1

Contract Administration Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Principal Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$98.80K - $153.92K/yr

Overview Are you a seasoned contracts professional ready to lead and inspire? Join Esri`s ... Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or related field ...

Sr. Principal Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$100.88K - $212.16K/yr

Overview Are you a strategic contracts leader ready to take your impact to the next level? At Esri ... Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or a related field ...

Lead Analyst, Contract Management

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$74.10K - $89.60K/yr

Contract Administration and Management Job Category: Professional All Job Posting Locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America, Irvine, California, United States of America, Raritan, New ...

Lead Analyst, Contract Management

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$74.10K - $89.60K/yr

Contract Administration and Management Job Category: Professional All Job Posting Locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America, Irvine, California, United States of America, Raritan, New ...

... in contract administration within construction, engineering, or a related field • Strong understanding of contract terminology, compliance, and risk management • Experience working with ...

Bachelor's degree in business, contracts administration, legal studies, economics, or a related field Recommended Qualifications * MBA or JD * Experience negotiating technology and services ...

... in contract administration or legal support • Demonstrated experience drafting contract language and amendments • Experience working with engineering , construction , or related industry ...

Contracts Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... in contract administration or legal support • Demonstrated experience drafting contract language and amendments • Experience working with engineering , construction , or related industry ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Administration information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.4K

$76.4K

$116.8K

How much do contract administration jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract administration in Riverside, CA is $76,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Administrator, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of contract law, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, law, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software, document management systems, and compliance tools is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you manage relationships and resolve issues effectively. These skills are crucial for ensuring contracts are accurate, compliant, and beneficial to the organization.

What are some common challenges faced in a Contract Administration role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and handling changes or disputes between parties. Staying organized with clear documentation and proactive communication with stakeholders helps prevent misunderstandings and delays. Utilizing contract management software and regularly reviewing contract performance can also streamline processes and reduce errors, making it easier to address issues as they arise.

What is contract administration?

Contract administration refers to the process of managing contracts made with customers, vendors, partners, or employees. It involves ensuring that all parties fulfill their contractual obligations, monitoring performance, handling changes or disputes, and maintaining thorough records. Professionals in contract administration help protect organizations from legal and financial risks by ensuring compliance with contract terms and applicable laws. They often collaborate closely with legal, procurement, and project management teams. Effective contract administration can improve relationships, reduce costs, and prevent misunderstandings.

Is contract administration a stressful job?

Contract administration can be stressful due to tight deadlines, complex negotiations, and the need for accuracy in managing legal and financial details. Professionals in this role often work under pressure to ensure compliance and timely project completion, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

What is the difference between Contract Administration vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContract AdministrationContract Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, law, or related field; certifications like Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) are commonSimilar credentials; often holds a bachelor's degree and certifications such as CFCM or CPCM
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, often within government agencies or corporations, managing ongoing contractsOffice or remote, focusing on contract creation, review, and compliance
Employer & IndustryUsed in government, construction, and corporate sectors for managing contractual relationshipsCommon in government contracting, defense, and large corporations for contract review and negotiation

Contract Administration and Contract Specialist roles share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in government and corporate sectors. While Contract Administration focuses on managing and executing contracts throughout their lifecycle, Contract Specialists primarily handle contract creation, review, and compliance. Both roles are essential for ensuring contractual obligations are met efficiently and legally.

What are the most commonly searched types of Administration jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Administration jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Administration jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Administration job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Administration job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,353 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Principal Contract Specialist

Principal Contract Specialist

Esri

Redlands, CA • On-site

$98.80K - $153.92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview
Are you a seasoned contracts professional ready to lead and inspire? Join Esri`s Professional Services division as a Principal Contract Specialist and take charge of high-impact agreements that support our mission to deliver transformative geospatial solutions. In this role, you`ll manage complex contracts, mentor a growing team, and serve as a strategic advisor- shaping policy, guiding negotiations, and elevating contract management practices across the organization.
You will be joining a team of Contract professionals who enjoy working together to support Esri's large customer base and internal customer requests. We love what we do, and we love Esri's philosophy. You will have a management team and colleagues who are here to support you. Technology is always changing, and our customers are finding new ways to utilize geospatial software to improve the world, so your assignments are varied, challenging, and fascinating.
Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Redlands, CA area for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the full lifecycle of complex services contracts, including RFP analysis, proposal development, negotiation, execution, and closeout
  • Provide strategic guidance to internal stakeholders on contract structuring, risk mitigation, and compliance with applicable regulations and policies
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, offering insights on pricing strategies, terms, and negotiation approaches
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, finance, and project teams to resolve complex contractual issues and support program success
  • Mentor and coach junior and mid-level contract professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence
  • Support a variety of contract types, including commercial, public sector, international, and federal agreements
  • Apply knowledge of FAR/DFAR and federal procurement processes where applicable; federal experience is highly valued but not required

Requirements
  • 8+ years of progressively complex contract administration experience
  • Demonstrated success in negotiating and managing a variety of contract types and structures
  • Strong understanding of contract law, risk management, and procurement best practices
  • Proven leadership and mentoring experience within a Contracts or Legal team
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this posting. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or related field

Recommended Qualifications
  • Familiarity with federal contracting and large systems integrator terms and conditions
  • Experience working with federal agencies and federal regulations including FAR/DFAR, SBA, EAR, ITAR, and Defense Security Service
  • Familiarity with professional services contract terms, cloud computing terms, software licensing terms, software product development activities, intellectual property protection, and subcontracting
  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, Juris Doctorate, or related field

#LI-SS2
#LI-Onsite
Total Rewards
Esri's competitive total rewards strategy includes industry-leading health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance for employees (and their families), 401(k) and profit-sharing programs, minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Base salary is one component of our total rewards strategy. Compensation decisions and the base range for this role take into account many factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
A reasonable estimate of the base salary range is
$98,800-$153,920 USD
The Company
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.
Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.

ESRI logo

About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969