Legal - Contracts Manager

Overview

Aquent is partnering with a leading global organization known for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence. This dynamic company is embarking on a significant strategic expansion, building out new global capabilities that will shape its future operations.

Are you ready to make a significant impact by shaping the foundational vendor relationships and strategic sourcing initiatives for a major global expansion? We’re seeking a highly skilled and motivated professional to play a pivotal role in establishing critical operational frameworks and ensuring compliance for our client’s evolving global footprint. This is an exciting opportunity to lead crucial projects, drive efficiency, and directly influence the success of new enterprise-wide capabilities from the ground up.

**About the Role:**
In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in navigating complex vendor landscapes and securing essential services that enable our client’s strategic growth. You will leverage your expertise in strategic sourcing and contract negotiation to build robust partnerships, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance across a diverse range of categories. Your contributions will directly support the establishment and ongoing success of critical operational centers, impacting various business functions and fostering innovation.

**Key Responsibilities:**
* Lead Request for Proposals (RFPs) for products and services essential for new global operational centers.
* Lead contract negotiations for selected vendors, collaborating with internal risk review teams and legal counsel to ensure adherence to organizational requirements.
* Focus on strategic sourcing and contracting within Human Resources categories, including talent acquisition services, employee benefits, and HR systems and technology.
* Support sourcing and contracting for other critical areas such as Finance (accounting and tax services, financial systems and technology) and Corporate Real Estate.
* Manage all aspects of the strategic sourcing lifecycle, from vendor selection to contract execution.
* Establish and nurture strong relationships with internal business partners across the firm to develop and execute effective contracts.
* Responsible for the management, editing, and negotiation of product and services agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and other legal documents.
* Act as a key liaison between legal teams and business partners, proactively addressing contract-related issues.
* Synthesize and extract complex legal, technical, and business issues, acting as an internal consultant to facilitate accurate and creative solutions to operational challenges.

**What You’ll Bring (Must-Haves):**
* Strong background in category management and strategic sourcing.
* Demonstrated experience in Human Resources spend categories (e.g., talent acquisition services, employee benefits).
* Experience supporting sourcing and contracting for international operational centers.
* Proven ability to lead and manage Request for Proposals (RFPs).
* Expertise in contract negotiation and management.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to act as an internal consultant.
* Exceptional attention to detail.
* Ability to work effectively across the enterprise and within cross-functional teams.
* Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills.
* Proficiency in standard office suite applications.

**Bonus Points (Nice-to-Haves):**
* Experience in establishing or supporting the setup of new global operational centers.
* Prior experience with enterprise resource planning systems or data visualization tools.

**About Aquent Talent:**
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.