Contract Manager

The Lansing Board of Water & Light has an opening for a* Contract Manager* with our Procurement Department located in Lansing, MI.

Position Summary:

Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $76,700. - $92,800.

This position is responsible for contract lifecycle, supplier negotiation and department project management. Duties involve complex and specialized work in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, construction, public works and capital outlay projects, and services. Responsible for various aspects of contract management, material management, investment recovery, and e-commerce. Facilitates process improvements, cost reductions, and provides a consistent point of contact for both
internal and external parties to oversee the contract life cycle.

Essential Functions:

• Preparation and negotiation of contracts and provisions of product & service contracts, and master agreements.
• Maintain contract- related documents and correspondences.
• Troubleshoot contract-related problems, such as breach of contract.
• Execution of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), terms and conditions, contract management, supplier management and compliance with legal requirements.
• Drive and manage negotiations of extremely complex agreements and other related documents with minimal management involvement.
• Advise and provide guidance to business stakeholders on contractual issues.
• Assist with BWL’s compliance and mandatory standards.
• Stay informed about changes to relevant rules and regulations.
• Where supplier performance does not meet expectations, responsible to drive cross functional problem solving such as root cause analysis.
• Assists internal customers in obtaining an uninterrupted supply of materials and services at the best price, delivery, quality, and quantity.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with internal customers, vendors, and peers.
• Participates on and leads supply teams, project teams, and department improvement projects.
• Ensures integrity of contracting activities in compliance with BWL Procurement Policy and Procedures, laws, ordinances, etc.
• Makes presentations to and trains internal and external individuals.
• Develops strategic vendor relationships, including negotiations, and manages vendor performance in accordance with the vendor management program.
• Identifies/implements buying strategies resulting in cost savings.
• Participates/leads/facilitates process improvement projects, project teams, works cross-functionally.
• Performs research, collects data, analyzes data, prepares cost benefit analyses, and makes purchase/disposal decisions.
• Writes documents, including but not limited to bid documents (RFI, RFQ, RFP) and procedures.
• Measure performance of contractual T&Cs against expectations (bid vs did process), as project lead for department identify gaps or opportunities, and manage cross functional team actions (cost recovery, terminations, productivity clauses, premiums, etc.) to maximize contractual productivity.
• Utilizes standard office software (spreadsheet, word-processing, database, web publishing, MS project), SAP procurement software, and material management programs.
• Supports and adheres to ISO 55000 standards.
• On call as needed for after-hours/weekend coverage, storm restoration, emergency preparedness, etc.
• Must follow BWL Safety Manual and wear personal protective equipment as required.
• Attends training for safety awareness or skills improvement as required by Manager, BWL or governmental agency such as MIOSHA.
• Expected to comply with all BWL policies and work rules.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Specifications:
Required:

• This position requires a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Microsoft office certification or proven proficiency of Excel, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Minimum of 7 years of previous Purchasing Contract experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of previous Project Management experience.
• Demonstrated management experience.
• Must possess the ability to make sound purchasing recommendations/decisions and prepare supporting data/substantiation/justification.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, select, and negotiate with vendors/contractors.
• Demonstrated process efficiency focus, cost savings realization and organizational change management capabilities.
• Ability to drive improvement by recognizing and tracking key performance indicators.
• Must be an effective communicator who can foster strong relationships with other BWL departments as well as strategic vendor partnerships.
• Valid MI driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred:

• CCCM certification (Certified Commercial Contracts Manager)
• CSCP certification (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• Experience with materials and services associated with utility operations.
• Experience with SAP or other Enterprise Resource Planning Systems.
• Experience with public or governmental procurement practices.
• Experience in managing contract life cycle

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/ below the knee level or reach above head. On occasion, may need to use stairs.

Constantly works in a temperature-controlled office environment.

Must successfully complete a background check, a substance screening and a physical (if applicable).

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive salary, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.
• Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, and employee assistance program.
• Retirement programs including 401a (100% company paid up to 13% of base salary), 457 match up to $2,500 per year, retiree medical.
• Voluntary benefits including supplemental and dependent life insurance, vision, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, HOPE loan.

About BWL:
The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly owned utilities.

The Location:
Lansing, MI provides the opportunity to enjoy all seasons of fun and beauty. With the Grand River open for kayaking, lush golf courses, 17 miles of trails for biking/hiking/running, Potter Park Zoo, and the sports, the arts and fine foods that comes from being near a major University, Michigan State University, there is a spot for everyone. The area is a short drive from Lake Michigan’s shoreline where there is views of natural beauty, boating, fishing, and windsurfing.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $76,700.00 per year

Salary : $76,700 - $92,800