OH0713 NW Bancshares HQ, PA0736 Administration Center
The Director of Contract Management plays a key role in managing the full contract management life cycle within the Corporate Procurement function–from intake and drafting through negotiation, execution, and post-signature tracking. This role is essential to ensuring third-party agreements are strategically developed, thoroughly reviewed, and executed with precision–balancing speed, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and business alignment. The Director of Contract Management exercises independent judgement and discretion in reviewing and negotiating legal and commercial terms to ensure contracts align with organization policies, regulatory requirements, and risk tolerance. This position partners closely with Legal, Risk Domain Experts, and business stakeholders to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and improve visibility into supplier obligations. This role directly supports Corporate Procurement's mandate to establish scalable, efficient, and risk-conscious contracting practices that advance strategic objects.
Essential Functions
• Manage the full contract management life cycle – from intake and drafting through negotiation, execution, and post-signature tracking
• Draft, redline, and review a variety of commercial agreements, including but not limited to: Master Services Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Software Licenses, and Software as a Service Agreements
• Lead or support contract negotiations with suppliers, ensuring terms are commercially sound, compliant with internal standards, and aligned with business objectives
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (Legal, Risk, IT, Business Units) to understand needs, communicate risks, and ensure smooth contract execution
• Serve as a key point of contact for suppliers during the contracting process, fostering collaboration and accountability
• Identify contractual risks and propose practical solutions that protect the organization without impeding operational goals
• Maintain organized records and support contract version control, status tracking, and key date monitoring
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including playbook development, process enhancements, and future implementation of contract management tools
• Educate stakeholders on contracting standards, approval workflows, and policy requirements
• Adopt and apply contracting best practices to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk, and drive – consistency – ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and applicable regulatory requirements
Additional Essential Functions
• Ensure compliance with Northwest’s policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
• Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
• Work as part of a team
• Work with on-site equipment
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education
Bachelor's Degree In business, legal studies, supply chain, or a related field.
Work Experience
8 - 12 years Experience supporting contract lifecycle activities within Procurement, Legal, or a related function
8 - 12 years Managerial experience
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated experience drafting, redlining, and negotiating commercial agreements with third-party suppliers
Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to advance contracting objectives and support business needs
Experience in applying contracting best practices to improve efficiency and reduce legal and operational risk
Experience in managing a various contract type, including professional services, technology, and data-related agreements
Working knowledge of procurement-related policies and regulatory requirements, particularly within regulated industries such as financial services
Familiarity with internal governance processes and working with cross-functional review partners, including Legal, Risk, and IT Security
Experience collaborating with suppliers and resolving contract-related discrepancies is a plus
Hands-on experience with Microsoft Excel for advanced data tracking, reporting, and analysis
Experience with e-procurement platforms (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Workday)
Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
For more than 125 years, Northwest Bank has been committed to bettering the lives of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.
Today, we are proudly known for the award-winning customer service we offer at locations throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Ohio.
So no matter where you are on your financial journey, Northwest Bank is here— for what’s next.
Northwest Bank
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender
Northwest is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is against Northwest’s policy for any employee to discriminate against an applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, and religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws. Our selection process is based strictly on job-related criteria. The Company will make reasonable accommodations in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilities, if it can do so without undue hardship. As a Northwest professional, you will be expected to abide by our commitment to equal employment.
People make the difference at Northwest, and we strive to implement the necessary tools and resources for all employees to perform to the best of their abilities.
