Contracts Manager

Aquent is thrilled to partner with a leading financial services firm, renowned for its innovation in the dynamic and rapidly expanding world of digital assets and blockchain technology. This organization is dedicated to empowering individuals and institutions through cutting-edge financial solutions, fostering a future where financial services are secure, efficient, and competitive. As a key contributor in this pivotal role, you will directly influence the security, efficiency, and competitive edge of these cutting-edge financial services, making a tangible difference in the firm's ability to innovate and serve its clients.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join this forward-thinking team and drive strategic sourcing initiatives within the digital asset space. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead critical negotiations, manage complex vendor agreements, and contribute significantly to the firm's growth and risk mitigation strategies in an evolving technological landscape. Your expertise will be instrumental in navigating the intricate and innovative realm of digital assets and cryptocurrency, shaping strategic vendor relationships and ensuring operational excellence.

What You Will Do

• Provide essential category management leadership, planning, and expertise to business partners, guiding the strategic sourcing lifecycle from end-to-end.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with senior internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor throughout the procurement process.
• Collaborate closely with legal and risk functions on critical vendor engagements, ensuring robust compliance and proactive mitigation of potential issues.
• Lead competitive sourcing events to strategically identify optimal vendors and innovative alternative solutions, consistently driving favorable pricing and terms.
• Conduct thorough review, in-depth analysis, and expert negotiation of strategic projects and complex vendor agreements.
• Gather comprehensive business and technical requirements, producing all necessary documentation for effective sourcing events (e.g., RFx).
• Develop compelling internal presentations and robust business cases to secure approvals for critical multi-year vendor agreements.
• Prepare, review, and meticulously manage ad hoc documents requiring specialized risk and legal assessments.
• Perform detailed economic analysis of vendor proposals and provide insightful responses to management inquiries regarding vendor expenditures.
• Proactively identify and meticulously document internal and external risks pertinent to financial services, market data, digital assets, crypto infrastructure, custody, blockchain technology, and related fintech transactions.
• Champion sourcing and procurement for all digital asset and cryptocurrency-related vendor engagements, encompassing custodians, blockchain infrastructure providers, wallet technology vendors, trading platforms, and compliance tools.
• Partner strategically with Legal, Risk, Compliance, Information Security, Finance, and business stakeholders to conduct comprehensive vendor risk assessments specific to digital assets and crypto, covering regulatory requirements, data security, operational resiliency, and more.
• Ensure unwavering adherence to internal policies and procedures by collaborating effectively with Finance, Legal, Risk, and other subject matter experts.
• Champion the adoption of industry-leading procurement services and tools to foster strong, mutually beneficial supplier and business partner relationships.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of progressive experience in category management, strategic sourcing, consulting, vendor management, risk management, and/or procurement.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience sourcing, procuring, negotiating, or supporting vendor engagements specifically involving digital assets, cryptocurrency, blockchain infrastructure, crypto custody, fintech platforms, or related cutting-edge technology services.
• Proven ability to effectively lead cross-functional teams and develop impactful category management plans that maximize value and mitigate risks while consistently meeting diverse stakeholder requirements.
• A consistent track record of building and nurturing highly effective working relationships with senior business partners, internal stakeholders, and key supplier counterparts.
• A self-starter mentality, capable of expertly managing multiple complex projects concurrently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with minimal direction.
• Exceptional negotiation skills coupled with a solid, practical understanding of contract law and risk requirements.
• Deep expertise in sourcing policy, established procedures, and best-in-class processes.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in handling and successfully implementing change, with a clear understanding of its broader impact on teams, business partners, and vendors.
• Ability to lead all aspects of multiple critical projects and thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in applying organizational change management principles and consulting skills/knowledge.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Strong research and analytical capabilities, enabling data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, conflict resolution, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Required proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; experience with Ariba and Tableau is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.

Nice-to-Haves

• Familiarity with digital asset market structure, various crypto custody models, blockchain analytics, wallet infrastructure, stablecoins, tokenized assets, and evolving regulatory expectations applicable to financial institutions.
• Prior experience in supply chain management, technology, fintech, digital assets, or related financial services sectors.