Contract Manager - Strategic

Lumen is the trusted network for AI. We're transforming how businesses connect, secure, and scale in an AI-driven world.

By connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly, we help organizations move faster and unlock what's next.

At Lumen, people power progress. Our culture is built on teamwork, trust, and transparency, giving you the flexibility, support, and opportunity to make a lasting impact. We're looking for top-tier talent ready to take on the challenge. Join us in building the future.

** The Role*
* At Lumen Technologies, we're building the next-generation digital infrastructure that connects people, data, and applications-fast, secure, and everywhere. As a  
** Contract Manager** , you'll be a key contributor to Lumen's colocation and data center vendor management strategy, negotiating and executing renewals, amendments, and complex service orders that directly enable network expansion, capacity growth, and cost control across North America.

You'll manage multiple vendor negotiations simultaneously and partner closely with Network Planning, Field Operations, Finance, and Legal. This role serves as the operational contract lead for assigned colocation portfolios, ensuring solutions are commercially sound and operationally executable.

** Location*
* This is a work from home position within the U.S.

** The Main Responsibilities*
* + Negotiate, renew, and execute colocation agreements, amendments, and service orders with third-party data center providers and infrastructure partners.

+ Manage complex, high-volume colocation renewals and site augmentations to support network expansion, capacity delivery, and transformation initiatives.

+ Coordinate closely with network planning, engineering, finance, legal, and operations teams to deliver timely and executable colocation solutions.

+ Review and analyze contracts, pricing schedules, power configurations, and technical requirements to ensure alignment with business and network needs.

+ Monitor vendor performance, enforce commercial and operational contract terms, and escalate issues to drive resolution and accountability.

+ Serve as the contract execution and coordination lead for assigned colocation projects and vendor portfolios within a defined geographic region.

+ Track agreement status, approvals, financials, and milestones to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal policies and processes.

+ Maintain and update colocation inventory, contract records, and document repositories to support reporting, audits, and future sourcing activities.

+ Prepare dashboards, progress updates, and executive-ready metrics related to cost, capacity, and delivery performance.

+ Resolve complex, multi-variable challenges by evaluating financial, technical, and contractual tradeoffs to deliver business-aligned outcomes.

** What We Look For in a Candidate*
* *
* Required:

*
* + 5+ years of relevant experience in contract management, colocation, vendor management, or infrastructure operations

+ Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills in complex commercial and technical environments

+ Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and negotiations simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

+ Clear and effective communicator capable of working cross-functionally with technical, financial, and legal stakeholders

+ Experience managing vendor relationships and driving accountability through contract terms

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office tools; ability to manage detailed, data-heavy inventories and trackers

+ Ability to work independently while operating within defined governance and approval frameworks

** Preferred:*
* + Bachelor's degree in business, finance, legal studies, or a related field

+ Experience supporting large-scale colocation, data center, or network infrastructure programs

+ Exposure to telecom, cloud infrastructure, financial operations, or contract/legal environments

+ Experience partnering with strategic contract managers or sourcing teams on new agreements

** Compensation*
* This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

** Location Based Pay Ranges*
* $67,703 - $90,270 in these states: AL  AR  AZ  FL  GA  IA    IN  KS  KY  LA  ME  MO  MS  MT  ND  NE  NM  OH  OK  PA  SC  SD  TN  UT  VT  WI  WV  WY

$71,088 - $94,784 in these states: CO  HI  MI  MN  NC  NH  NV  OR  RI

$74,474 - $99,297 in these states: AK  CA  CT  DC  DE  IL  MA  MD  NJ  NY  TX  VA  WA

Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.

** Learn more…