Project and Contract Manager

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Contract Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that all agreements related to the software project are properly defined, executed, and adhered to.

The Contract Manager is responsible for:

• Drafting: Creating clear, concise, and legally sound contracts that accurately reflect the scope of the software deployment, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, intellectual property rights, warranties, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Negotiation: Acting as a key facilitator in discussions with vendors, clients, and other stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial terms. This involves balancing organizational needs with the other party's expectations, addressing concerns, and finding compromises.
• Execution: Ensuring that all necessary signatures are obtained, and the contract is properly finalized and legally binding, in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Risk Management and Compliance Oversight: Software deployment projects can involve significant risks.

The Contract Manager is vital in:

• Identifying Risks: Proactively reviewing contract terms and conditions to pinpoint potential risks, liabilities, and ambiguities that could lead to disputes, delays, or cost overruns. This includes technical, legal, financial, and operational risks.
• Mitigation Strategies: Developing and implementing clauses and strategies within the contract to minimize adverse impacts. This could involve penalty clauses for missed deadlines, intellectual property protection, or dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Compliance: Ensuring that all contracts adhere to internal company policies, industry regulations (e.g., data privacy laws like GDPR), and legal requirements. They continuously monitor adherence to these terms throughout the deployment lifecycle.
• Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) and Administration: This involves managing the contract from its inception to its closure or renewal. Key aspects include:
• Centralized Repository: Maintaining a detailed, organized, and easily accessible record of all contract documentation, including amendments, correspondence, and approvals.
• Tracking and Monitoring: Continuously tracking contract performance against defined milestones, deliverables, and obligations. This ensures that all parties fulfill their commitments and that the software deployment stays on track.
• Amendments and Renewals: Managing any necessary modifications or amendments to the contract during the deployment, and overseeing the process for renewals or terminations as the project evolves or concludes.
• Stakeholder Communication and Issue Resolution: The Contract Manager acts as a central point of contact for contractual matters.
• Communication: Effectively communicating contract terms, obligations, and changes to all internal and external stakeholders (e.g., project managers, legal teams, finance, technical teams, vendors, clients).
• Issue Resolution: Promptly addressing and resolving any disagreements, disputes, or breaches of contract that may arise during the software deployment. This often involves mediating discussions and seeking legal counsel when necessary to protect the organization's interests.
• Financial Acumen and Value Optimization: While not solely a finance role, the Contract Manager contributes significantly to the financial health of the project:
• Cost Management: Understanding the financial implications of contract terms, including pricing structures, payment schedules, and potential penalties or incentives.
• Value Realization: Ensuring that the terms of the contract contribute to maximizing the value derived from the software deployment for the organization, potentially through optimized licensing, support agreements, and future upgrade paths.
• Reporting and Analysis: Providing reports on contract performance, compliance, and financial metrics to senior management to aid in decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.

This role demands a strong understanding of legal principles, company policies, and business objectives to mitigate risks and maximize value.

To excel, a Contract Manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in fields like Business Administration or Law, alongside 2 to 5 years of relevant experience in contract administration or procurement. Advanced degrees or professional certifications (e.g., NCMA's CCCM/CPCM) can be beneficial.

Key skills for this role include:

• Legal acumen and an understanding of contract law.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation and communication (written and verbal) abilities.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management, risk management, and financial analysis.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively.
• Relevant business knowledge and IT proficiency, especially with contract management software.

EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic. 

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you’d like to join our team but feel that you don’t quite meet all of the preferred skills, we’d still love to hear why you think you’d be a great addition to our team.