Senior Contracts Manager

Kepler executes engineered marketing, where every message and ad delivered helps create a more personalized and productive relationship between brands and their consumers. We do this by acting as clients’ agency of record, as their in-house team, or some hybrid of the two – and by harnessing data and technology across all paid digital media and data-driven CRM channels.

 

• We're transparent with our employees. You'll hear updates on company financials, how we're performing against bonus goals, and how we're responding to challenges we face. 
• We're growing. For you, that means unparalleled growth opportunities and a role in shaping the direction of the company. 
• We're fun. You'll work with and learn from the smartest people in the industry and have a blast doing it. 

Position Overview

We're seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to lead contract management operations for our Montreal-based operations and French-Canadian market initiatives. This role requires a highly autonomous professional who can independently manage the complete contract lifecycle from initial negotiation through execution and renewal. The ideal candidate will be bilingual, process-oriented, and capable of handling high-volume contract workflows while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and business judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Negotiation & Management (70%)

• Independently negotiate commercial agreements from initial draft through final execution, including client services agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, and statements of work
• Conduct contract negotiations in both French and English with clients, vendors, and partners across Quebec and French-Canadian markets
• Manage high-volume contract pipeline with multiple concurrent negotiations and tight deadlines
• Make independent business decisions on contract terms within established parameters and escalate only complex legal issues to counsel
• Maintain comprehensive contract database and ensure accurate tracking of key terms, renewal dates, and obligations

Process Development & Optimization (20%)

• Design and implement efficient contract management processes and workflows
• Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation guidelines
• Create and manage contract approval workflows and signature processes
• Establish metrics and reporting systems to track contract performance and cycle times
• Train business stakeholders on contract processes and standard terms

Stakeholder Management & Business Support (10%)

• Collaborate directly with business development, account management, and project teams to support deal closure
• Provide contract guidance and interpretation to internal stakeholders
• Manage relationships with external counsel when legal review is required
• Support compliance monitoring and contract performance tracking
• Participate in cross-functional projects and special initiatives

 

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Legal Studies, or related field
• Experience: 5-8 years of contracts management experience, preferably in professional services, creative agencies, or technology companies
• Language Skills: Native or near-native fluency in French and English with demonstrated ability to negotiate complex commercial terms in both languages
• Contract Expertise: Proven track record managing high-volume contract portfolios and conducting independent negotiations
• Autonomy: Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound business decisions
• Organization: Exceptional organizational skills with experience implementing and managing contract management systems
• Technology: Proficiency with contract lifecycle management (CLM) software and Microsoft Office Suite
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of commercial terms and ability to balance business objectives with risk management

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in advertising, marketing services, or creative industries
• Familiarity with Quebec commercial law and French-Canadian business practices
• Background with international commercial agreements
• Project management certification or experience
• Previous experience supporting multiple business units or subsidiaries
• Understanding of intellectual property and licensing agreements