Contracts Lead, Department of Procurement Services

The Contracts Lead in the Department of Procurement Services plays a key role in supporting the University of Virginia's contract management process. This position manages a defined portfolio of contracting activity for academic division goods and services, drafts and negotiates contract terms, and provides day-to-day supervision of junior contracting staff. The Contract Lead partners closely with the Contracts Manager and Contracts Director on complex matters and helps ensure the team's work is accurate, compliant, and delivered on time.

Why Join Us?

At UVAFinance, we are committed to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. As an integral part of our team, you'll engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the University's financial operations. If you enjoy mentoring others, managing multiple priorities, and building strong contracting fundamentals in a growing team, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Lifecycle Management

* Supporting the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and supporting documentation resulting from sourcing activities, including RFPs, cooperative contract adoption, and department-submitted requisitions.

* Oversee maintenance of the Workday Contract Life Cycle Management platform.

* Track contract renewals and extensions in collaboration with the Sourcing team.

* Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including research units, faculty, and administration, to understand contracting needs.

Team Supervision

* Provide direct, day-to-day supervision of a team of junior staff, including workload assignment and prioritization.

* Review staff work product for accuracy and compliance prior to execution and provide hands-on coaching and feedback.

* Support onboarding, training, and professional development of team members.

* Escalate complex contracting decisions and issues to the Contracts Manager or Contract Director as needed.

* Foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment consistent with department standards.

Value Optimization

* Support cost-saving and revenue-generating initiatives such as rebates, incentives, and discounts through contracting activity.

* Monitor rebates, incentives, and volume-based discounts, working with Accounts Payable to ensure terms adherence.

Compliance Management

* Partner with the Contracts Director and contracts manager to ensure contracts comply with relevant standards, laws, regulations, and university policies.

* Support contract-related audits and coordinate with Financial Compliance on responses to Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

* Help maintain contracting quality control processes to mitigate risk and ensure adherence to legal and industry standards.

Data Protection

* Collaborate with the Information Security Office and UVAFinance Compliance team to maintain data protection protocols within contracting processes.

Continuous Improvement

* Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in contract management.

* Promote streamlined contracting practices that minimize risk and maximize value, including use of the UVA contract template.

Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.

* Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or contract management, preferably in a higher education or research institution setting.

* Supervisory experience is required - demonstrated ability to directly manage, coach, and develop staff.

* Strong working knowledge of contract-related legal and regulatory requirements and risk mitigation.

* Proficiency with contracting technologies, data analytics, and contract management tools.

* Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Core Competencies

* Leadership & Mentorship:
Ability to guide and develop junior staff while maintaining accountability for team output.

* Analytical Excellence:
Ability to analyze data to generate actionable insights and drive continuous improvement.

* 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 the next step in your career and help build a high-performing contracting team, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!

This position is considered hybrid. The incumbent will be expected to be in Charlottesville at least two days a week.

The anticipated hiring range is $70,000-$95,000 annually, commensurate with experience and subject to internal equity, market review, job profile alignment, and applicable approvals.

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)…