Manager, Contracts & Contract Lifecycle Management

The Hershey Company - Hershey, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Hershey, PA

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Manager, Contracts & Contract Lifecycle Management at The Hershey Company is a newly created role aimed at overseeing and optimizing the contract lifecycle processes within the organization. This position requires a detail-oriented attorney or legal paraprofessional with 3-5 years of experience in commercial transactions, who will work closely with the Contracts Center of Excellence Team to ensure compliance and drive efficiency improvements. The role involves strategic thinking, excellent analytical skills, and a strong focus on continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the oversight of the entire contract lifecycle, from negotiation and execution to renewal and termination.
• Maintain a centralized repository for all contracts and related documents in collaboration with the Contracts Center of Excellence Team.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements for various Hershey functions such as manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and IT.
• Ensure all contracts comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within the contract management function.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency.
• Develop and execute improvement strategies, including change management activities.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand their contract needs and provide guidance.
• Conduct training sessions for staff on contract management best practices and continuous improvement techniques.
• Facilitate workshops and meetings to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to contract management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Regularly report on the status of improvement projects and contract performance to senior management.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with contracts and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in commercial transactions at a law firm or in-house at a consumer-packaged goods company.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school preferred.
• Experience drafting and negotiating contracts in procurement and sales, including MSAs, commercial agreements, vendor agreements, and NDAs.
• Strong understanding of contract law and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or in a similar role, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in using contract management software and continuous improvement tools.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience within a consumer-packaged goods context is preferred.
• Experience supporting food manufacturing operations is a plus.
• Strong ability to manage and prioritize a high-volume workload in a fast-moving environment.