Contract Program Manager

We are seeking a senior-level Contract Program Manager to lead and orchestrate multiple workstreams within our Enterprise Data Roadmap. This individual will be accountable for driving complex, cross-functional programs involving external vendors, contractual negotiations, portfolio governance, and enterprise stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings 15+ years of experience managing high-visibility, high-complexity programs and demonstrates strong executive presence, rigorous delivery discipline, and the ability to operate with speed and transparency. This role requires a results-oriented leader who maintains focus on milestones, enforces accountability, and ensures commitments translate into measurable outcomes. Your Assignment at a Glance Program & Portfolio Leadership Lead and govern multiple data-related workstreams within the Data Roadmap. Establish and maintain integrated program plans covering scope, schedules, milestones, deliverables, dependencies, and risks. Ensure alignment between business objectives, technology execution, and vendor commitments. Maintain strict control of scope to prevent unmanaged expansion or timeline slippage. Proactively identify risks, elevate issues, and drive resolution without delay. Schedule & Deliverables Management Own end-to-end program schedule management and critical path tracking. Enforce milestone discipline and ensure on-time delivery across all streams. Maintain structured reporting on progress, KPIs, risks, and financials. Conduct regular cadence reviews to ensure deliverables remain on track. Prevent deadline erosion through rigorous follow-up and action tracking. Vendor & Contract Management Oversee vendor performance across multiple contracts and statements of work. Lead negotiations related to scope, cost, deliverables, timelines, and change orders. Hold vendors accountable to contractual commitments and performance metrics. Identify underperformance quickly and take corrective action decisively. Ensure commercial and delivery alignment across all third-party partners. Governance & Reporting Provide clear, concise executive-level status reporting. Communicate program health, trade-offs, risks, and decision points transparently. Maintain documentation standards and governance artifacts. Ensure cross-functional alignment across business, data, and technology teams. Execution Discipline Drive a high-velocity, execution-focused culture. Challenge assumptions and surface unrealistic timelines or commitments. Call out ambiguity or unsupported claims; ensure facts support decisions. Maintain relentless focus on outcomes over activity. Estimated length of contract – 6 months. What We Need From You 15+ years of progressive experience leading large-scale, complex enterprise programs with cross-functional impact. Preference for candidates who have led end-to-end Data & Analytics programs built on Databricks, Denodo, Tableau as part of the core platform architecture. Working knowledge of these platforms sufficient to engage credibly in architectural discussions, sustain informed technical dialogue, and challenge solution approaches when necessary. Proven track record managing multi-million-dollar portfolios with full accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and outcomes. Deep experience in vendor governance, contract negotiation, commercial management, and performance enforcement. Demonstrated expertise in integrated program planning, critical path management, milestone tracking, and deadline discipline. Experience leading enterprise Data, Analytics, or technology transformation initiatives. Strong ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-visibility environments with executive-level stakeholders. Solid financial acumen, including budget oversight, cost control, and vendor financial management. Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into scalable data platform capabilities, ensuring alignment with long‑term architecture, governance, and performance objectives. Physical and Environmental Requirements The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by a Contractor to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of the job, the Contractor is required on a daily basis to analyze and interpret data, communicate, and remain in a stationary position for a significant amount of the work day and frequently access, input, and retrieve information from the computer and other office productivity devices. The Contractor is regularly required to move about the office and around the corporate campus. The Contractor must frequently move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 25 pounds. Travel Requirements This role requires 4 days a week at our corporate office and potential of 1 day per week remote. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. We are seeking contractor candidates legally authorized to work in the United States, without Sponsorship. This position is for a contract role with The Friedkin Group. As a contractor, you will play an essential role in supporting our business needs while bringing your expertise and skills to our team. Contractors are engaged for a defined period and assignment. Contractors are not employees of The Friedkin Group, and as such, they are not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gulf States Financial Services, Inc.