POSITION SUMMARYAccuWeather is seeking an experienced
Contracts Manager, to join its Legal team. The Contracts Manager is responsible for managing the development, review, negotiation, execution, and administration of AccuWeather's commercial contracts. Reporting to Counsel, this individual contributor serves as a key liaison between the Legal department, Sales, Operations, Finance, clients, vendors, and other business stakeholders to facilitate timely contract execution while identifying and managing contractual and business risk. The role independently manages a portfolio of agreements, supports contract process improvement, and leverages approved contract management and AI-enabled tools to improve drafting, review, administration, and workflow efficiency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Manage the preparation, review, negotiation, execution, and administration of a broad range of commercial agreements, including customer, vendor, confidentiality, licensing, services, and other business agreements.
- Draft and revise contracts, amendments, addenda, statements of work, and related legal and commercial documents using approved templates and established contracting standards.
- Independently review contract terms and identify legal, financial, operational, and commercial risks, escalating significant or non-standard matters to Counsel as appropriate.
- Negotiate contractual provisions with customers, vendors, and other external parties within established parameters and in consultation with Counsel when necessary.
- Partner closely with Sales, Operations, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to understand business objectives, resolve contractual issues, and facilitate timely contract execution.
- Liaise with clients and outside counsel to ensure contract documentation is accurate, complete, and consistent with negotiated business terms and company requirements.
- Evaluate information and documentation entered into the contract management system for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and overall acceptability.
- Manage contract workflows, approvals, renewals, amendments, obligations, and other key contract lifecycle activities within company systems.
- Utilize approved AI and contract management technologies to assist with contract drafting, review, analysis, and comparison of contractual provisions while ensuring appropriate human review and judgment.
- Identify opportunities to improve contract processes, templates, procedures, and workflows and assist with implementation and adoption of contract management system enhancements or changes.
- Develop and maintain standardized contract templates, clause libraries, procedures, and related resources in collaboration with Counsel.
- Monitor contract activity and provide reporting and analysis on contract status, turnaround times, renewals, obligations, and other relevant metrics.
- Provide guidance to business stakeholders regarding contracting processes, documentation requirements, and established contractual standards.
- Maintain organized and accurate contract records while ensuring the confidentiality and security of sensitive business and legal information.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Legal Studies, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
- 5-7+ years of progressively responsible experience in contract administration, contract management, commercial contracting, legal operations, or a related contracting role.
- Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts and related legal documents.
- Experience independently identifying contractual risks and working with legal counsel and business stakeholders to resolve contract issues.
- Experience managing contracts through multiple stages of the contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, approval, execution, amendment, renewal, and closeout.
- Proficiency with contract management systems and common business applications.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated contract drafting and editing capabilities.
- Strong organizational, time-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications - Professional contract management certification through the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), such as Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), or another relevant professional certification.
- Experience working within or closely supporting a corporate Legal department.
- Experience with commercial customer agreements, technology agreements, data-related agreements, licensing arrangements, professional services agreements, or other complex business contracts.
- Experience implementing or improving contract lifecycle management systems, workflows, templates, or contracting processes.
- Experience using AI-enabled tools for contract drafting, review, comparison, analysis, or contract lifecycle management.
- Experience supporting a Sales organization and working directly with customers and outside counsel.
Skills & Competencies - Strong commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to identify and evaluate contractual and business risks and determine when matters require escalation to Counsel.
- Sound judgment and the ability to work independently within established contracting guidelines.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate contract documentation and records.
- Ability to balance legal and risk considerations with business objectives and commercial timelines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with Legal, Sales, Operations, Finance, clients, vendors, and outside counsel.
- Ability to manage multiple agreements, negotiations, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and process-improvement capabilities.
- Technology aptitude and willingness to effectively and responsibly utilize contract management and AI-enabled tools.
- Demonstrated discretion when handling confidential, proprietary, and legally sensitive information.
Benefits - At AccuWeather we invest in our team members with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your career, health, finances, family, and overall well-being - from day one.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive healthcare and dental benefits.
- 401(k) retirement plan with 50% company match.
- A collaborative work environment.
- Commitment to individual growth and development.
If you are a highly motivated, organized, and dynamic professional with the skills and experience to excel in this role, we invite you to join our team and make a significant impact on our organization's success.
