IT Contract Negotiations Manager
It all stems from the values of our “Dynamic Organization.” Values based on a culture of respect, integrity and trust. Fostered by leaders who care, who treat their team well and dedicate themselves to providing what it takes to enhance the customer experience.
IT Contract Negotiations Manager - Bensenville, IL/Chicago, IL
The IT Contract Negotiations Manager must possess strong negotiation, facilitation and communications skills (written and verbal), technical acumen in one or more Information Technology disciplines. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all levels of the organization and external constituencies, including (but not limited to) Executive Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, senior leaders, contract owners, program managers, external legal counsel, and vendor partners. Ability to communicate a deep understanding of the business and a broad knowledge of existing contract negotiation practices. Must possess proficiency in creating legally binding agreements, demonstrating comprehension of contractual risks, with an adept ability to quickly mitigate issues and risks on behalf of the Enterprise. Will lead project teams through the contracting process, including negotiation, contract development and approval. Must be able to work independent of functional management, while expeditiously managing the successful completion of contractual program requirements.
- Guides project teams through vendor solicitation/selection process, including: Request for Information/Quote/Proposal (RFI/RFQ/RFP) and scoring/evaluation for complex, multimillion dollar initiatives/partnerships.
- Demonstrates experience with legal agreements including, but not limited to the following: Nondisclosure Agreements (NDA), Master Services Agreements (MSA), End-Use License Agreements (EULA) and Statement of Work (SOW) for complex, multimillion dollar initiatives/partnerships.
- Determines contract strategy/planning for each unique solution, prescribing the appropriate approach and ensuring requisite agreements are in place.
- Leads contract negotiations on behalf of U.S. Cellular for terms, pricing, fee optimal contracts.
- Advises project teams and stakeholders of industry trends for technical solutions and best practice.
- Ensures Agreements have requisite IT services and components that will deliver a complete solution for the Enterprise.
- Performs analysis and assessment of vendor/contract risk and advises Stakeholders of appropriate risk mitigation strategy to protect the Enterprise.
- Collaborates with project team, vendor, executives and legal to drive contract and agreement to completion, calling out issues and mitigating risks to the organization.
- Maintains constant communication with vendor and project team to ensure timely contract progress, completion and execution.
- Adeptly communicates technical/non-technical information to key stakeholders and executives, facilitating an understanding of contract scope, key terms and acceptance of contract.
- Expeditiously responds to and/or resolves key stakeholder contract issues/concerns working through project team, vendor and legal.
- Formulates executive summary for agreement, calling out nuances of agreements, including deviations from standard terms and highlighting contract complexities.
- Ensures final contract documents are consistent with agreements reached at negotiations.
- Adheres to USCC internal contract review and approval process.
- Partners with senior leaders within IS and across the Enterprise to identify systemic contracting issues and assists in determining tenable long-term solutions.
- Evaluates existing contracts to determine necessity for amendment and/or extension of the contract.
- Integrates Strategic Sourcing best practices which promote continuous improvement in quality, delivery and service.
- Collaborates with the IS Leadership Team and Extended Leadership Team to develop and implement forward-thinking improvements that advance IS' ability to deliver more, faster and with a high degree of quality.
- Bachelor degree in technical discipline required; Masters or MBA degree a plus.
- Technical acumen in one or more Information Technology disciplines.
- Seven to ten years experience with complex pricing structures, deliverable based agreements involving third parties, technology and services is required.
- Proficiency negotiating favorable terms for confidential information, indemnification, liability, privacy, personally identifiable information, proprietary rights and security.
- Familiarity with SLA's, SLC's, and CTQ's commonly associated with technical and service based contracts.
- Excellent problem-solving capability and out of the box thinking to ensure forward movement in contracting process is required.
- Requires understanding of project management methodologies and tools with prior exposure to project management practices with an ability to break down complex problems into manageable goals is required.
- Ability to excel in a cross-functional, matrix team environment is required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
- Prior experience managing diverse interdependent cross-functional, cross-departmental projects, vendors and technologies highly preferred.
- Experience developing and implementing contract processes is preferred
- Proven track record in rolling out technical projects is preferred.
- Experience with Ariba software is a plus.
- Business knowledge of the wireless industry is a plus.
As the nation’s fifth-largest wireless carrier, we give you the opportunity to connect with your fellow associates, as well as with your customers. You’ll receive healthcare starting day one, excellent training and development, and the tools you need to address each challenge with confidence. Beyond these, there are also the rewards and recognition of a collaborative, resource-rich environment where people love their work.
We suggest taking a closer look at U.S. Cellular and our way of building careers. We can speak from experience about the satisfaction you’ll feel, but our faces really say it all.
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U.S. Cellular® is a drug-free workplace and committed to diversity and inclusion.