Manager, Legal Contracts - Procurement Center of Excellence

The Opportunity:

The Manager, Legal Procurement Contracts is responsible for leading the centralized Procurement Contracting Center of Excellence group supporting category management teams both at the function and business unit (BU) level. The Manager will determine and communicate the CoE scope to the organization, manage the intake process and work associated with those contracts, and establish a working contract lifecycle model with both Category Management and WestRock Legal. The Manager is the point person within the Procurement Source-to-Pay group for Icertis contract template review and approval processes working with WestRock Legal and WestRock IT teams to seek continuous process improvement, evaluate technology in the contract space, and bring best practice to the organization. The Manager will oversee and provide direction to Contracting CoE personnel.

Key Responsibilities/Deliverables:

Develop strong knowledge of Icertis contract lifecycle management system, WestRock’s contract templates and WestRock’s review and approval process (i.e., the “WestRock Approval Policy” or “WRAP”).

Evaluate, document, and improve the scope for Contracting CoE support. Process may include a RACI matrix, internal SLAs, and other process documentation aligned to ensure stakeholder needs are met.

Oversee Contracting CoE structure and governance model, including roles and responsibilities.

Develop & support Contracting CoE training plan – ensuring process and training is understood and communicated to stakeholders.

Manage continuous contract lifecycle needs and improvements. Provide input, as necessary, to Procurement, WestRock Legal, WestRock IT and stakeholders.

Manage complex contracting processes between suppliers and WestRock Category Managers for assigned agreements.

Provides ongoing contract management support, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements for all parties, including WestRock stakeholders and suppliers.

Exhibits a deep culture of customer service excellence while leading the team.

Provide leadership and people management to Contracting CoE team; provide direction, coaching and mentoring to all contracting personnel to ensure program standards are maintained.

Bring new insight and expertise to Procurement contracting

Benchmark to obtain standard best contracting practices, awareness of technology landscape, help to create innovative solutions to problems.

Partner with GEP process lead and with WestRock Legal to seek continuous improvement opportunities within Contract Management.

Performs other duties as requested by supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or higher

8 years of relevant experience in sourcing/contract management

Desired Qualifications:

Background in legal or legal contract creation and development/Paralegal certification and experience

Experience in process improvement projects: Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt qualification

Ability to utilize strategic thinking to connect business needs with strategic procurement process

Experience with Icertis contract lifecycle management or similar tool preferred

Understanding of the overall strategic sourcing process

Experience working with Legal, Finance, or other inter-related departments

Experience working in a matrix environment with multiple stakeholders and customers

Strong critical thinking and analytical skills

Exceptional leadership capability and experience

Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders

Ability to solve problems through innovative thinking

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to prioritize and organize effectively

Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail

Solid Experience with MS-Office suite of products and creating relevant key performance reports and statistics