Senior Principal Contract Specialist (Deal Strategy & Negotiation)

<p><strong>Overview</strong></p> <p>Step into a role where your contracts expertise drives business outcomes at scale.</p> <p>As a Senior Principal Contract Specialist, you will lead the strategy, negotiation, and execution of high impact agreements that support Esri`s most complex and visible programs. You will operate as a trusted advisor to leadership, shaping deal structures, influencing pricing and risk decisions, and ensuring successful outcomes across a diverse portfolio of agreements.</p> <p>In addition to owning critical contracts, you will provide leadership across the contracts function. This looks like mentoring and guiding a team of contract professionals while improving processes and elevating best practices across the organization.</p> <p>This role is deal for experience contract leaders who want to expand their impact beyond individual agreements, combining deal ownership, team influence, and strategic advisory responsibility in a highly collaborative environment.</p> <p>Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Redlands, CA area for this position.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Manage and mentor junior and mid-level contract professionals</li> <li>Lead the full lifecycle of complex services contracts- from RFP through negotiation, execution, and closeout</li> <li>Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on contract structure, risk mitigation, and pricing strategy</li> <li>Navigate and resolve complex contractual issues across cross-functional teams</li> <li>Drive process improvements and best practices in contract management</li> <li>Support a diverse portfolio of agreements (commercial, public sector, federal, international)</li> <li>Apply knowledge of federal contracting frameworks (FAR/DFAR) where applicable</li> </ul> <p><strong>Requirements</strong></p> <ul> <li>12+ years of progressively complex contract administration experience</li> <li>Proven success negotiating and structuring a variety of agreement types</li> <li>Strong expertise in contract law, risk management, and procurement practices</li> <li>Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring and team development</li> <li>Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels</li> <li>US citizenship and ability and willingness to obtain a US Security Clearance</li> <li>Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or a related field</li> </ul> <p><strong>Recommended Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience with federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFAR, SBA, EAR, ITAR)