The Contract Manager will report directly to the Director of Procurement Services and serve as liaison between the Procurement Services Office and the University's Office of Legal Affairs. Primary duties will vary with demand and may include but not be limited to the following: drafting, reviewing, and/or editing contracts; providing advice on contract compliance issues that arise during a contract term; managing and evaluating contracts, negotiating rates and terms, and assisting and resolving complex contractual issues related to purchasing; ensuring that the university's internal contract documents are accurate and well maintained, including managing the Procurement Services contract database; proactively identifying and assisting with negotiating contract opportunities to leverage the buying power of the University and State to lower the cost of procuring goods and services; identifying opportunities to improve business processes and devise plans to implement these changes; communicating and collaborating with internal and external customers and suppliers; meeting with vendors, customers, and administrators to discuss legal and business matters and/or make presentations as appropriate; develop presentations and training materials; monitoring and alerting internal customers and external suppliers of status of renewals, contract terminations, and expirations in a timely manner according to internal policy/procedures; creating and maintaining relationships with suppliers and serving as a point of contact for matters concerning assignment of contracts; ensuring that contracts meet and comply with University, state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and/or policies assisting with the creation of RFPs; working with procurement specialist (agents) to determine appropriate scope and language for RFPs; performing contract and supplier relationship management activities, analyzing spend data and utilization of contracts to make recommendations for and/or changes to contracts based on the analysis; and performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

· Understanding and experience with legal terms and conditions regarding contracts

· Excellent and demonstrated project management competence, time management skills, and organizational skills

· Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service

· Ability to exercise sound judgment to prioritize multiple projects with shifting deadlines

· Ability to work well with multiple competing priorities and creatively solve problems as they arise

· Demonstrated ability to professionally manage confidential information

· Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment across organizational lines and at all organizational levels

· Working knowledge of purchasing systems and general knowledge of e-commerce

· Demonstrated experience working in collaborative alliances with others in higher education or similar institutions

· Excellent analytical skills as well as outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills

· Understanding of ethical standards, internal controls, policies, and procedures related to purchasing and material management

· Extensive skill in using Microsoft Office Suite of products, including Word, Excel and Outlook, to perform analytical tasks and quantitative modeling, to present and support recommendations

The Procurement Services Office provides direction over the procurement activities at North Carolina A&T State University; including the university commercial procurement card program, in accordance with state and federal laws, and N.C. Division of Purchase and Contract rules and regulations. N.C. A&T Procurement Office shall conduct its methods in a fair, equitable manner, and ensuring that the funds allocated to the University are spent efficiently and effectively. Competition is recognized as the cornerstone of a free and open economy and shall be at the forefront of all N.C. A&T Procurement Services' procurement actions.