Vendor Management Contract Manager

HENRY E KNOBLOCK

https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-knoblock-1731a1200/

** ********* **** 617-***-****

Sudbury, MA 01776 ********************@*****.***

OBJECTIVE

Seeking a position or project where I can leverage my 20+ years prior experience using my expertise in strategic planning and sourcing, cost savings, vendor management, and customer relations, reviewing terms and conditions, drafting risk management analysis provisions, preparing contracts for review and ensuring compliance with company policy as well as applicable laws/regulations. Seeking an opportunity to influence and to participate in the growth of a business. Substantial experience with customer, government and vendor agreements in various roles providing vital commercial, and operational support to Sales, Services, IT, Finance, Cloud and Sales Operations teams during negotiations. Expert in Contracts.

EDUCATION

J.D., BOSTON COLLEGE LAW SCHOOL, Newton, MA,

B.A., YALE UNIVERSITY, New Haven, CT

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE

Knowledge of Maximo, Ariba, Microsoft Office, Access, Outlook, Power BI, e-Builder is

Review procurement documents to identify potential risk and compliance issues. Perform inventory of all IT assets. Prepare business and IT risk assessment for VMO, PSM and Procurement departments.

Knowledge of security concepts including identity and access management, certificate management, and encryption.

Ability to rapidly scan and review multiple voluminous documents.

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point) and Google Suite (Gdocs, Gsheets)

Adaptable to change and enjoy learning in a fast-paced environment.

The ability to quickly switch from one project to another and manage multiple projects and efforts simultaneously.

Support projects that are geographically diverse and cover a multitude of use cases with varying solutions.

Experience in Implementing CLM solutions to track executed agreements

Experience within the Technology, Software, Digital, Retail, Biotech and/or Healthcare Industries

Provided support for the finance department, identifying and remedying revenue recognition concerns in various customer agreements and arrangements.

Rolled out compliance policies and educational material to improve how clients comply with the laws and regulations affecting data security, HIPAA, consumer privacy and consumer rights.

Review insurance requirements in contracts and provide suggested changes based on the client’s insurance program, research on best practices, and the consultant’s experience working on contract reviews for other clients.

Prepare client-customized contract review tools and insurance requirement templates as needed to simplify and streamline the contract review process and reduce client’s contractual risk.

Expertise in project management, process development, quality systems, marketing, technical writing and web site development. Contract management experience, specifically with a technology procurement background. Able to hit the ground running.

Process management of lead generation, quoting, contracts administration, order processing, and contract compliance

RECENT PROJECTS AND ENGAGEMENTS

SIEMENS AG

Contracts Specialist

May 2024 - Present

Cary, North Carolina (Remote Contract Position)

Brightly, a Siemens company, is the global leader in intelligent asset management solutions – Brightly has a complete suite of intuitive software - including CMMS, EAM, Strategic Asset Management, IoT Remote Monitoring, Sustainability and Community Engagement.

This position partners closely with the sales, finance, and operations team to manage the review process, anticipate contractual roadblocks, identify contractual risks, strategize on methods to overcome objections, contribute to contract negotiations, and pave the way for a smooth and timely deal process while protecting company interests. Role includes:

Managing and coordinating the full contracts cycle from initial request and review through drafting, negotiation, execution, and archiving in a high-volume environment in adherence to SLA’s and company policies and procedures.

Reviewing, redlining, negotiating, and facilitating the signature of non-disclosure agreements, master license agreements, order schedules, services agreements, statements of work, vendor agreements, and contractor agreements.

Interacting with internal teams daily and provide responses to legal requests as needed.

Consulting with company leadership and legal counsel as needed to assess risk and make recommendations on exceptions to template clauses and policies.

Draft and edit agreement templates to reflect latest Go to Market initiatives and updated positions.

Partnering with Sales and Operations leadership on contract improvements and initiatives to help scale the company’s business.

Enhancing internal processes, documentation and best practices

Managing commercial contracts archive database in SalesForce

COVARIS LLC

Contracts Specialist

June 2023- May 2024

Woburn, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Covaris develops, manufactures, and markets instruments, consumables, and reagents used in pre-analytical sample preparation for genomic and proteomic analysis to help accelerate the pace of research and life science innovations. Using proprietary technologies including focused acoustic energy, Covaris’ tools achieve highly accurate and reproducible results with the goal of empowering customers to make new discoveries, develop new assays and improve bioanalytical results.

