Contract Manager at Sakata Seed America, INC. – Woodland, California
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About This Position
JOB SUMMARY: The Contract Manager will work with diverse legal and cross-functional teams playing a critical role in supporting Sakata’s contract and agreement needs, enhancing processes and driving efficiency across the organization. The Contract Manager is responsible for end-to-end contract lifecycle management, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and administering a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements (including, but not limited to licensing, confidentiality/non-disclosure, distributor, grower, vendor/3rd party services & procurement, trade, Sales, Research, Production, Consultant, Employee/Personnel, settlement/release, service, construction, asset purchase, lease or sale). Contract Management responsibility covers all agreements held within the company including contracts on packaging, order forms, wrap agreements, electronic contracts or licenses, warranty, liability and terms and conditions of sale.
This role partners with cross-functional stakeholders in Sales, Product Management, Research & Development, Finance, Supply Chain, HR and Corporate Administration to develop and structure agreements that support business objectives while managing risk and ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures and applicable laws. The Contract Manager maintains contract templates, playbooks and standard company terms and conditions. This role is responsible for tracking agreement obligations, renewals, termination and supporting royalty and/or fee calculations where applicable and also assists with dispute/claim documentation and settlement agreements as needed. Under the direction of the Senior Manager, IP, Legal and Complaint, the Contract Manager provides Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) related to company contracts and contract management.
The Contract Manager will participate in the selection and/or implementation of a new Contract Lifecyle Management (CLM) system and will be responsible for maintaining and managing the company CLM system, supporting internal training and process improvement. This role may also coordinate with outside legal counsel on complex contract matters to maintain contracting best practices and support risk management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:
- Contract Lifecycle Management:
- Draft, review, revise, and negotiate agreements including licensing, confidentiality/non-disclosure (NDA), distributor, vendor, customer, and other company contracts as needed.
- Use CLM system to manage the intake-to-signature process, ensuring appropriate approvals, version control, and timely agreement execution.
- Maintain accurate contract records, versioning, renewal dates, and key terms/clauses, monitor obligations, deliverables, and notice requirements.
- Risk, Compliance, and Governance:
- Identify and communicate contractual risks (e.g., liability, indemnity, warranties, confidentiality, IP ownership, insurance, and dispute resolution) and propose practical risk mitigation strategies.
- Ensure contracts comply with internal policies, applicable laws, and approved terms/clauses; escalate exceptions and complex issues as appropriate.
- Support development and maintenance of contracting procedures, playbooks, templates, and standard clauses.
- Cross-Functional Partnership and Commercial Support:
- Partner with Sales, Product Management, Finance, Research & Development, Supply Chain, HR and Corporate Administration teams to align contract structures with business needs and timelines.
- Coordinate with Finance to support royalty calculations, fee schedules, and payment terms for third-party licensors and commercial partners, as applicable.
- Support documentation for claims, complaint settlements, and agreement amendments; track commitments through closure.
- Support all areas of the IPR, Legal and Complaint as the need arises, including special projects and new subjects outside area of expertise.
- Systems, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement:
- Maintain contract trackers and/or contract management system data; prepare periodic reports on contract volume, cycle time, renewals, and key risk areas.
- Coordinate and consult with outside counsel on contract laws, contract standards, disputes, or specialized legal matters, as directed.
- Develop document retention policies and procedures.
- Provide guidance and basic training to internal stakeholders on standard terms and conditions, contracting processes, and document retention expectations.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Working knowledge of contract structure, legal terminology, and standard commercial provisions (e.g., indemnity, limitation of liability, warranties, confidentiality, governing law, dispute resolution, etc.).
- Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and analytical skills; ability to manage risk and achieve business objectives.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to translate legal concepts into practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
- Proficient with Microsoft tools (Teams, SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and comfortable learning contract management and ERP systems.
- Ability to be nimble and flexible on areas of responsibilities with respect to business groups, teams, types of contracts, operational tasks, etc.
- Strong judgment, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential information.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum of a B.A./B.S. degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Business, Plant/Agricultural Science or a related field.
- Ag, Seed, Science background or experience preferred but not required.
EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:
- A minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience in contract administration/management, legal operations, or a related business function preferred
- Experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements; experience with licensing and royalty-bearing agreements preferred.
- Experience utilizing contract database systems, workflow systems and/or Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams and engage outside counsel or vendors when needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must be able to type and/or work at a computer terminal for long periods of time.
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
BENEFITS:
Health & Wellness
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Monthly Wellness Stipend
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Disability Insurance (plans vary by location)
Financial Benefits
401(k) Program + Company Match
Profit Sharing Program (via 401(k)
Holiday Bonus
Performance Incentive Bonus Program
Tuition Reimbursement
529 College‑Savings Plan
Company-Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
Time Off & Flexibility
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
14 Paid Company Holidays
2 Floating Holidays
Birthday Off
*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.