Assistant Director of Contract Management

Description : Position Summary

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Contract Management providesleadership to the UIC Purchasing and Contract Management contracts team, tooversee the management of contract activities within the University of Illinoisat Chicago (UIC) to ensure operational needs are met and conducted incompliance with University guidelines / regulations and established departmentalpolicies / procedures;

and in support of customer service goals. Providesmanagement, supervision and training for UIC Purchasing and Contract Managementstaff in the areas of contract negotiation, coordination, and management.

Theposition is entrusted with making independent, high-level administrativedecisions in the performance of these job responsibilities to serve the bestinterests of UIC.

The incumbent is the primary subject matter expert and"go to" person for a wide variety of contract matters.

Duties & Responsibilities

Manages a team of contract professionals in UIC-wide Purchasing and Contract Management operations focusing on contracts negotiation and execution, including coordination of a large volume of highly specialized and complex contracts for goods and services, ensuring that contractual terms and conditions are in the best interests of the University, and that legal and statutory requirements, rules and policies are followed and adhered to throughout the contract process.

Directs Contract Management contracts team members in support of such operations. Champions UIC Purchasing and Contract Management’s mantra of excellent customer service.

• Acts as primary liaison with University Counsel, Risk Management and other administrative units to independently resolve and / or provide direction to staff to resolve complex issues necessary to secure University-preferred terms and provisions in contracts.
• Leads development, implements, and recommends appropriate updates to contract templates to improve efficiencies in the contract process.
• Develops and implements contract negotiation strategies that effectively yield cost savings and promote fiscal practices that align with University and departmental budget goals.
• Develops and delivers training programs and presentations on contracting topics for UIC Purchasing and Contract Management staff and staff in campus colleges and departments to ensure compliance with established State, University and departmental guidelines and policies, and to promote consistency in applying procurement and contract law and compliant procurement and contracting practices within daily operations.
• Manages and oversees development and implementation of new and / or revised procedures related to procurement and contracting processes to improve overall proficiency, identify issues that require immediate addressing to avert potential problematic situations, and to administer related activities in compliance with State laws, administrative rules, and University policies and guidelines.
• Leads major activities in strategic projects, such as Source2Pay initiative and alignment of Contract Services Office, including directing project plans and staffing resources, to ensure that the best interests of the department and UIC are represented.

Works with counterparts at UIUC and UIS Purchasing to facilitate standardization of contract practices, contract templates and implementation of best practices.

• Assists departmental officials / staff, including department senior leadership ( Vice Chancellors, Department Heads, etc.
• to : identify contracting needs; prioritize activities of current projects and monitor overall progress of activities to ensure alignment with University and departmental objectives and goals and that departmental needs are met;

address and resolve contracting issues in a timely manner; and develop working relationships that promote enhancement of UIC Purchasing and Contract Management contract operations.

• Train, develop and manage direct reporting staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives. Coordinates hiring activities with Human Resources and the Office of Access and Equity including conducting interviews and participates in making hiring decisions.
• Responsible for administering other human resource activities related to job performance including : conducting performance appraisals;

addressing work-performance issues; and participating in salary decisions that recognize staff contributions to the overall success of operations and services.

Serves on University, campus, and departmental committees / teams as assigned.

• Develop and prepare productivity reports for administrative review that include analysis of decision-making activities that redefine, establish goals, and provide recommendations to improve overall operations and services.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned and appropriate for an Assistant Director of Contract Management.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, public administration, or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of contracts experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or graduate degree, preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of procurement and contract development, negotiation principles and practices, and legal aspects of contracts;

State laws including the Illinois Procurement Code, Administrative Rules, and University procedures related to procurement and contracts, or similar complex rules and regulations.

Strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a broad group of constituents to effectively resolve issues;

good customer service skills.

• Considerable knowledge and proficiency with Banner, Jaggaer, eProcurement and contract management systems.
• Direct experience managing deployment and support activities for procurement systems.
• Ability to establish objectives, implement procedures, and develop methods to measure effectiveness of results obtained;

prior supervisory experience.

• Ability to analyze situations, exercise independent judgment and recommend solutions to problems. Ability to prioritize and work on multiple comprehensive projects concurrently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge and respect of policies and procedures outlined for the University of Illinois, OBFS, and department.

Working Conditions :

General office environment. Regular travel not expected but may occur occasionally around previously scheduled events. Requires work in a stationary position for extended periods of time and operation of computer and other office equipment.

Salary Range $105,000-$115,000, commensurate with experience.