Director of Contracts

New Yesterday

We’re seeking an accomplished Director of Contracts to lead a high-performing contracts department focused on operational excellence, compliance, and scalability. This position oversees the full contract lifecycle —from initiation through closeout—ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with corporate objectives.
The Director will manage a team of contract professionals, standardize workflows, drive automation, and partner across operations, finance, procurement, sales, and legal to enhance contract performance and risk management. This is an on-site position based in Bakersfield, CA.
Travel Required: Yes (10–25%)
Key Responsibilities Lead all aspects of contract development, negotiation, administration, and compliance.
Draft, review, and negotiate agreements including renewals, amendments, statements of work, and confidentiality agreements.
Implement standardized processes, templates, and metrics for contract accuracy and cycle-time reduction.
Measure team performance using data analytics and KPI dashboards to ensure quality and efficiency.
Drive technology adoption, including contract-lifecycle-management (CLM) and automation tools.
Partner with internal business units to align contract terms with operational and financial objectives.
Provide guidance to senior leadership on contract risk, forecasting, and policy compliance.
Ensure adherence to legal, corporate, and regulatory requirements.
Mentor and develop contract managers and specialists, promoting continuous improvement and accountability.
Lead departmental change-management initiatives for process and system enhancements.
Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, or related field (required); advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of progressive experience in contract management, operations, or business-process leadership.
5+ years of management or supervisory experience leading contract or operational teams.
Proven success designing and implementing scalable contract processes.
Strong negotiation, risk-assessment, and compliance management skills.
Experience selecting or managing CLM / automation / document-workflow technologies.
Excellent cross-functional communication and leadership abilities.
Demonstrated project-management and data-driven decision-making skills.
Certifications in Contracts or Risk Management (or equivalent training) preferred.
Veterans with leadership, logistics, or procurement backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
Benefits Base Salary: $135,000 – $155,000 DOE
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid holidays and generous PTO program
Tuition reimbursement for continued education
Company-sponsored training and professional-development opportunities
Pet-insurance and additional voluntary benefits
Stable, family-owned organization with 90 years of success
Proudly recognized as a 2025 Military Friendly® Employer (Gold Designation)
Ideal Candidate
You are a strategic thinker and hands-on leader who understands both the technical and relational sides of contract management. You thrive on improving systems, reducing risk, and building high-performing teams that deliver measurable business value. If you’re a veteran or experienced professional ready to bring discipline, precision, and leadership to a nationally respected organization, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, or related field (required); advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of progressive experience in contract management, operations, or business-process leadership. 5+ years of management or supervisory experience leading contract or operational teams. Proven success designing and implementing scalable contract processes. Strong negotiation, risk-assessment, and compliance management skills. Experience selecting or managing CLM / automation / document-workflow technologies. Excellent cross-functional communication and leadership abilities. Demonstrated project-management and data-driven decision-making skills. Certifications in Contracts or Risk Management (or equivalent training) preferred. Veterans with leadership, logistics, or procurement backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
Location:
Bakersfield
Job Type:
FullTime