Procurement & Contracts Manager

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Northeastern University’s Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities (PREF) division is seeking a Procurement & Contracts Manager to join our Procurement & Contracts Management team.  Under the direction of the Director – Procurement & Contracts Management, the Procurement & Contracts Manager will be primarily responsible for managing the contract life cycle for agreements in PREF’s area of assignment, including, but not limited to, construction, architect-engineer, service provider, and consultant agreements in accordance with University policies and procedures. 

This position will ensure standardization of contracts, forms, and procedures; administer contracts within the University’s contract management system and PREF internal systems; monitor contract negotiations and execution, certificates of insurance, and change orders; regularly meet with planners, project managers, and other staff to advise in the selection of project delivery methods and identify any potential risks in such methods; apprise PREF staff on the status of contract-related documentation and items that may expire or require renewal during the contract lifecycle; provide training for PREF staff focusing on legal and procurement best practices; develop an understanding of University risk management liability insurance requirements and legal guidelines for PREF staff and vendors; and support diverse participation outreach, pre-qualification efforts, and data metrics for tracking and reporting. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; Master’s degree or J.D. is a plus.
• Five (5) or more years of procurement, contract management, and/or administration experience
• Experience with design or construction contracts a plus.
• Experience negotiating terms and conditions (including redlining)
• Ability to work independently and with supervision; ability to work within a team and to multi-task and prioritize efficiently.
• Ability to perform job tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver work product in timely manner and work in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
• Effectively communicate (written and verbal) with different levels and discipline of real estate, design, and construction professionals, University trades and services supervisors/managers, risk professionals, and legal counsel
• Experience developing and delivering trainings to people unfamiliar with contracts.
• Understanding of construction procurement activities and demonstrated ability to ensure the integrity of the procurement process and contract management lifecycle.
• Strong sense of ethics, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Patience and a sense of humor
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required, knowledge of contract management systems (CMS), such as Jaggaer, and project management information systems (PMIS), such as e-Builder, are desired.
• Maintain familiarity with industry-related contracting trends (such as AIA, AGC, ABC, and NAIOP).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Contract Management (80%)

• Preparation, analysis, and management of contract lifecycle for construction, architect-engineer, professional services, and other specialized agreements
• Draft, edit, and finalize template agreements, amendments, and renewals
• Review, edit, and finalize task orders and amendments in e-Builder (PMIS)
• Ensure standardization of contracts, forms, and procedures
• Monitor contract status including negotiations and execution
• Administer contracts in Husky IntelliBuy (Jaggaer CMS)
• Serve as PREF liaison between University procurement, legal, and risk management, and external contractors, consultants, and vendors’ legal and risk departments
• Develop an understanding of University risk management liability insurance requirements.
• Advise PREF staff on project delivery methods including form of contract and risk reduction methods
• Effectively communicate the University’s contract policy and process requirements
• Collect data and prepare reports relating to PREF’s contract activities and processes
• Other responsibilities as may be assigned

2. Training & Support (20%)

• Provide procurement and contract training for PREF staff focusing on University legal and procurement policies and best practices, and e-Builder requirements.
• Develop and maintain t