Director of Contracting & Internal Counsel

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Management: Oversee the drafting, preparation, review, negotiation, execution, and monitoring of contracts for the company, ensuring alignment with company policies and legal requirements.
• Contract Compliance: Ensure that all contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies; provide legal guidance on contractual issues and risk assessment.
• Contract Communication: Communicate, as necessary, with internal and external customers to the contracting process.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with contract terms, recommending strategies to protect the company's interests.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to understand their needs and provide support in contract negotiations.
• Training and Education: Develop and implement training programs for staff on contracting best practices, legal implications, contracting terminology, application of contract requirements, etc.
• Policy and Procedure: Create and maintain contracting policies and procedures, ensuring policies and procedures are current and effectively communicated throughout the company.
• Dispute Resolution: Manage and report contract disputes and claims, working with senior management to amicably and efficiently resolve any such disputes, claims, or conflicts.
• Contract Implementation: Ensure efficient and effective implementation of contracts, managing the logistical flow of contract implementation.
• Contract Performance Reviews: Conduct periodic contract performance and compliance reviews.
• Collections: Manage collection matters that are elevated to the Legal Department.

 

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school; admitted to the bar in Louisiana or Texas (preferred), or another state.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts.
• Effective and experienced understanding of contracting and related processes, and how it impacts enterprise risk management.
• Proven negotiation skills with the ability to influence and persuade effectively.
• Experience in fostering collaboration with internal and external customers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Has deep knowledge of the contracting life cycle, types of contracts, and applicable government regulations.

• Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility.

 

• Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in transportation and logistics.
• Knowledge of contract management software and legal research tools.
• Certification in contract management (e.g., CPCM, CCM) is a plus.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts will be considered in lieu of Juris Doctor requirement.

 

Benefits:

• Mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

 

Competencies/Skills:

Contract Compliance | Contract Lifecycle Management | Contract Negotiation | Contracts Management & Administration | Contract Review | Contracting Terms and Conditions | Contract Management Software

 

Managerial Responsibilities:

Staffing | Pay Decisions | Training- Knowledge | Evaluation | Supervision | Budget (Partial) | Process- Policies