Senior Contract Manager

Job Description:

The Office of System-wide Procurement seeks an experienced and highly skilled Senior Contract Manager to support and advance SUNY's strategic procurement and contracting initiatives. This position serves as a senior-level procurement professional responsible for leading complex, high-value, and high-risk procurements and providing strategic guidance to campuses, System Administration leadership, and procurement staff.

The Senior Contract Manager will independently manage a diverse portfolio of System Administration and System-wide contracts and will be responsible for overseeing all phases of the procurement and contract lifecycle, including procurement strategy development, solicitation design, negotiations, contract execution, contract administration, compliance oversight, and performance management.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Supervise, assign, review, and evaluate the work of Contract Managers and other procurement staff, including providing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Provide mentoring, training, and guidance to Contract Managers and other procurement staff.
• Serve as a lead resource on special projects and strategic procurement initiatives.
• Participate in the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and performance measures.
• Manage complex, high-value, and system-wide procurements involving technology, commodities, professional services, consulting services, and other strategic categories.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on procurement planning, contract risk management, sourcing methodologies, and procurement compliance.
• Provide expert guidance regarding applicable New York State procurement laws, policies, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Independently manage a portfolio of SUNY System Administration and System-wide contracts, overseeing the entire contract lifecycle from planning through closeout.
• Lead the development and execution of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), single-source and sole-source procurements, and other vehicles.
• Conduct contract negotiations to secure favorable terms, pricing, service levels, and risk protections.
• Review and approve procurement and contract documentation to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, fiscal policies, and procurement guidelines.
• Resolve contractual issues and disputes, providing recommendations and solutions that protect SUNY's interests.
• Serve as a senior procurement liaison and build collaborative relationships to SUNY campuses, providing technical expertise, consultation, and problem resolution on complex procurement matters.
• Interpret and apply procurement laws, regulations, policies, and guidance to ensure institutional compliance.
• Lead procurement process improvement initiatives designed to increase efficiency, transparency, operational effectiveness, and customer service.
• Assist in the development of procurement templates, guidance materials, and standard operating procedures to support consistent application of best practices.
• Analyze procurement trends, spending data, and market conditions to identify sourcing opportunities and cost-saving initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for procurements requiring review and approval by agencies including:
  • Office of the State Comptroller (OSC)
  • Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
  • Office of General Services (OGS)
  • Office of Information Technology Services (ITS)
  • Other state oversight agencies as applicable
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental and organizational priorities.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, finance, supply chain management, business, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in procurement and category management, preferably in the public sector managing contracts and related budgets including one or more of the following areas: negotiation with contractors and vendors; fiscal management, including bidding, payment, analysis, and fiscal reporting; contract development, including developing requests for proposals; contract execution, including securing signatory approval from control entities; monitoring and review of contract terms.
• Or Associate's degree and 8 years of procurement and category management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex procurements and managing high-value contracts throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Experience in SUNY, higher education, or New York government agency procurement preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate financial, contractual, and operational risks and develop appropriate recommendations.
• Strong written, negotiation, verbal, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with various levels of management at campuses and state agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and procurement-related technology platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading procurement professionals.
• Experience developing procurement policies, training programs, and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Additional Information:

• Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications. The range for this position is $80,000-$92,000 annually .
• The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position. Individual starting salaries are determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. While the full range is provided for transparency, starting salaries generally fall near the entry to midpoint of the range. Salaries at or near the top of the range are rare and reserved for candidates who exceptionally exceed all posted requirements.
• The state title for this position is Staff Associate (SL-4) and is part of the United University Professions Union.
• Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. Generous amount of time off: 13 days of paid holidays per year; 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick time accrued for the first year of employment. Then increases thereafter. Please see our UUP benefits summary for additional information.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

SUNY System Administration Benefits:

SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:

• Retirement : The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
• Health Insurance : Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
• Time Off : Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
• Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
• Flexible Working Arrangements : Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules, are available depending on position.

Explore our full benefits offerings here:



Application Instructions:

For full consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references through Interview Exchange. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

State University of New York System Administration is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or retaliation.