Contract Manager

Description

About Us

Established in 2001, MES is the nation’s largest provider of PPE, fire apparatus, uniforms, and services to first responders. With over 25 locations, MES is the most trusted source of equipment and service for firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs. Our dedicated team of over 300 sales representatives and certified service technicians allows us to bring unparalleled quality and service to our industry. MES supports its customers with innovative digital commerce solutions and a nationwide warehousing system with three strategically located hubs that carry thousands of products representing the best brands on the market. MES offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. MES is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Role Responsibilities

• Independently review and negotiate municipal contracts, as well as national, state, and local cooperative contracts.
• Conduct in-depth data analysis of contract terms, pricing schedules, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain an organized system for tracking and managing contract deadlines, renewals, and modifications.
• Utilize Excel and contract management software to track contract performance metrics and generate detailed reports.
• Develop contract summaries and risk assessments to ensure strategic decision-making.
• Oversee the financial aspects of cooperative contracts, including budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Generate and analyze Excel-based reports to monitor and report contract spending, performance trends, and compliance gaps.
• Track and submit accurate financial documentation to agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure financial alignment between contract terms and company objectives, providing data-driven recommendations.
• Maintain detailed records of contract negotiations, modifications, and performance metrics.
• Develop and manage a centralized reporting system for contract compliance and risk assessment.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure adherence to contracting regulations and company policies.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks related to contract execution and financial performance.
• Establish and refine contract management procedures to optimize efficiency.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Procurement, IT, and Project Management teams to ensure cohesive contract execution.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Field Operations to coordinate training, marketing materials, and commercial contract strategies.
• Lead the evaluation, implementation, and continuous improvement of AI-powered tools that enhance contract review, compliance monitoring, redlining, and response development.
• Develop standardized AI-assisted workflows to improve the speed, accuracy, and consistency of the contract lifecycle while maintaining appropriate human oversight.
• Establish governance, quality controls, and prompt libraries to ensure AI-generated outputs comply with company policies, legal standards, and contractual requirements.
• Monitor emerging AI technologies and recommend new capabilities that improve contract management, risk identification, reporting, and overall operational performance.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional initiatives that enhance contract workflows, report accuracy, compliance, and overall operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (business administration, contract management, law, or a related field).
• 3–5 years of experience in contract management, procurement, or contract administration.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis, and reporting functions).
• Strong ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with an eye for detail.
• Experience managing multiple contracts simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Familiarity with contract management software and reporting tools.

Role Expectations

• Attend and complete contract-specific yearly seminar training.
• Participate in state- and local-required contract training.
• Take ownership of data reporting, compliance tracking, and process improvements.