Lead Contract Analyst

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora – Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

910 Genesee St, Ste 200, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14611

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Temporary

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

100100 Purchasing

Work Shift:

UR – Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 114 H

Compensation Range:

$41.58 – $62.37

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

GENERAL SUMMARY

Responsible for administration and execution of contract functions for department and related activities. Works closely with leadership to support annual planning and ongoing monitoring of new and existing contracts. Oversees and manages complex contractual relationships between the organization and its vendors, suppliers and service providers. Negotiates, analyzes and administers contracts, with a focus on strategic alignment, risk mitigation and optimizing vendor relationships. Executes contract governance, change orders, renewals, assists in obligation management and handles disputes in the best interest of the University. Evaluates contract compliance and advises others on contractual rights and obligations. Requests or approves amendments to contract terms or contract extensions. Prepares bids or requests for proposals (RFPs), including specifications and requirements. Negotiates contract terms and determines acceptable bids. May supervise a small team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops statements of work (SOWs), requests for information (RFIs), requests for quotations (RFQs), and requests for proposal (RFPs) that are needed to fill a sourcing need.
• Understands scope and purpose of agreements and seeks to modify appropriately, ensuring standards and requirements are met.
• Manages the communication process with vendors, including what information should be communicated, when, and by whom, to ensure appropriate leverage or relationship is preserved.
• Executes contract amendments, change orders, license renewals, and audits.
• Acts as subject matter expert and advises others as needed on use of appropriate agreements.
• Leads the analysis and negotiation of intricate vendor contracts, ensuring terms and conditions are favorable, aligned with business objectives, and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Serves as an expert and advises on contractual terminology.
• Reviews and analyzes contracts, terms, and conditions proposed by vendors.
• Negotiates terms to ensure alignment with the organization’s needs, budget, internal stakeholders, and legal requirements. Handles complex dispute resolution and conflict management with vendors.
• Collaborates with legal teams to address intricate issues and potential legal action.
• Leads sophisticated contract renegotiations and terminations, considering evolving business needs, vendor capabilities, and strategic alignment to optimize contract terms.
• Understands, interprets, and decides if presented terms are acceptable and crafts response or utilizes direct conversation, Legal engaged negotiation or casual conversations.
• Participates in the validation, selection, and award processes to ensure compliance with applicable University guidelines.
• Utilizes appropriate pressures to negotiate favorable and acceptable terms on new contracts.
• Consults with leadership and Legal as necessary.
• Plays a key role in the selection of vendors for critical projects or initiatives.
• Evaluates vendors based on technical capabilities, financial stability, alignment with business goals, and industry trends.
• Provides mentorship, guidance, and leadership to junior contract analysts. Assists in skill development and contributes to team growth.
• Segments and rationalizes the vendor portfolio so appropriate focus can be applied to the most strategically important vendor relationships/engagements.
• Determines Contract Tiers and objectives to be assigned to appropriate tier.
• Utilizes above repository to track spend, savings, and SLA by category.
• Provides oversight of the entire contract lifecycle, overseeing contract initiation, execution, monitoring, and renewal or termination.
• Ensures contracts are executed accurately and in a timely manner. Provides interpretation of contract terms to stakeholder for consultation on vendor issues.
• Ensures compliance of negotiated agreements to established vendor management policies and practices, such as articulation of service levels and deliverables.
• Ensures compliance with volume limits to avoid penalties or overpayments.
• Enforces contract terms, requirements, and fee reductions/penalties for missed service level metrics or other deliverables.
• Collaborates closely with finance teams to manage contract costs, budget allocations, and payments. Identifies advanced cost optimization opportunities and strategic cost-saving initiatives.
• Maintains professional relationships with managers and project managers to provide guidance and clarifications on contract requirements and facilitates the resolution of issues.
• Manages contract disputes with vendors and engages legal team and leadership when necessary to resolve in a timely manner.
• Fosters positive relationships with vendors to enhance collaboration, communication, and problem resolution.
• Serves as a point of contact for vendor-related inquiries and issues.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience required
• Juris Doctorate preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills and effective written and verbal communication skills required
• Deep understanding of contracts, legal terminology, contract governance, contractual language and the contract lifecycle required
• High level of understanding and experience in negotiation and vendor management preferred
• Strong project and/or process management skills, with the ability to handle multiple vendors and multiple contracts preferred
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work both independently and as part of a team preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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