This contractor position is responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and administration of a broad range of proposals, terms and conditions of sale and other commercial contracts. Acting as primary liaison with sales organization to ensure contract compliance and optimization; interfaces directly with sales team or sales support resources within the divisions to generate customer contracts; and proactively manages existing contract base. The Contract Specialist is self-motivated, has strong business acumen, has strong attention to detail, is capable of re-prioritizing workloads with little notice, and possesses a willingness to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment. Revise, edit, and prepare redlines of complex commercial contracts, including master services agreements, product purchase agreements, quotes, Sourcing agreements, RFP/Is, Distribution, and other commercial agreements. On December 1, 2023 Perkin Elmer acquired Covaris LLC.

Ensure completion and follow through of all contract requirements including prompt communication and follow-through to internal and external customers.

Assist in maintaining Company’s internal tracking system of all pending contracts and matters. Maintains and updates SalesForce.com and/or equivalent tools related to sales processes.

Advise sales and management of contractual rights and obligations per contract. Facilitate the resolution of contractual issues.

Effectively manage the contract management system and ensure on-time processing of all contracts from initial request through execution via Docusign

Analyze the business obligations set forth within contracts and elevate any issues to internal stake holders as appropriate.

Effectively evaluate the commercial risk to the Company and suggest appropriate contract structures or terms that will provide effective risk management as well as revenue recognition

Contribute to formulation of policies and procedures within contract administration.

Proactively manage contract compliance including actions for customers out of compliance. Responsible for achieving contract compliance metrics.

Draft template contracts, correspondence, memoranda, and other documentation as needed.

Identifies continuous process improvements, develops recommendations, influences the business accordingly and may participate in the implementation of such initiatives.

Assists with identifying, assessing, and monitoring information technology risk by performing hands-on security risk assessments with assistance of IT staff.

Presented weekly market trend reports to management and authored comprehensive industry and company analysis reports, providing crucial decision-making support and contributing to optimizing market strategies

Sourced deals and analyzed opportunities in the venture capital and private equity space.

UMASS Memorial Health Center

IS Vendor VMO Operations Manager

August 2023 – February 2024

Worcester, Massachusetts (Remote Position)(6 Months)

Providing end-to-end analysis and steering of IS contracts through the UMMHC and VMO contracting process including contract negotiations, review of contract terms, conditions, and other commitments.

Works with IS Contracts Administrator to ensure contracts are executed after review cycle and tracked according to VMO standard work.

Manages intra- and inter-departmental collaboration required to effectively review and manage IS contracts through execution.

Manages efforts including representation from IS leadership (CIO, AVP, Directors), project managers, senior leaders, stakeholders, and teams responsible for reviewing contracts (legal, compliance, quality, privacy, etc.)

Works directly with vendor representatives to ensure UMMHC requirements are understood, and appropriate remedies are made to address the needs of IS and operations stakeholders.

Manages the intake, dashboard of current VMO contracts status, and delegation (where necessary) of contract review assignments to other members of the VMO.

Effectively works with Legal, Compliance, Privacy groups to incorporate standard work and requirements in the VMO contract review process and identify and implement process improvements.

Develops and maintains standard reports and analysis summaries for IS Business Operations and IS Senior Leadership.

Sourced deals and analyzed opportunities in the venture capital space.

Conducted comprehensive competitive SWOT analysis identifying potential medical practices and hospitals for acquisition in Central and Western Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

Brown University

IT Contract & Risk Assessment Specialist

April 2023 – July 2023

Providence, Rhode Island (Remote Contract Position)

Three Month Contract reviewing procurement documents to identify potential IT risk and compliance issues. Alert Information Security Group, VMO, and procurement teams as appropriate.

Assists with identifying, assessing, and monitoring information technology risk by performing hands-on security risk assessments of university wide IT contracts, spanning administrative, academic, and research units. Reviews are initiated through Brown’s standard contract process as well as auxiliary review processes, such as IRB security reviews.

Participates in meetings to identify issues and requirements, facilitate discussions, and obtain stakeholder input on timelines and deliverables.

Provide guidance to client on contract review and insurance questions.

Collaborates with contract owners and other university departments in supporting the relationship with vendors. Facilitates contract activities, including assisting with contract development, approval process, and review of terms to ensure they align with university established standards.

Maintains and manages the detailed information in the contract database, including updating and maintaining list of pre-approved risk levels for software vetted by Client’s contracts team.

AbbVie

Procurement/Business Analyst

August 2022- April 2023

North Chicago, Illinois (Remote Contract Position)

Ten month Contract reviewing procurement documents to identify potential risk and compliance issues. Alert VMO and procurement teams as appropriate.

Sourced deals and analyzed opportunities in the venture capital space.

Load content & responses into knowledgebase where needed.

Provide feedback to Senior Management as requested.

Prepare business and IT risk assessment for VMO, PSM and Procurement departments.

Business and technical background, especially with cloud environments (SaaS, PaaS, and/or IaaS).

Conducted comprehensive competitive SWOT analysis identifying promising early-stage biotech and pharmaceutical companies for investment and/or acquisition.

Danforth Advisors

Contracts/Operations Manager

August 2020-December 2022 (Three Month Contract)

Waltham, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Danforth is the financial backbone to hundreds of health care and life science companies, providing integrated and scalable consulting teams ranging from staff accountant through CFO. The company’s services span the full breadth of a finance organization’s needs, whether short or long term, including accounting and operational finance support, capital raising, financial planning and analysis, IPO preparation and post-public SEC compliance. Responsible for all aspects of the sales process including:

Part of Operations team responsible for implementing and maintaining Salesforce CRM and CLM

Owning the RFP response process collaborating on numerous RFP responses.

Initiating client orders via internal systems and process documents for execution.

Managing existing contracts and files to ensure accurate record retention.

Liaising with sales, business development, sales operations, customer services, finance, staffing and other business teams to resolve issues related to contracts.

Developing and maintaining central tracking and reporting mechanism for status of all contracts and agreements in Salesforce

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V.

Procurement/Business Analyst

April 2020- March 2021(1 Year)

Quincy, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

The companies of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest group in the nation, with nearly 2,000 retail stores and more than 6 million annualized online grocery orders. A one year contract position reviewing, negotiating, and drafting various commercial agreements, including, but not limited to: master service agreements (MSAs), collaboration agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), consulting agreements, and licensing agreements including the following:

Expertise in strategic planning and sourcing, contract negotiations, cost savings, vendor management, and customer relations

Analyzing, reviewing, revising and tracking new/renewal IT contracts

Acting as primary point of contact for vendors and internal business customers

Validating contracts to ensure all business, insurance and legal requirements are met

Comprehensive knowledge of supply chain best practices

Providing training, guidance, risk assessments and recommendations to management and other internal business customers

Intelligently assessing complex issues and providing input for process improvements to maintain the integrity of the contract management process

Handling RFP and Contract Solicitations

Review IT Security Questionnaires and manage SOC 2 requests and reports

Obtaining all requisite internal approvals for procurements including vendor information security reports, insurance certificates and internal BOAs.

Securing authorized signatures for contract execution using Docusign and AdobeSign

Deep understanding on statement of work clauses and a capacity to redefine terms which could be favorable to Ahold.

Proactively monitoring when the terms of agreements are nearing expiration. Discuss on-going requirements with IT Management.

Developing and maintaining central tracking and reporting mechanism for all contracts and agreements within the responsibility of IT Procurement ensuring annual renewals are completed.

Maintaining files of supporting documentation including original paper documentation as required.

LOOKOUT, INC.

Contracts Specialist

January 2020- March 2020 (3 Months)

Weston, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Lookout is a cybersecurity company for the post-perimeter, cloud-first, mobile-first world. Powered by the largest dataset of mobile code in existence, the Lookout Security Cloud provides visibility into the entire spectrum of mobile risk. Lookout is trusted by hundreds of millions of individual users, enterprises and government agencies and partners such as AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Microsoft, Apple and others. Drafted a broad range of software license, reseller and SAAS agreements to meet deadlines for sales for fiscal year close.

