Contracts Manager - job 1 of 2

The primary responsibilities of a Contracts Manager at Zivaro include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legally binding contracts, managing the contract lifecycle from initiation to closure, and supporting the onboarding process for new suppliers and customers. You'll also maintain Zivaro's contract management system, implement workflows, and ensure compliance with federal regulations, all while providing top-notch customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

To qualify for the Contracts Manager position at Zivaro, candidates should possess at least 5 years of experience in full contract management. Knowledge of federal government prime contracts, familiarity with FAR/DFARS, and advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite are essential. Experience with Ironclad and various contract types, cost structures, and data analysis are also highly valued.

Successful Contracts Managers at Zivaro need a strong mix of analytical and interpersonal skills. This includes a deep understanding of contract management lifecycle processes, exceptional attention to detail, and excellent customer service abilities. Since communication with various stakeholders is crucial, being adept at negotiation and conflict resolution will help in building strong partnerships.

Zivaro is committed to employee development, and as a Contracts Manager, you will receive tailored training on our contract management system. You'll also have opportunities to develop operational guides and work instructions to support your team. Training is designed to empower you, helping you build the necessary skills to thrive in this role effectively.

The salary range for a Contracts Manager at Zivaro is competitive, falling between $100,000 to $130,000 per year. This reflects the importance of the position and the expertise required, offering potential for growth as you advance your career in contract management.

When answering this question, emphasize your specific roles in each phase of the contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, execution, and closure. Provide examples of challenges you've overcome and the outcomes you've achieved to highlight your competence in managing complex contracts.

Discuss your familiarity with FAR and DFARS requirements, and elaborate on processes you've implemented to ensure compliance in past roles. Providing specific examples of how you have identified and mitigated compliance risks will strengthen your answer.

When discussing negotiation strategies, highlight techniques such as understanding stakeholder needs, seeking win-win solutions, and focusing on data-driven arguments. Share past experiences where your negotiation skills led to favorable agreements for your organization.

Focus on your conflict resolution skills by providing a structured approach to handling disagreements. Talk about your ability to listen actively, seek common ground, and propose creative solutions to facilitate a positive outcome for all parties involved.

Provide a real-life example that showcases your time management and organizational skills. Mention specific tools or methods you used to prioritize tasks and ensure timely delivery without compromising quality.

Discuss your communication style and how you tailor it based on your audience. Emphasize the importance of regular check-ins, transparency in updates, and building trust through responsiveness to stakeholder needs.

When asked about contract management systems, detail your experience with specific tools, like Ironclad, and your role in managing and improving workflows. Experience in training team members on these systems would also be beneficial to mention.

Talk about your methods for maintaining accuracy, such as thorough review processes, collaboration with stakeholders for input, and using checklists to prevent errors. Providing an example where your diligence saved your company from potential risk will add impact.

Emphasize that customer service is crucial in this role, as it involves interacting with various stakeholders. Share how your commitment to understanding their needs and providing timely support is essential in fostering positive relationships and ensuring successful contract management.

Share a specific challenge you have faced, such as navigating legal complexities or compliance issues, and explain how you overcame it. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and resilience in addressing such challenges will demonstrate your capability as a Contracts Manager.