Contract Manager

What You'll Do
As the Contracts Manager you will play a critical role in providing end to end contracts support from initiation of the contract document, negotiation, internal review and approval, full execution and electronic filing into the contracts database.

Key responsibilities include:
Draft, negotiate and close a wide variety of complex procurement contracts worldwide with limited supervision in support of the Third Party Logistics (TPL) organization;
Develop cross-functional strategies for complex contract negotiations and closure of TPL Agreements with major and often challenging vendors requiring coordination and collaboration with various internal groups within the Cisco organization;
Interface with all levels of management including senior executives to successfully close contracting activity;
Work within cross functional teams to successfully represent Cisco's horizontal interests.
Identify contract risks and issues, provide solutions and/or engage other subject matter experts to resolve any open items.
Ensure that the final agreement terms and conditions are consistent with playbook and corporate guidelines, reflect full informed consent by stakeholders and is in the best interest of Cisco;
Affirm that the agreements are consistent with Cisco's policies, code of ethics and comply with business unit's objectives;
Provide contract administration and process leadership including obtaining contract approval, electronic signature, tracking, reporting and maintaining contract records in the database to ensure they up to date and accurate;
You must draw upon extensive knowledge and experience of the contracting process and negotiating terms such as limits of liability, indemnification, risk of loss, and other legal and business terms as necessary to resolve issues as they arise. Some experience or familiarity with import/export/customs brokerage agreements is a plus. Candidate will actively partner with theater and client groups to achieve shared objectives. Must have proven skills and evidence of results in issue resolution, delivering immediate results with minimal management involvement.

Who You'll Work With
You will interfaces with all levels of management and cross functional teams to successfully close contracts and resolve issues. You will report into the Global Procurement Services Manager and support business functions representing over $100M in annual spend for the Third Party Logistics organization.

Who You Are
Desired Skills
Strong understanding of contract formation, terminology, and negotiations
Demonstrated ability to understand and successfully resolve legal and business issues typically encountered in procurement contracts, preferably in the area of Third Party Logistics
Ability to explain advantages and risks of alternative contract positions including terms and pricing
Acumen in prioritizing work load and competing client requests in a global work environment
Ability to analyze issues and determine who needs to be consulted for best results and outcome
Ability to lead or work with cross-functional teams in a dynamic global work environment under limited supervision
Knowledgeable of industry changes, trends and key issues
Strong communication skills at all levels using a variety of media
Demonstrated ability to work independently under minimal direction
Proven ability to lead and influence others across a virtual team especially in contract review and negotiations
Experience in issue resolution, custom contract creation and knowledge of standard terms and conditions.
Proficiency in computer-based business applications (including Microsoft software products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Ariba contract management or comparable software).

Minimum Qualifications: 
7-10 years of experience or more in reviewing, drafting and negotiating complex contracts;
Strong familiarity with standard contract forms including Master Agreements, Statements of Works, and PO's;
Demonstrated ability to understand and successfully resolve contractual issues typically encountered in the procurement of indirect goods and services;
Bachelor Degree or equivalent experience, Masters or JD a plus.