Senior Contracts Manager, Systemwide Procurement

Senior Contracts Manager, Systemwide Procurement

Location: Oakland
Job ID: 85123

Department Overview

UC Systemwide Procurement is the procurement/supply chain hub for the University of California system, with over $10 billion in annual spend. We partner with campus procurement offices to develop and implement systemwide supply chain strategies and policies that leverage UC's vast purchasing power to optimize spending and deliver positive social and environmental impact. Systemwide Procurement is transforming how UC purchases goods and services to maximize benefit to the UC system while improving quality and service to our campuses and beyond. We apply best-in-class sourcing methods with emphasis on sustainability and supplier diversity, invest in leading tools and technology, and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships to source the highest quality products and services for the absolute best value. Nationally, UC Procurement is a public procurement role model. As a lead agency for cooperative purchasing, UC contracts are leveraged by over 3,500 public education and government agencies in all 50 states. These organizations depend on and benefit from UC's expertise, knowledge, reputation, and economies of scale to minimize spending and maximize value. UC Systemwide Procurement fosters an environment for continuous improvement and a growth mindset culture. Our team of approximately 50 dedicated professionals is comprised of specialized portfolio sourcing managers, highly skilled data analysts, efficiency-driven business analysts, knowledgeable functional area administrators, and responsive support staff. UC Systemwide Procurement is a high-performing strategic department essential to the financial and operational health of the University of California, with high impact at the state and national levels.

Position Summary

The Senior Contracts Manager provides strategic leadership and subject-matter expertise in the development, negotiation, and administration of complex, high-value contracts on behalf of the University of California Office of the President. This role oversees a broad portfolio of agreements supporting systemwide initiatives, campus operations, research, technology, healthcare, and public service programs. The position is responsible for managing the full contract lifecycle, including solicitation support, risk assessment, drafting, negotiation, execution, compliance monitoring, amendments, and close-out. The Senior Contracts Manager partners closely with legal counsel, procurement, finance, risk management, compliance, campus stakeholders, and external entities to ensure contracts align with UC policy, state and federal regulations, and institutional risk tolerance. This role exercises independent judgment on complex contractual issues, advises senior leadership on contractual risk and strategy, develops and maintains standard terms and templates, and may lead or mentor other contracts professionals. The Senior Contracts Manager plays a key role in advancing UC's operational efficiency, stewardship of public funds, and systemwide governance objectives. In addition, the Senior Contracts Manager leads the implementation, governance, and enterprise adoption of a Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system to modernize and standardize contracting processes across the organization. This includes defining business requirements, partnering with IT and key stakeholders, establishing governance structures, driving change management, and ensuring system integration with procurement and financial platforms. The role is also responsible for advancing the strategic use of artificial intelligence within the CLM tool, leveraging AI-driven capabilities to enhance contract drafting, risk identification, workflow automation, analytics, and reporting. Through this work, the Senior Contracts Manager supports data-informed decision-making, improves operational transparency, and strengthens institutional risk management at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Complex Contract Development, Negotiation, and Administration: Independently manages the full lifecycle of complex, high-risk, and high-value contracts supporting systemwide UC programs and initiatives. Drafts, reviews, negotiates, interprets, and administers a broad range of agreements while ensuring compliance with University policy, applicable laws, and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Risk Assessment and Advisory Services: Evaluates contractual, financial, operational, and reputational risk and provides expert guidance to senior leadership and stakeholders. Partners with the Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Procurement, and campus representatives to resolve complex issues and recommend risk-mitigation strategies aligned with UC's institutional objectives.
• Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Systems and AI-Enabled Tools: Leads and supports the use of enterprise Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems, including AI-enabled capabilities, to streamline contract intake, drafting, clause analysis, risk identification, workflow automation, and reporting. Ensures data integrity, process consistency, and adoption of systemwide contract standards while leveraging analytics to improve efficiency and decision-making.
• Process Improvement, Governance, and Functional Leadership: Develops and implements contract standards, templates, and best practices; identifies opportunities for continuous improvement in contracting processes; and contributes to systemwide governance initiatives. May provide functional guidance, training, or mentorship to contracts or procurement professionals and serve as a subject-matter expert for complex or escalated matters.

Experience

Required Qualifications

• Min 8 years of experience working in or across the Public Sector, Government, or Higher Education, and working in complex enterprise-wide sourcing functions and/or full life cycle Contract Management within procurement and/or legal departments; includes a minimum of 2 years of leading and/or supporting enterprise initiatives, specifically CLM systems implementation.

Skills and Abilities

Required Qualifications

• Expertise in managing complex, high-value agreements.
• Contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Skilled in full lifecycle contract management, risk assessment, and developing standard terms, templates, and playbooks.
• Experience advising leadership on governance, compliance, and operational risk mitigation.
• Problem-solving through data-driven decision making, emotional intelligence, and stakeholder engagement.

Education

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Licenses and Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)
• Paralegal Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position has been approved for a hybrid work arrangement. The person hired must report to work two days on-site in Oakland or at a campus location near their home. If in Oakland, the person hired is required to be on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, subject to change. If at a campus, the two days on-site is dependent upon the campus, subject to change. The person hired is required to reside in the State of California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title Strategic Sourcing Professional 4
Job Code 005917
Salary Grade Grade 25
Payscale: $140,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging