Director of Contracts - Norfolk, VA

Director of Contracts - Norfolk, VA at Xylem Tree Experts

The Director of Contracts is responsible for overseeing XKIG's contract lifecycle management processes, ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and optimizing contract performance. This role leads a team of contract professionals and collaborates with legal, business development, finance, brand and regional leadership to develop, negotiate, and manage contracts that align with organizational goals.

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement contract management policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Drive continuous improvement in contract lifecycle processes and systems.
  • Provide strategic guidance on contractual risks and opportunities.
• Contract Lifecycle Management
  • Oversee review, negotiation, and execution of complex contracts (e.g., customer contracts, vendor agreements, NDAs).
  • Translate contract requirements into actionable projects in the ERP and operational systems.
  • Ensure compliance with customer, legal, regulatory, and organizational standards and requirements, including contract deliverables to the customer.
  • Monitor contract performance and enforce terms, including renewals and amendments.
• Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate contractual risks.
  • Ensure proper documentation and audit readiness.
  • Collaborate with legal counsel on dispute resolution and compliance issues.
• Team Leadership
  • Manage and mentor a team of contract managers and analysts.
  • Allocate resources effectively to meet business priorities.
  • Foster a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Partner with business development, finance, legal, and brand and regional leadership to align contract strategies with organizational objectives.
  • Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on contractual matters.

• Strategic Thinking - Understands and processes complex information and exercises sound judgment, considering the situation, the issues, the key players, and the levels of authority involved. Proposes courses of action that further the objectives, priorities, and vision of the organization.
• Negotiating - Exploring alternatives by means of persuasion to reach favorable outcomes in situations where decisions involve other parties.
• Decision Making - Drawing correct and realistic conclusions and making timely decisions based on available information.
• Leadership - Achieving results through people by successful objective setting, performance review, motivation, delegation, teambuilding, commitment gains, and empowerment.
• Technical Proficiency - Strong capability with contract management systems, ERP tools, and Microsoft Office products—particularly Excel and Power BI.

Work Environment:
Primarily office

Travel Requirements:
Occasional travel as required to support initiatives across company geographical footprint.

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field (Master's a plus)
• 8+ years in contract management, legal, or procurement roles
• 3+ years in a leadership position managing teams and complex contracts

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Expertise in contract compliance
• Proficiency with contract management software and tools
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products with particular emphasis on Excel and Power BI

Additional Eligibility Requirements:
No other eligibility requirements

Work Authorization Requirements:
Must meet I-9 requirements

Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.

As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.

Seniority level:
Director

Employment type:

Full-time

Job function:
Management and Manufacturing