regulations.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and Dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum of five years of experience in contract development, negotiations, legal aspects of contracts, or related skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with purchasing operations and related processes (applicable procurement and contract laws, requests for proposal and other competitive bid processes, contract negotiations, and other purchasing activities).
• Demonstrated managerial capability to oversee organizational activities and staff. Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Demonstrated analytical skills. Strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain
• effective working relationships with a broad group of constituents to effectively resolve issues, good customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to multi-task and produce accurate, detail-oriented work in a timely manner while meeting stringent deadlines and responding to matters of urgency.

Preferred Qualifications (Optional, but recommended)

• Master’s Degree or Juris Doctor (JD)
• Certified Professional Purchasing Buyer (CPPB), or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), or similar designation preferred.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Illinois State laws including the Illinois Procurement Code and the Procurement Rules of the Chief Procurement Officer for Public Institutions of Higher Education, or similar complex rules and regulations.