Director, Software Contract Management

Client: HR/payroll technology companyLocation: Roseland NJ (3x per week)Type: Right to hireCompensation: $200k-$220k base salaryAbout the OpportunityOur client, a Fortune 500 global technology leader, is seeking a Director of Software Contract Management to lead its enterprise software contracting function for the US and Canada. This is a highly visible, player-coach role: you will lead a team of contract managers and buyers while personally negotiating the organization's most complex and strategic software agreements with major publishers such as Microsoft and Salesforce, etc.As the single point of accountability for enterprise software contracts, you will have visibility into every significant deal in the pipeline and will represent procurement on the company's technology governance council. You will partner closely with Legal, Privacy, Vendor Governance, and Vendor Assurance to secure strong commercial outcomes while protecting business flexibility and managing risk.What You'll DoLead, coach, and develop a team of contract managers and buying professionals covering new agreements, renewals, and license management.Personally lead high-value, high-visibility software negotiations, including SaaS, enterprise licensing, and platform agreements.Redline and negotiate agreements, owning business terms such as pricing, scope, licensing rights, renewal protections, and service commitments.Partner with Legal on terms such as limitation of liability, indemnification, and insurance, and coordinate reviews with Privacy, Vendor Governance, and Vendor Assurance.Serve on the technology governance council, providing commercial and contractual guidance on technology investments.Keep deals moving through a multi-layer approval process, escalating risks early.Advise business stakeholders on risk and leverage, including when to push back and when risk acceptance belongs with the business.Structure agreements for long-term value, negotiating for future growth rather than only the immediate need.Help define the future organizational design of the software contracting function.Use AI-enabled contract review tools to improve speed and quality. What You BringExtensive experience negotiating and managing enterprise software contracts, including redlining and closing complex agreements end to end.Proven experience managing teams of contract or procurement professionals.Background in large enterprise environments, with the ability to navigate governance processes, approvals, and cross-functional stakeholders.Strong command of software commercial terms and how they interact with legal and risk terms.Exceptional attention to detail and a disciplined approach to contract quality.A patient, adaptable leadership style that gets the best from a varied team.The confidence to make sound decisions and set direction in complex or ambiguous situations.Experience with any major procurement or contract lifecycle management tools.