Portfolio Operations Specialist Level 1

About the role

Location: Cincinnati, OH. Preference for local candidates; in‑office work would be required if the role converts to FTE. Primary focus: 75% contract management / 25% broader portfolio operations support.

Responsibilities

• Manage contract activities including new requests, change requests, renewals, and extensions.
• Proactively track contract expiration dates and engage stakeholders in advance of upcoming renewals.
• Coordinate with portfolio leads to understand contract requirements, changes, timelines, and renewal need.
• Review contract requests for completeness and help ensure required information is captured before moving through the sourcing process.
• Manage multiple contracts and follow‑up activities simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to deadlines and detail.
• Support IT labor and services contracts, including managed services, fixed‑bid, and time‑and‑material engagements.
• Partner with sourcing teams, vendors, portfolio leads, and other stakeholders throughout the contract process.
• Place Coupa purchase orders and support related purchasing and invoicing activities.
• Assist with operating budget tracking and other financial or Portfolio Operations activities as needed.
• Maintain accurate contract and operational information within applicable systems and tracking tools.
• Identify upcoming needs and proactively follow up with stakeholders to keep contract activity moving forward.
• Help support planning of contract renewals throughout the year to improve predictability and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Communicate status, risks, and outstanding actions clearly to appropriate stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of contract management experience, preferably supporting IT labor, services, or technology‑related contracts.
• Understanding of IT services and labor contracting concepts, including managed services, fixed‑bid, and time‑and‑material agreements.
• Experience managing multiple contracts, deadlines, renewals, and stakeholder requests simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with portfolio leads, sourcing teams, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort working with budget, financial, and contract‑related information.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively, anticipate upcoming needs, and initiate follow‑up without waiting for direction.

Skills

Required Skills

• Contract lifecycle management, including renewals, changes, and proactive deadline tracking
• Strong organization and attention to detail while managing multiple contracts simultaneously
• Excel, budgeting, purchase orders, and related financial/operational processes

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and listening skills
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration
• Initiative and proactive follow‑up
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting timelines

Preferred Skills

• Experience using ServiceNow for contract or workflow management
• Experience using Coupa or a comparable procurement platform
• Experience with purchase orders, invoicing, budgeting, or related financial processes