Manager, Contracts and Compliance

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Manager, Contracts and Compliance, plays a vital role in supporting contract and compliance management. Reporting through the Business Operations Division, this position serves as a key resource for the Executive Vice Chancellor, Operations (EVCO) functional units, including the Office of Technology Services (OTS) and Property Services teams. This role collaborates with EVCO contract owners across the System, as well as Procurement and Legal departments, on the management of contract and Board Action Item (BAI) lifecycles to ensure compliance and that the best interests of the System are being served.

Responsibilities

• Manages EVCO contract tracking through a centralized repository.
• Reviews the repository for accuracy, tracks, and manages contract timelines and associated spend.
• Submits and proactively manages Legal tickets to completion.
• Reviews, coordinates, and tracks associated contract documents (e.g., licenses, subscriptions, SOWs, consulting agreements, amendments, renewals, change orders) using an automated tracking system (ServiceNow: SNOW).
• Partners with Supply Management and the Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel to ensure contract language is in the best interest of the System and meets the objectives of the unit.
• Manages the administration of all contracts for OTS, campus facilities, and construction projects in collaboration with contract owners (executive leadership, directors, and managers), including:
  • Thoroughly analyzing existing and new contracts, understanding contract rationale, terms, and timelines.
  • Advising contract owners on language for contract development.
  • Aiding in communication during negotiations for large and complex contracts.
  • Addressing contract issues and supporting dispute resolution with contract owners.
  • Managing compliance to contract terms, supporting audit defense initiatives, and adhering to all applicable procurement and legal processes.
  • Managing BAI lifecycle for EVCO projects through tracking, monitoring expiration dates, and assisting with the implementation of new BAIs.
  • Serves as the first point of contact and Subject Matter Expert for the contracts and compliance Business Operations team.
  • Manages and communicates internal contract standards.
  • Develops financial forecasts against department agreements for budgetary processes, analysis, and budget integration.
  • Partners with Supply Management and the Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel to ensure compliance with State and local rules and statutes, and alignment with System policies and procedures.
  • Develops and executes a continuous improvement cycle through regular (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly) internal audits of contract processes, including timely recommendations on best practices, day-to-day strategy, and the creation and implementation of SOPs/job aids.
  • Assists in developing, evaluating, and improving overall business operations processes for EVCO functional units.
  • Responsible for other reasonable related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of board policies and procedures, and Federal and State statutes, regulations, policies, codes, and rules.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and moves with urgency to effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and extrapolate key contract language (terms and conditions) and information with an understanding of the obligations and implications.
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft, advanced presentation software, complex queries, pivot tables, and report generation.
• Advanced analytical skills with strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent relationship building skills, customer service, and written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing needs and priorities with a proactive, initiative-oriented approach.
• Proven ability to maintain confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Physical Abilities

• The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items, such as papers, books, or small parts. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

Work Schedule And Conditions

• Equipment used includes, PC or laptop workstation running on a LAN in a Microsoft Windows environment, phone, and other general office equipment.
• Interface with internal and external contacts as needed to carry out the functions of the position.
• Work is performed in a climate-controlled office with minimal exposure to safety hazards.
• May regularly travel to different LSC locations.
• May be fully reassigned to other LSC locations if necessary.
• May need to work weekends and untraditional hours if necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience must include at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience working with procurement.
• Experience working in contracts and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience using PeopleSoft.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience building databases.
• Experience with technology products and services.
• Experience with construction projects and change orders.
• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or equivalent.
• Completion of Basic Texas Purchaser Course or equivalent.

Benefits

By joining our top-notch institution, you will enjoy being a part of an organization that offers a supportive, collegial work environment and excellent work/life balance. This includes a full comprehensive and competitive benefits package, a generous number of paid holidays and vacation days, wellness programs, tuition waiver, professional development opportunities and more.