Senior Principal Contract Specialist (Deal Strategy & Negotiation)

Overview

Step into a role where your contracts expertise drives business outcomes at scale.

As a Senior Principal Contract Specialist, you will lead the strategy, negotiation, and execution of high impact agreements that support Esri`s most complex and visible programs. You will operate as a trusted advisor to leadership, shaping deal structures, influencing pricing and risk decisions, and ensuring successful outcomes across a diverse portfolio of agreements.

In addition to owning critical contracts, you will provide leadership across the contracts function. This looks like mentoring and guiding a team of contract professionals while improving processes and elevating best practices across the organization.

This role is deal for experience contract leaders who want to expand their impact beyond individual agreements, combining deal ownership, team influence, and strategic advisory responsibility in a highly collaborative environment.

Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Redlands, CA area for this position.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor junior and mid-level contract professionals
• Lead the full lifecycle of complex services contracts- from RFP through negotiation, execution, and closeout
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on contract structure, risk mitigation, and pricing strategy
• Navigate and resolve complex contractual issues across cross-functional teams
• Drive process improvements and best practices in contract management
• Support a diverse portfolio of agreements (commercial, public sector, federal, international)
• Apply knowledge of federal contracting frameworks (FAR/DFAR) where applicable

Requirements

• 12+ years of progressively complex contract administration experience
• Proven success negotiating and structuring a variety of agreement types
• Strong expertise in contract law, risk management, and procurement practices
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring and team development
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels
• US citizenship and ability and willingness to obtain a US Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or a related field

Recommended Qualifications

• Experience with federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFAR, SBA, EAR, ITAR)
• Familiarity with large systems integrator agreements
• Knowledge of professional services, cloud, and software licensing terms
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, Juris Doctorate, or related field

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About Esri

At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life’s best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri’s Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.

If you don’t meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!

Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

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