WATERS CORPORATION

Contracts Specialist

September 2019-December 2019 (3 Month Contract)

Milford, Massachusetts

Waters creates business advantages for laboratory-dependent organizations by delivering ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), chromatography columns and chemistry products, mass spectrometry systems, laboratory informatics solutions, and comprehensive service programs to enable significant advancement in healthcare delivery, environmental management, food safety, and water quality. An interim position reviewing, negotiating, and drafting various commercial agreements, including, but not limited to: master service agreements (MSAs), collaboration agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), consulting agreements, and licensing agreements. Sourced deals and analyzed opportunities in the venture capital space, driving

ACRONIS, INC.

Contracts Specialist

June 2019 – July 2019 (2 Month Contract)

Burlington, Massachusetts

Contract position to cover summer vacations in support of the leading provider of innovative backup, anti-ransomware, disaster recovery, storage, and enterprise file sync and share solutions with the following duties:

Negotiating commercial agreements, including but not limited to software licensing (inbound and outbound), supplier, reseller and other technology agreements

Working closely with the Company’s business units, primarily on legal issues relating to customer and vendor contracts

Review details of approvals and confirm that information in the draft software license agreement accurately follows the structure of the approved deal, including any special provisions

• Draft, review and edit a variety of commercial contracts related to Company’s

QUICKBASE, INC.

Contracts Counsel

January 2019 – June 2019 (Six Month Contract)

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Quick Base, formerly a division of Intuit, is the industry’s leading low-code platform for citizen development for quickly building, customizing and connecting scalable, secure cloud applications mapped to unique business challenges, all without compromising IT governance and control Six month Contract filling in for Deputy General Counsel on medical leave with the following duties:

Prepare SAAS contract documents for execution to appropriate parties

Actively participate in discussions with internal and external stakeholders to obtain full understanding of contract requirements

Interface with cross-functional departments, including but not limited to: legal, credit, finance, service, direct sales, product marketing, risk management and contract administration

Recommend solutions in accordance with standard operational guidelines during the contract review and approval process

Identify areas of business risk and escalate elements that deviate from established business strategies and policies

Ensure receipt of approval documentation from cross-functional stakeholders for all exceptions to standard terms and conditions, in support of JSOX compliance

Ensure document content integrity and version control is maintained throughout the contract negotiation, approval and execution processt in Contracts

Keep contracts and playbook up to date with most current products, solutions, and services

Implemented CLM to track executed agreements

Samsonite LLC

IT Contracts Counsel

July 2016- December 2019

Mansfield, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Worked remotely as IT Contracts Specialist assisting legal group in clearing backlog of IT and software contracts with particular emphasis on data security and data privacy issues.

Draft Playbook for all Direct and Indirect Procurement contracts

Annual training for staff on Contract Review and Negotiation

Mavenir (formerly Comverse / Xura ; Nasdaq: CNSI / MESG)

Business Analyst/ LER Project Manager

July 2016 - December 2018 (2 years 6 month Contract)

Reading Massachusetts

Project Manager for Xura (NASDAQ: MESG) in connection with its acquisition by affiliates of Siris Capital Group, LLC in a transaction reflecting an equity value of approximately $643 million in August 2016 and the acquisition by Xura, Inc. of Mitel Mobility for $385 million in March 2017.

Analyzing, reviewing, revising and tracking new/renewal IT contracts

Acting as primary point of contact for vendors and internal business customers

Validating contracts to ensure all business and legal requirements are met

Comprehensive knowledge of supply chain best practices

Lead project manager in Legal Entity Rationalization project which reduced 144 entities around the world to 50 through liquidations and mergers of the entities.

Organized legal administration and managed corporate record housekeeping (e.g., resolutions and subsidiary minute maintenance).

Implemented CLM to track executed agreements

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Contracts Counsel (sales)

May 2017 - December 2017 (8 months)

Newton, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Acted as Special Counsel to Adobe Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ: ADBE) drafting and negotiating a broad range of software license and SAAS agreements.

Managed Salesforce CMS and CLM

GateHouse Media

Contracts Counsel

November 2016 - July 2017 (9 months)

Quincy, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Advise on all matters concerning the strategic management of data within its business: from its creation, use and commercialization across multiple jurisdictions, through to its retention, security and ultimate destruction from developing and implementing corporate IT questionnaires, assessments, plans, policies and procedures to representation on transactional matters.

Responsible for drafting and negotiating complex licensing agreements, including data, product and redistribution agreements.

Panera Bread

Contracts Counsel

July 2016 - November 2016 (5 months)

Needham, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Worked remotely as Special Contracts Counsel at Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA) assisting legal group in clearing backlog of IT and software contracts with particular emphasis on data security and data privacy issues.

