Contract Management Lead

Job Description The Contract Management Lead is a critical member of the Corporate Procurement team, responsible for managing the full contract lifecycleu2014from 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 Functionsu2022 Manage the full contract management life cycle from intake and drafting through negotiation, execution, and post-signature trackingu2022 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)u2022 Lead or support contract negotiations with suppliers, ensuring terms are commercially sound, compliant with internal standards, and aligned with business objectivesu2022 Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (Legal, Risk, IT, Business Units) to understand needs, communicate risks, and ensure smooth contract executionu2022 Serve as a key point of contact for suppliers during the contracting process, fostering collaboration and accountabilityu2022 Identify contractual risks and propose practical solutions that protect the organization without impeding operational goalsu2022 Maintain organized records and support contract version control, status tracking, and key date monitoringu2022 Support continuous improvement initiatives, including playbook development, process enhancements, and future implementation of contract management toolsu2022 Educate stakeholders on contracting standards, approval workflows, and policy requirementsu2022 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 Functionsu2022 Ensure compliance with Northwestu2019s policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulationsu2022 Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiencyu2022 Work as part of a teamu2022 Work with on-site equipment QUALIFICATIONSTo 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. EducationBachelor's Degree In business, legal studies, supply chain, or a related field. Work Experience8 - 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 AbilitiesAbility 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. A t Northwest, weu2019re here for what's next. Whether we're finding opportunities for families, businesses and communities or opening doors for our team, we share a passion for helping the people around us succeed. And we know that in order to provide the highest level of care, we need to understand unique experiences and perspectives. That's why, whether you're interested in a corporate role or something customer-facing, your talent and voice matter. Here, you belong. Working at Northwest, you'll find that we recognize our employees for the important work they do through competitive compensation and benefits, professional development opportunities and by regularly celebrating wins along the way. So, take a look at the opportunities here. And join us as we move into the future making a difference for the people we serve.

Created: 2026-02-04