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Senior Contract Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$99K/yr

Join Esri's Professional Services division as a Sr. Contract Specialist and play a key role in ... In this role, you'll manage a variety of complex contracts, collaborate with cross-functional teams ...

Sr. Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$99K/yr

Join Esri's Professional Services division as a Sr. Contract Specialist and play a key role in ... In this role, you'll manage a variety of complex contracts, collaborate with cross-functional teams ...

Senior Contract Analyst

Ontario, CA

$89K - $118K/yr

Director Vendor Management Office JOB SUMMARY: Under minimal direction the Sr. Contract Analyst is responsible for reviewing IT contract requests for completeness, accuracy and proper process flows ...

Contract Manager

Woodland, CA · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

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 ...

Sr. Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$75K - $118K/yr

Join Esri's Professional Services division as a Sr. Contract Specialist and play a key role in ... In this role, you'll manage a variety of complex contracts, collaborate with cross-functional teams ...

Contract Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

The Contract Manager is responsible for the successful day-to-day operations at their respective ... Consult with Senior Operations Manager, Safekeeping and/or Director of Operations, Safekeeping to ...

Contract Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

The Contract Manager is responsible for the successful day-to-day operations at their respective ... Consult with Senior Operations Manager, Safekeeping and/or Director of Operations, Safekeeping to ...

The Sr. Contract Specialist's primary responsibility will be to administer customer contracts ... Contract management and administration of both government and commercial contracts which includes ...

The Sr. Contract Specialist's primary responsibility will be to administer customer contracts ... Contract management and administration of both government and commercial contracts which includes ...

The Sr. Contract Specialist's primary responsibility will be to administer customer contracts ... Contract management and administration of both government and commercial contracts which includes ...

Contracts Manager

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... contract management software is preferred. Ideal backgrounds may include: Contracts Manager, Senior ... Contracts Specialist, Contracts Specialist, Contracts Coordinator, Legal Studies professional, or ...

Contracts Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Senior Contracts Manager Location: San Jose, California Salary Range: $97,500 to $128,000 *This position is eligible for the annual performance bonus plan. Final determination of a successful ...

... contract management software is preferred. Ideal backgrounds may include: Contracts Manager, Senior ... Contracts Specialist, Contracts Specialist, Contracts Coordinator, Legal Studies professional, or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Contract Manager information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$95.8K

$180.1K

How much do senior contract manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior contract manager in California is $95,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $134,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior contract manager?

Senior Contract Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the development, negotiation, execution, and management of contracts within an organization. They ensure that contracts comply with legal requirements and company policies while mitigating risks and maximizing value for their employer. Senior Contract Managers often lead contract management teams, work closely with legal, procurement, and project departments, and handle complex or high-value agreements. Their expertise is crucial in maintaining strong business relationships and supporting organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior contract manager?

To thrive as a Senior Contract Manager, you need deep expertise in contract law, negotiation, and risk management, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software (such as Icertis, SAP Ariba, or Coupa) and relevant certifications like CPCM (Certified Professional Contracts Manager) are highly beneficial. Strong attention to detail, leadership, and excellent communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure contracts are compliant, risks are minimized, and organizational objectives are efficiently achieved.

What are some common challenges faced by senior contract managers, and how can they effectively navigate them?

Senior Contract Managers often deal with complex negotiations, tight deadlines, and the need to balance risk mitigation with business objectives. Navigating these challenges requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate and resolve potential conflicts between stakeholders. Building effective cross-functional relationships and staying updated on regulatory changes can also help ensure contracts are both compliant and strategically sound.

What is the difference between Senior Contract Manager vs Contract Administrator?

AspectSenior Contract ManagerContract Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in business, law, or related field; often certifications like CPCM or NCMAUsually holds a bachelor’s degree; certifications like NCCER or NCMA are common but less mandatory
Work EnvironmentStrategic roles overseeing contract negotiations, compliance, and risk management at managerial levelsOperational roles managing contract documentation, processing, and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like construction, government, and corporate sectors for senior rolesCommon in similar industries for entry- to mid-level contract management tasks

The main difference is that a Senior Contract Manager handles strategic contract oversight, negotiations, and risk management, while a Contract Administrator focuses on day-to-day contract documentation and administrative duties. The Senior Contract Manager role requires more experience and often advanced certifications, whereas the Contract Administrator role is more operational and entry-level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Manager jobs in California?

The most popular types of Senior Manager jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Contract Manager jobs in California?

For Senior Contract Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Contract Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Contract Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Contract Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Contract Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Contract Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,829 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

1071 Senior Contract Manager

Harvest Technical Services, Inc.