Worked on project on implementing electronic signatures and related records retention issue.

Care.com

Contracts Counsel

October 2015 - December 2015 (3 months) October 2018- March 2019 (6 Months)

Waltham, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Special Counsel to publicly traded company (NYSE: CRCM) which is the world’s largest online destination for finding and managing family care, with 17.8 million member consumers across 16 countries, including the US, UK, Canada and parts of Western Europe, and approximately half a million employees of corporate clients having access to its services.

Drafted and negotiated agreements for customized benefits packages for its Global Workplace Solutions group and negotiated contracts for a number of end of year IT procurements while full-time in-house Corporate Counsel was on maternity leave.

FLEXcon

Contracts Counsel

February 2015 - July 2015 (6 months)

Spencer, Massachusetts (Remote Contract Position)

Special Counsel to leading provider of biocompatible adhesives reviewing, drafting and negotiating a broad range of complex patent licensing, product supply and sponsored research agreements.

Ciber

Contracts Counsel

April 2014 - March 2015 (1 year)

Denver, Colorado (Remote Contract Position)

Special Counsel to a NYSE publicly traded leading global IT company with 6,500 consultants in North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific, and approximately $1 billion in annual business,

Reviewing, drafting and negotiating a broad range of complex agreements by working collaboratively with business and functional teams.

AVG Technologies

Contracts Counsel

January 2013 - September 2013 (9 months)

Prague, Czech Republic (Remote Contract Position)

Provided advice on employment applications, background checks, data privacy and related matters.

Drafted and negotiated employment agreements, including consulting agreements, and other employment-related documents.

Partnered with HR on employee relations matters, including immigration issues and H-1B applications. Expert in Contracts

Developed and drafted corporate policies, including but not limited to those related to data privacy and document retention.

SKILLS

I have 30 years of relevant experience in contract management, analysis, and playbook management for both vendor and client engagements

Ability to think strategically while managing the details and to make clear recommendations.

Proven negotiation skills, and comfortable dealing with all levels of an organization and client/vendor organizations.

Strong organizational, project management, and execution skills.

Proactive approach to recognizing needs, anticipating issues, and solving problems

Review insurance requirements in contracts and provide suggested changes based on the client’s insurance program, research on best practices, and the consultant’s experience working on contract reviews for other clients..

Ability to balance and prioritize multiple time-sensitive tasks, and manage competing priorities effectively and independently, including driving results and delivering to deadlines and budgets.

Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team and cross-functionally.

Strong interpersonal skills, team-oriented attitude, and superior attention to detail.

Strong understanding of field sales and sales support requirements (lead generation, quoting, contracts administration, order processing, and contract compliance). Excellent collaboration and team building skills

Strong M&A Background performing due diligence and other pre- and post-acquisition analysis

Expertise in strategic planning and sourcing, contract negotiations, cost savings, vendor management, and customer relations

Expertise in negotiating with suppliers to produce contracts that adhere to contracting standards and meet business objectives.

Experience in insurance coverage analysis and negotiating coverage issues

Proficiency utilizing all evolving technological tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe eSign, DocuSign, Contract Management tools including Salesforce, iManage, Icertis, SharePoint, Conga, Conga Composer, Ironclad, Ariba Contract Management and Ariba Buyer, Bill.com, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype for Business etc.) to streamline daily tasks and communications.

Performs work independently with minimal supervision Ability to work within tight time-frames and meet strict deadlines

Demonstrated problem solving skills

Strong communication and listening skills

Highly effective and persuasive communicator in a pressured environment.

Practical, pragmatic and solution-oriented approach to resolving conflicts.

Demonstrated ability to self-evaluate and invest in continuous improvement.

Analytically driven (with both words and numbers).

Proven ability to manage a high volume of contracts.

Self-starter, proactive, identifies areas for improvement, and takes initiative to facilitate solutions.

Strong communication skills to effectively discuss business and legal concepts, negotiate agreements with customers, and manage internal and external expectations.

Strong work ethic with an ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to multitask, manage a portfolio of agreement negotiations, respond quickly/reasonably, and look for more efficient approaches to accelerate the contract process and sales cycle.

Open to Full-Time Employment as well as project based engagements

Contact this candidate