Contracts Manager (Commercial)- Remote

As a Contracts Manager (Commercial) at ICF, you will lead the negotiation and review of contracts across various proposals, particularly within the Utility Program Services division. Key responsibilities include providing contract support, assessing critical obligations, mitigating risks, and maintaining compliance with governmental requirements. You'll also establish effective communication with both internal teams and external clients.

To qualify for the Contracts Manager (Commercial) position at ICF, candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of experience in negotiating and managing commercial contracts, along with a strong understanding of relevant laws and regulations. A bachelor's degree is preferred, especially for those with prior experience in the utility industry, specifically with 'Pay for Performance' agreements.

ICF is dedicated to fostering a supportive work environment for all employees, including those in the Contracts Manager (Commercial) role. The company encourages professional growth through mentorship, collaborative projects, and enhancing problem-solving skills in a dynamic setting. Additionally, ICF offers reasonable accommodations to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for all team members.

Working as a Contracts Manager at ICF means enjoying a flexible and remote workplace. You will be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and innovation, all while tackling complex challenges in the utility sector. This position encourages high-level problem-solving and the freedom to navigate tasks effectively in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

At ICF, career growth for a Contracts Manager (Commercial) is nurtured through continuous learning and expanding responsibilities. Opportunities may include leading larger projects, taking on management roles, or even transitioning into related areas such as business development or compliance. The culture of collaboration and empowerment at ICF supports employees in reaching their personal and professional goals.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples from your past roles where you successfully negotiated terms favorable to your company. Discuss the strategies you used, the challenges you faced, and how your negotiations resulted in beneficial outcomes.

An effective answer involves discussing your systematic approach to reviewing contract terms. You should mention common risks you've encountered in previous roles and the strategies you've implemented to mitigate those risks, ensuring the company's interests remain secure.

Mention any specific tools you've used, such as Deltek Costpoint, and describe how these tools have helped you manage contracts effectively. Discuss features that you found particularly useful and how they aided in streamlining processes.

Focus on your conflict resolution skills and provide an example where you navigated a disagreement. Describe your method of ensuring clear communication and demonstrating empathy while striving for a mutually beneficial outcome.

Explain your knowledge of 'Pay for Performance' agreements, emphasizing their impact on utility contracts and how they drive efficiency. You might also discuss any experience you have had working with such contracts and how you successfully managed them.

Discuss the processes you follow to stay updated with relevant laws and how you integrate compliance checks into your contract review processes. Mention specific regulations you've worked with and how they influenced your contract negotiations.

Provide an example that shows your ability to prioritize effectively. Discuss your organizational skills, tools you used, and how you ensured all contracts were managed properly and deadlines were met.

Discuss your philosophy on relationship-building, emphasizing communication, trust, and collaboration. Provide specific strategies you use to keep clients engaged and satisfied throughout the contract lifecycle.

Detail the methods and tools you employ for keeping track of various contract documents. Discuss your proficiency in using software systems designed for contract management and the importance of organization in avoiding mistakes.

Reflect on a challenge from your experience, detailing the situation, your response, and the final outcome. Emphasize the lessons learned and how those experiences have equipped you for future challenges.