Vacaville, CA

$75 - $80.80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Onsite: Vacaville, CA


Job Summary

  • As a member of the Global Capital Sourcing team, a Senior Contracts & Claims Manager is sought to be responsible for the commercial management of a variety of projects within large and medium green or brown field CAPEX schemes (CAPEX project sizes/spend of min 5 m USD). The aims are to protect the company’s rights and entitlements as provided in the contracts, ensure the Contractors’ obligations are fulfilled, ensure the company is fulfilling their obligations, optimizing value-for-money, reducing contract risks, lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), on time/schedule delivery, quality and in-cost project purchases to support the goal for The company’s growth investments. 
  • He/she is in position to mitigate risks related to the contract creation / execution, identify cost benefit solutions to complex contractual matters (including regular delivery and close out of complex negotiations with extremal Stakeholders and Consultants).
  • The position is expected to act as a commercial expert working in close cooperation and coordination together with the Global Engineering team (SGIE), the local project team and any other relevant internal or external stakeholder, ensuring a common company approach to suppliers.
  • Lead the execution of contracts to secure our The company contractual rights and entitlements.
  • Responsible to report contracting plan status and variations to the Project & Procurement on a periodic basis.
  • Manage the contracting plan during project execution, commissioning and evaluation stages, including the contractor's cost in cooperation with Cost Control.
  • Prepare a summary of key contractual points (deviations from norms, identified risks, of concern to the company) generated by a review such that they can be readily identified and addressed.
  • Negotiate and agree contract extensions & change request.
  • Coordinate activities such as change orders, delay management, conflict management, preparation for potential litigation / arbitration / ADR in terms of proper documentation, timely responses to the contractor as per contract.
  • Monitor and safeguards the legal right as per the provisions of the contract.
  • Manage the Warranty and performance guarantees of the project assets.
  • Ensuring all requirements of the company, are met with respect to contract review.
  • Coordinating the involvement of legal counsel and/or Client legal counsel in reviews as required.
  • Support in Arbitration and in Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures.
  • Overseeing, managing, directing and supporting the project commercial teams to ensure optimization of project returns.


CLAIM MANAGEMENT

  • Identifying opportunities for outgoing claims, development of claim strategies, supporting/preparing notifications/correspondence as well as negotiation and settlement.
  • Analysis of incoming claims, development of defense strategies, supporting/preparing response/correspondence, claim negotiation and settlement.
  • Collection and registration of all claim related documentation in company’s claim repository.


SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

  • Manage escalation of issues and claims management with supplier.
  • Develop the supplier relationship according to the expectations per supplier segment.
  • Support supplier relationship management and to ensure reliable high quality supply.
  • Support the supplier performance, compliance and accountability through supplier scorecards and performance metrics.
  • Involved in periodic commercial audits of main contractors.


STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

  • Identify and engage with internal stakeholders, including Project Management, Global SGIE, Global Procurement and Corporate Functions (mainly Legal and Finance).
  • Clarify stakeholder requirements.
  • Drive proactive communications.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Education

  • Degree (required)* A higher commercial background equivalent to a Bachelor (BSc/BA), preferably Master degree (MSc/MBA) or equivalent and a good thorough technical understanding and knowledge
  • Field of Study: Purchasing, Engineering or Legal, Quantity Surveying or Cost Consulting.
  • Certifications (incl. professional qualifications) i.e. ACCA, GPHR, CIPS, PgMP. 


Preferred

  • AACE / ACOSTE / MRICS/ MCIOB / MCIArb professional qualifications are desirable.
  • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience with major contractors / consultants in roles dealing with management of project change procedures, cost management, claims and variations, negotiation and settlement of disputes with owners and subcontractors.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing contract strategies that have yielded measurable business results.
  • Has preferably overseen, sourced from or worked for EPCMV / EPC contractors.
  • Experience operating at a senior level on a major project or in a Commercial / Claims Manager role in a large construction company.
  • Experience in a regulated industry (i.e. pharmaceutical, food) advantageous.
  • Ability to work cross functionally in project work and project management.
  • Highly Experienced - 10+ years.


Skills

  • Business and financial acumen.
  • Contracting strategy & execution, strategic sourcing expertise, procurement/sourcing knowledge/experience for large CAPEX projects.
  • A strong understanding of construction technology, sequencing and practices.
  • Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Demonstrated project management skills.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing sourcing strategies that have yielded measurable business results.
  • Ability to work cross functionally in project work and project management.
  • Has overseen, sourced from or worked for EPCMV contractors.
  • Skills in all procurement processes including commodity management, supplier management, negotiations, contract management and e-procurement systems.
  • Research, analysis, summary recommendation skills.
  • Strong negotiating and influencing skills on international level.
  • Experience managing global relationships, both internal and external.
  • Experience with international commercial contracts and agreements.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills and ability to build business relationships and to work in multifunctional team.


The hiring rate for this position is $75.00 to $80.80 per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity, and may also vary depending on candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience amongst other factors.


Harvest Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, Sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.