Contract Manager - Strategic
Lumen Technologies · United States
- Hybrid
- Contract
- $75,225 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Manage vendor agreements for network expansion.
- Negotiate with top data center operators.
- Monitor vendor performance and relationships.
- Manage spend and network budgets.
- Support strategic network footprint projects.
About the role
About Lumen
Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up – committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress.
We’re looking for top-tier talent and offer the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Join us as we digitally connect the world and shape the future.
The Role
At Lumen, we’re building the next-generation digital infrastructure that connects people, data, and applications—fast, secure, and everywhere. As a Contract Manager, you’ll be at the heart of this transformation, driving smart vendor agreements that fuel our network expansion and cost efficiency across North America.
This isn’t just contract management—it’s strategic enablement. You’ll help shape how Lumen deploys colocation space and power, ensuring our network remains agile, scalable, and cost-effective.
Location
This is a work from home position within the U.S.
The Main Responsibilities
- Negotiate new and renewal agreements with top-tier data center operators.
- Coordinate delivery of space and power to support Lumen’s high-performance network.
- Monitor vendor performance and ensure alignment with service expectations.
- Improve vendor relationships and drive operational excellence.
- Communicate vendor capabilities to internal teams and track delivery.
- Manage spend and track impact on network and operating budgets.
- Align vendor activity with Lumen’s buying plans and revenue commitments.
- Support strategic projects that advance Lumen’s network footprint.
Required
What We Look For in a Candidate
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent typically with 2-4 years or 0-1 years with a Master's Degree
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Excellent time management and prioritization
- Proven relationship-building and negotiation skills
- Problem-solving mindset with business acumen
- Adaptability and innovation in dynamic environments
- Clear communicator with presentation skills
- Background in contract/vendor management
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and Office proficiency
- Experience working cross-functionally
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in business, legal, finance, or related field
- Experience in 3rd Party Collocation
- Exposure to telecom, financial, or legal operations
Compensation
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors
Location Based Pay Ranges
- $56,420 - $75,225 in these states: AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NM, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WI, WV, and WY.
- $59,240 - $78,987 in these states: CO, HI, MI, MN, NC, NH, NV, OR, and RI.
- $62,061 - $82,748 in these states: AK, CA, CT, DC, DE, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, TX, VA, and WA.
Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.
Learn More About Lumen's BenefitsBonus Structure
Requisition #: 342386
Background Screening
If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Equal Employment Opportunities
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.
Disclaimer
The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.
Key skills/competency
- Contract Management
- Vendor Management
- Negotiation
- Data Center Operations
- Network Infrastructure
- Financial Management
- Strategic Sourcing
- Relationship Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Cross-functional Collaboration
Skills & topics
- Contract Manager
- Vendor Management
- Negotiation
- Data Center
- Telecommunications
- Network Infrastructure
- Procurement
- Strategic Sourcing
- Agreement Management
- Financial Management
- Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Remote
- US
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight contract, vendor management, and negotiation experience.
- Showcase skills: Emphasize analytical, organizational, and Excel proficiency.
- Demonstrate business acumen: Detail problem-solving and strategic contribution examples.
- Prepare for interviews: Practice discussing vendor relationship and negotiation scenarios.
- Understand Lumen: Research their digital infrastructure and company culture.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Contract Manager position at Lumen Technologies?
- The salary range for the Contract Manager role at Lumen Technologies varies by location. In many states, it ranges from $56,420 to $75,225. For other states, it can be between $59,240 to $78,987, and in some higher cost-of-living states, it can range from $62,061 to $82,748. Your final offer will depend on your skills and experience.
- Is the Contract Manager role at Lumen Technologies remote?
- Yes, the Contract Manager position at Lumen Technologies is a work-from-home role within the U.S., offering flexibility for candidates across the country.
- What are the key responsibilities of a Contract Manager at Lumen Technologies?
- As a Contract Manager at Lumen, you will negotiate and manage agreements with data center operators, coordinate space and power delivery, monitor vendor performance, improve vendor relationships, manage spend, and support strategic network projects.
- What qualifications are required for the Contract Manager role at Lumen?
- A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent is required, typically with 2-4 years of experience (or 0-1 years with a Master's). Key skills include strong analytical, organizational, time management, negotiation, problem-solving, and communication abilities, along with advanced Microsoft Office proficiency.
- What is the benefit package like for a Contract Manager at Lumen Technologies?
- Lumen offers a comprehensive benefits package including Health, Life, and Voluntary Lifestyle benefits, along with other perks aimed at enhancing your overall wellbeing. Details on bonus structures will be discussed during the selection process.
- Does Lumen Technologies require a background check for the Contract Manager position?
- Yes, if selected for the Contract Manager position, you will undergo a background screen. This may include checks for criminal records, motor vehicle reports, and drug screening, depending on the role's requirements. Results are evaluated case-by-case.
- What experience is preferred for the Contract Manager role at Lumen?
- Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in business, legal, finance, or a related field, experience with 3rd Party Collocation, and exposure to telecom, financial, or legal operations.
- How can I apply for the Contract Manager job at Lumen Technologies?