Contracts Specialist

Role Summary

This contract-focused role provides daily contracting and procurement support with emphasis on the procure-to-pay (P2P) process and contract administration. The Contracts Specialist will collaborate with Legal, Finance, Procurement, and business stakeholders to prepare, negotiate, and execute contracts, ensuring compliance and value. The ideal candidate will have strong research, negotiation, and contract management skills, with a sense of urgency and solid business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and manage Statement of Work (SOWs) and contracts using approved templates, including CDAs, service agreements, vendor contracts, and other agreements.
• Negotiate contract terms and modification with vendors to ensure compliance with organizational standards, while managing amendments and changes throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Legal, procurement members, and business stakeholders to ensure contract terms align with business objectives while achieving the best pricing, terms and conditions.
• Track contract timelines, renewals, obligations, and deliverables to ensure compliance and take timely action.
• Create Contract Request in Ariba P2P and manage the process to ensure timely completion of contracts and SOWs.
• Maintain and update supplier databases, contracts, and documentation.
• Support cost-saving initiatives and process improvement projects.
• Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws and internal policies.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and suppliers to resolve any contractual issues or disputes.
• Support contract negotiation and provide recommendations to reduce risk and enhance value.
• Assist in the P2P process, including requisition creation, purchase order tracking, and invoice reconciliation.
• Function as a superuser in Ariba, supporting end-users, troubleshooting system issues, and providing guidance on procurement best practices.
• Assist in onboarding and managing vendor relationships, ensuring proper documentation and system setup.
• Collaborate with finance, legal, and other relevant departments to streamline procurement and contracting processes.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Legal studies, or Paralegal certification
• 1-2 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, contract management, or related functions preferred including drafting contracts and SOWs using templates.
• Experience with Ariba or other procure-to-pay system is a plus.

Skills

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with great attention to detail
• Basic understanding of business contracts, procurement processes and risk management
• Eager to learn and develop expertise in procurement and contract administration.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Responsible for being proactive in identifying needs, gaps, and accordingly making proposals for improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience in Ariba or other P2P/contract management software preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Physical Demands: Ability to safely navigate and work in office environment consistent with pharmaceutical industry. Moderate noise level, work in cubicles. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, move between spaces, reach with hands and arms, and stoop. Close vision and the need to focus on computer screen, use of hands, fingers, and wrist to type on keyboard and manipulate mouse.