Professional Services Contract Manager

📋 Description

• Define and control scope for complex deals: Lead the drafting and negotiation of Statements of Work (SOWs) and change orders for strategic engagements; outline objectives, deliverables, assumptions, exclusions, timelines, and acceptance criteria to mitigate misunderstandings and scope creep.

• Governance of performance and milestones: Establish measurable success criteria (KPIs, acceptance criteria, milestones) and create operating rhythms to monitor progress; highlight trends and risks within the portfolio and facilitate timely issue resolution with delivery and business stakeholders.

• Risk management and compliance: Implement and enforce contracting guardrails in accordance with company policies and standards; identify legal, procurement, and financial risks, frame trade-offs, and escalate with recommended solutions to support informed decision-making.

• Management of changes: Oversee the governance model for changes in scope, timelines, and deliverables; foster cross-functional alignment, document approvals, and ensure a clear audit trail throughout the engagement lifecycle.

• Strategy and enablement in contracting: Create, standardize, and maintain templates, clause guidance, and negotiation playbooks; collaborate with stakeholders to enhance cycle time, consistency, and risk posture within Professional Services agreements.

• Communication with stakeholders and decision support: Distill complex issues into clear options, trade-offs, and recommendations for senior stakeholders; proactively eliminate obstacles, align decision-makers, and ensure timely resolutions.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 8 years of experience in contract management, professional services, and/or consulting, demonstrating advanced expertise in managing complex agreements and achieving measurable business outcomes (e.g., enhanced cycle time, reduced delivery/commercial risk, and enabled revenue).

• Proven track record of driving results through cross-functional influence across Professional Services, Legal (commercial), Procurement, Finance, and Sales in a rapidly growing SaaS environment, including the ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities.

• Comprehensive understanding of software and Professional Services delivery models, including the impact of contracting terms on delivery risk, revenue recognition, and go-live results.

• Curiosity about AI: A strong desire to utilize AI tools to enhance contracting, delivery, and legal workflow efficiency and quality.

• Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills, with the capability to transform complex customer requirements into scalable contracting solutions (templates, playbooks, and guardrails) that are embraced by stakeholders.

• Exceptional negotiation, presentation, and decision-making abilities; skilled at building rapport and influencing senior executives, customers, and internal stakeholders to achieve timely and sustainable agreements.

• A collaborative, results-oriented leader capable of aligning cross-functional stakeholders, driving decisions, and delivering outcomes without formal reporting structures.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, prioritize competing demands, and exercise sound judgment in a dynamic environment.

• Commitment to promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive collaboration among internal stakeholders and customer partners.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)

• Flexible paid time off

• Paid holidays

• 401(k) plan with company match

• Option for remote work