Contract Negotiator

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

Office hours are 8AM to 5PM Monday thru Friday. Some night or weekend work may be required during periods of peak demand.
After 60 days of employment, position may be eligible to work remotely 2 days a week.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

The position resides in the Procurement Office. They will have responsibility for in-depth review of contractual agreements, revision of terms and conditions, and negotiation of the contracts for goods and services. Revisions include the negotiation of terms and conditions with vendors. Review of contracts will encompass compliance with Federal and Georgia State law, HIPAA, FERPA, GLBA, PCI, Export Control, etc. Revisions will be coordinated with OLA for legal sufficiency and negotiations will involve OLA as necessary.

Click this link to learn more about this role and what it means to join the UGA Procurement team:
Contract_Negotiator_Document_2022_May.pdf (uga.edu)

Knowledgeable in the review of legal documents.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Sit, bend, type and communicate via telephone and email.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contract Analysis, Research & Revision: Analyzes contracts/agreements/terms & conditions presented by vendors to determine areas that need revisions and negotiations to address non-compliance with federal or state laws, present business risks, etc. Conducts legal research as needed. Analysis, research results and proposed revisions are communicated to OLA for legal sufficiency review and feedback. Ensures analysis for the need of special provisions such as GDPR, HIPAA, FERPA, GLBA, PCI, Export Control, etc. is conducted and included in proposed revisions. Analysis includes review and understanding of counter-proposals from vendors. All revisions and counterproposals will be coordinated with OLA. Through consultation with OLA ensures contracts are compliant with law, fair, equitable, and enforceable. The type of agreements vary and range from software, licenses, leases, catering and events, travel management services, maintenance, services, goods, etc.

Negotiation and Communication: Effectively communicates (both verbal and written) with vendors, campus, and other Procurement staff to explain the "why" driving the contract revision, assist in understanding business risks, and tie decisions to law, rules and regulations as applicable. Negotiates contract revisions with vendors in writing or verbally as needed. Analyzes and mitigates risk through effective communication with the UGA end user and the vendor. Utilizes conflict resolution skills as called upon. Possesses strong interpersonal skills.

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking: Employs problem solving skills and critical thinking when dealing with difficult situations and negotiations. Maintains rapport with vendors, campus, and other staff members. Demonstrates excellent analytical abilities and the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously

Facilitates Resolution of Contractual Issues: Utilizes knowledge base to provide guidance in resolving protests, contract terminations or other pre-award or post-award issues that are tied to contractual terms, State rules and regulations, etc.

Execute Contracts and Manage files: Once negotiations are complete the contract negotiator has the authority to execute the contract and bind the University. Ensure all negotiations are properly documented, that the fully executed contract is maintained per Procurement internal practice for easily accessibility, recorded as needed in UGAmart, and associated with any applicable purchase orders.

Keeps current on University procurement rules and regulations, State of Georgia and federal requirements. Serves on committees formed from time to time to revise contractual terms, policies, and procedures concerning contracting and purchasing issues. Performs research and related work as needed and assigned. Collaborates with the Procurement Officer and Associate Procurement Officers in developing policies, procedures, and guidelines. Develops and manages effective relationships with University legal counsel.