Senior Manager, Contracts

HarperCollins Publishers

. Manage contracts and amendments for imprints within the Children’s and Trade publishing groups .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • United StatesSenior💰 $100,000 - $110,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in drafting, negotiating, and finalizing contracts within the publishing industry, with a strong focus on brand licensing agreements and intellectual property concepts. Capable of managing multiple deadlines while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract DraftingNegotiation SkillsBrand Licensing AgreementsIntellectual Property KnowledgeAttention to Detail

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Contract ManagementPublishing AgreementsRoyalty StructuresLicensing PracticesContract Terminology

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationStrong Verbal CommunicationOrganizational SkillsJudgmentTeam-Oriented

Tools & Technologies

Contract-Management Systems

Industry Keywords

Children’s PublishingTrade PublishingConsumer ProductsEntertainmentMedia

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage contracts and amendments for imprints within the Children’s and Trade publishing groups
Manage inbound brand and content licensing agreements from request through execution
Draft, negotiate, and finalize contracts and amendments within established guidelines
Prepare, draft, negotiate, and finalize publishing agreements and amendments, including author, illustrator, and contributor agreements
Review contract requests from Editorial for completeness, accuracy, approvals, and alignment with business terms
Partner with Editorial, Royalties, Publishing Operations, Finance, and Legal
Review and communicate business and legal terms, including advances, royalties, approvals, territories, formats, exclusivity, term, renewal, and termination rights
Identify and escalate material legal, financial, or business risks
Track contract status, approvals, obligations, and deadlines
Maintain accurate records in contract-management systems
Interpret contract terms and provide guidance to internal stakeholders and third parties
Advise on author estate matters
Support contract templates, workflow improvements, special projects, and other Contracts Department responsibilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Four or more years of experience independently drafting and negotiating contracts
Significant experience with brand licensing agreements
Experience within book publishing or the licensing function of a consumer-products, entertainment, or media company
Working knowledge of intellectual property concepts
Working knowledge of contract terminology, approval rights, royalty structures, and licensing practices
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Contract drafting and negotiation skills
Excellent attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
Ability to prioritize effectively under pressure and manage multiple deadlines
Collaborative and team-oriented
Cover letters are strongly preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package
Physical health benefits
Retirement and savings benefits
Caregiving benefits
Emotional wellbeing benefits
Transportation benefits
Elective benefits employees may select to fit their needs and personal situations
Reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities