CONTRACT SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: September 25, 2024 - The Contract Specialist is well-versed in federal government contracting principles applicable to both pre-award and post-award processes. Expertise includes administering contracts involving negotiation, review, and monitoring, coupled with a robust understanding of contract life cycle management and contracting environments. Demonstrates superior organizational, communication, and time management skills, essential for managing multiple projects in a dynamic setting while ensuring compliance with company policies and confidentiality requirements.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Contract Specialist Resume
  • Contract drafting
  • Legal compliance
  • Financial analysis
  • Risk management
  • Procurement procedures
  • Data analysis
  • Project management
  • Negotiation techniques
  • Software proficiency
  • Regulatory knowledge
  • Communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion
  • Adaptability
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Ethical judgment
  • Conflict resolution

Summary of Contract Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Business Administration with 3 years of experience

  • Ability to effectively interpret and communicate complex contracting language and rates. 
  • Experience with negotiations to include contact language and rates.
  • Be attentive to detail, accurate, thorough, and persistent in following through to completion of all activities, demonstrating initiative for completing work assignments.
  • Able to read, write, and speak articulately, using established channels of communication and reporting relationships within the organization. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of internal/external staff, management, members, physicians/physician office staff, etc.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities. 
  • Ability to identify issues and problems within administrative processes and other relevant areas.
  • Able to work collaboratively with multiple internal departments as well as external organizations.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to create professional documents using proper grammar, punctuation and appropriate reading level.

2. BS in Supply Chain Management with 5 years of experience

  • Strong communication (both oral and written), including listening skills.
  • Detail oriented, well-organized critical thinker, and quick learner.
  • Ability to manage a significant volume of agreements in a timely manner.
  • Comfortable working under pressure.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a collegial, fast-paced environment.
  • Experience negotiating and drafting agreements preferred.
  • Knowledge of construction contracts helpful.
  • Working knowledge of Word, Adobe and  Excel
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, perfect grammar, a command of the English language
  • A strong team player with a can-do, positive attitude, and a strong desire to get things done
  • Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines while never sacrificing quality.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and constantly with teams via Slack and other collaboration tools.

3. BA in Economics with 2 years of experience

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and expertise with PC applications
  • General knowledge of healthcare operations and medical device industry issues.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Possesses good organizational and task-oriented capabilities.
  • Demonstrates leadership presence and maintains confidentiality.
  • Possesses developed interpersonal skills to work in a high-profile and fast-paced team environment.
  • Ability to learn software solutions and contract management tools
  • Ability to work independently and with a remote team
  • Strong interpersonal skills and high degree of awareness to be able to face the client, suppliers, internal stakeholders.
  • Attention to detail and strong analytical skills
  • Time-management skills and structured approach to organizing work
  • Knowledge of procurement/ contract management tools

4. BS in Finance with 4 years of experience

  • Experience in legal drafting and negotiations as a bids/proposal specialist, contracts specialist or legal role would beneficial
  • Knowledge of research/diagnostic/medical products in a regulated environment
  • Demonstrates proficiency in compiling and analyzing sales, commercial and legal information.
  • Detail-oriented and able to manage and perform on multiple bids and contracts at the same time.
  • Familiarity and comfort with contracting
  • understanding of the business implications of various contract terms.
  • Shows good judgment in balancing business and commercial needs and potential risks/exposures with customer requirements.
  • Recognizes when to advance issues and concerns on bids and contracts to business and divisional leaders, executive leadership or other decision-makers.
  • Self-started who successfully performs duties independently with minimal instruction given on new projects or assignments.
  • Displays ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment as well as work independently and as part of a team.
  • Exhibits strong analytical and communication skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

5. BA in Political Science with 3 years of experience

  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills and judgment.
  • Tech savvy, with a real passion for innovation, data and continuous improvement.
  • Be willing to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities.
  • Good interpersonal, communication and organization skills.
  • Able to give attention to the details.
  • General understanding of business and contractual principles that related to technology agreements would be an advantage.
  • Experience in handling sales transactions, including the ability to oversee that company positions and policies are followed effectively.
  • Familiar with managing contractual documentation.
  • Experience with content management/repository tools such as SharePoint and CLMS is highly desirable.
  • Experienced in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Sharepoint and Teams).
  • Good in English (written and spoken) and fluent in Italian.

6. BS in Management Information Systems with 4 years of experience

  • SAP experience in SAP PM and MM
  • Knowledge of the purchasing transactions in SAP including the creation of forecast PR’s, addendum PR’s and other purchase requests.
  • Experience in contract administration, creation, management, etc..
  • Organizational skills to track and monitor contracts for future obligations, expiration dates and other contractual deadlines
  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Proven knowledge of Federal Funding
  • Solid understanding of Contract Management
  • Well-founded grasp of Public Sector Organizations
  • Federal Government Contracts experience 
  • Experience with Awarding Contracts
  • Contract administration experience
  • Past experience handling confidential business matters and information with discretion
  • Strong knowledge of diverse computer applications

7. BA in Public Administration with 5 years of experience

  • Knowledge of NCQA standards and other relevant external quality standards.
  • Knowledge of state and federal standards for contracting.
  • Knowledge of Provider Types. 
  • Knowledge with experience in contracting with providers for services.
  • Ability to work independently and to analyze complex situations accurately and in a timely manner.
  • General knowledge of managed care functions and management techniques
  • Computer Skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office including such as Internet Explorer, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Visio and Access Software packages.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  • Strong initiative and drive for high achievement and continuous improvement
  • Able to interpret legal documents and agreements
  • Experience in relevant sector, life sciences industry (recommended), with experience in sales propositions.
  • ERP (NetSuite®) and CRM (HubSpot®) system experience is desirable.
  • Demonstrable skills in negotiation and selling.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical capability, both technical and commercial

8. BS in Accounting with 4 years of experience

  • Experience working in business support functions, including but not limited to Procurement, Legal, Finance, Contracts Management, etc.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • An interest in working in a fast-paced, demanding environment with a steep learning curve
  • Organize and prioritize contractual and commercial risks and issues
  • Experience managing or supporting large-scale complex contracts
  • Working knowledge of government procurement policies and procedures
  • Negotiation skills and ability to effectively reach negotiated compromises
  • Experience managing Defence Contracts under the Defence Production Act and the Government of Canada procurement processes
  • Proficient knowledge of the job area is typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.
  • Experience in problem-solving through creative solutions drawing from prior experience is preferred.
  • Ability to communicate via formal letters about complicated and sensitive subjects, possess proper email skills and possess excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Experience and be able to manage complex projects or processes.
  • Experience leading a team/project in gathering comprehensive data from multiple disciplines and leading a team to address complex issues and concerns. 

9. BA in Legal Studies with 3 years of experience

  • Experience working with Tier 1 Organisations is highly desirable.
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications in Building, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or similar.
  • Proficient in the use of MS Office, ERP systems and SharePoint
  • High-level negotiation and influencing skills, to ensure positive commercial outcomes.
  • Able to read and interpret complex drawings and specifications.
  • Comprehensive understanding of good practice in relation to the award, onboarding and management of sub-contractors.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Effective planning, organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in a related field, which should include an understanding of contract negotiation.
  • Experience in a healthcare environment and/or healthcare-related contracts is preferred.
  • Excellent time management, oral and written communication skills.
  • Proficient knowledge of contract law and/or legal requirements pertaining to relevant contracts.

10. BS in Commercial Law with 4 years of experience

  • Experience in the Pipeline construction industry would be considered an asset.
  • Understanding of construction risks and how they pertain to construction contracts
  • Knowledge of contract resolution processes.
  • Experience with negotiating and resolving contractual risks and recommending mitigation practices.
  • Excellent written and communication skills, technical writing skills
  • Knowledge of contract terminology, practices, and concepts.
  • Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including financial reporting, financial data analysis, auditing, and taxation.
  • Be self-directed and demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented with a willingness to contribute actively in team activities and share ideas.
  • Strong computer skills, specifically with MS Office packages
  • Outstanding negotiation and interpersonal skills.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to detect errors and inconsistencies.
  • Ability to make decisions independently and in accordance with established policies.

11. BA in Communication with 5 years of experience

  • Experience in a life science or biotechnology company and/or technology transfer office.
  • Experience with license agreements is highly desirable.
  • Experience with analytic software tools, such as Power BI preferred
  • Experience in project or process management preferred
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills, strong initiative, results orientation, collaborative/team instinct, and can-do attitude.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex, fast-paced projects and effectively support and interact with different functions and roles across the company.
  • Experience negotiating and drafting inbound agreements.
  • Knowledge of supply chain/commercial agreements.
  • Demonstrated experience in influencing and leading stakeholders and business partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt and execute in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and communication experience.
  • Knowledge of legal terms and commercial concepts including epidemic defect, cancellation and returns, product and services warranties, IP ownership, inventory liability issues, continuity of supply, and right to ship.
  • Experience in negotiating with domestic and foreign supplier companies and multinational firms.
  • Demonstrated experience in streamlining contractual processes.

12. BS in Project Management with 5 years of experience

  • Experience working in a project environment, ideally within an EPC environment.
  • Experience working in Mining, Construction, Oil & Gas, etc.
  • Experience in contract administration/contract management
  • Experience managing workers' accommodation vendors
  • Experience creating and managing reporting templates and contract KPI’s
  • Exceptional communication skills including Both written and verbal.
  • Customer service-focused approach to contract management
  • Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
  • Ability to interpret and understand contract terms and conditions.
  • Proficiency in all Microsoft Office 365 Applications including SharePoint and OneDrive, and various PDF platforms such as Adobe.
  • Working knowledge of DocuSign and Procore is a definite plus.
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and possess strong computer skills.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a very fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Understanding of the construction industry, business law or contract law, proofreading and format issues related to contracts

13. BA in International Relations with 4 years of experience

  • Experience in an in-house legal department, assisting in the administration and management of contracts
  • Excellent ethical judgment
  • Able to balance competing demands on time, independently function in a dynamic environment, and can handle ambiguity and rapidly shifting priorities with flexibility, patience and humor. 
  • Experience negotiating contracts based on a defined playbook, with an instinct for closure.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to capture and convey information in writing and presentations.
  • A self-starting, proactive, driven, adaptable person who can, with poise and patience, prioritize and manage multiple projects and recalibrate advice in view of shifting priorities.
  • Ability to consistently deliver outstanding, thoughtful, user-experience-focused results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience working in high-growth companies
  • Ability to collaborate and function well in a team environment.
  • Anticipates problems and issues and exercises independent judgment to make sound, justifiable recommendations.
  • Comfortable using MS Office and GSuite tools and quick study with new technology. 
  • Familiarity with Salesforce, Aviso, Ironclad and/or Monday

14. BS in Risk Management with 6 years of experience

  • Experience in relevant competencies showing demonstrated increased responsibilities and successes
  • Demonstrated experience performing acquisition management reviews and analysis
  • Demonstrated experience preparing requirement documents such as performance-based work statements, SOW's, etc.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting interdisciplinary functional acquisition teams
  • Demonstrated experience preparing pre-award and award documentation for all types of acquisitions, with an emphasis on IT and/or construction contracting
  • Demonstrated experience supporting source selections and drafting source selection documents
  • Demonstrated experience providing contract management support
  • Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to juggle multiple priorities, anticipate issues, perform under pressure, and work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Practical, efficient and responsive, with excellent communication and organization skills.
  • Flexibility to work independently as well as within a team.

15. BA in Sociology with 7 years of experience

  • Extensive experience working with proposals from development to submittal, and conducting detailed cost analysis
  • Experience with federal government contracting principles and procedures applicable to pre-award and post-award actions
  • Experience in contract administration involving the preparation, negotiation, review, maintenance, management, and monitoring of contracts or other commercial legal documents, preferably with contracts governing the purchase or sale of goods and services. 
  • Working knowledge and understanding of contract life cycle management and the contracting environment
  • Time management and planning skills required to coordinate and prioritize multiple business unit needs and projects simultaneously while adapting to changes in business requirements in a fast-paced environment.
  • Familiarity with contract or document management systems (e.g., eFiLiA, Documentum), MS Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint), and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Excellent organizational / follow up skills and demonstrated interpersonal skills along with strong verbal and written communication skills at all organizational levels.
  • Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive matters, and exercise excellent judgment and discretion based on a knowledge and understanding of department objectives, company policies and procedures, and specific contract terms and conditions.
  • Attention to detail with thorough process orientation skills and demonstrated ability to provide timely and accurate feedback.
  • Ability to work under pressure, use initiative, troubleshoot and resolve issues and meet timelines.
  • Organizational, relationship, communication and influencing skills.
  • Experience in roles that required extensive interpersonal interaction, job complexity and coordination.

16. BS in Marketing with 5 years of experience

  • Established track record of successful  cradle to grave contract management, including advising on complex proposals, negotiating terms, and managing contract changes
  • Broad understanding of the various types of Technical Operations contracts (Scopes of Work, Amendments, Confidentiality Agreements, Consulting Agreements, Master Service Agreements, Clinical and Commercial Supply Agreements, etc.)
  • Customer relationship experience
  • Strong Microsoft Office suite knowledge/familiarity (Word, Excel, Sharepoint, etc.)
  • Familiarity of Continuous Improvement concepts like Lean and Six Sigma
  • Experience with Agiloft Contracts Management System a plus
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Strong sense of urgency and ability to work to deadlines
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders including internal clients, vendors, and collaborators
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Proven ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
  • Ability to plan, multi-task, and prioritize

17. BA in Human Resources with 3 years of experience

  • Experience administering or using contract lifecycle management solutions
  • Experience with publicly traded company(ies) preferred
  • Strong administrative, analytical, communication, and writing skills
  • Successful track record interacting with senior management
  • Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft applications.
  • General computer and related technology skills
  • Experience with SharePoint and contract management systems and software a strong plus
  • Results-driven, dependable, resourceful, and responsible
  • Extremely detail-oriented and organized
  • Proactive, enthusiastic, and motivated to learn
  • Flexible and able to work in a small highly collegial department

18. BS in Organizational Leadership with 5 years of experience

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to correspond effectively with those individuals for whom English is a second language
  • Strong to excellent analytical skills with the ability to effectively articulate analyses.
  • Outstanding customer service skills to respond with accurate information in a timely manner to both internal/external customers
  • Excellent negotiation skills for both internal and external customer dialogue
  • Ability to work both independently and within groups
  • Good presentation, leadership and team-building skills
  • Professional demeanor and the ability to work with customers and interdepartmental personnel, including senior management
  • Experience being a negotiator of Teaming, Subcontract and Non-Disclosure Agreements
  • Experience with Commercial Contracting
  • Ability to draft moderate to complex, non-routine contractual documents
  • Good understanding of concepts, practices and procedures in commercial contracting.
  • Pharmaceutical and/or CRO background.
  • Excellent judgment, attention to detail, communication and customer skills plus the ability to work as part of a team as well as an individual contributor.

19. BA in History with 3 years of experience

  • Experience preparing contract documentation in a corporate or professional services environment.
  • General understanding of commercial insurance.
  • Exceptional verbal and written legal communication and proofing/editing skills and a demonstrated ability to recognize proper use of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  • Extensive experience and thorough working knowledge of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Strong organization skills demonstrated by the ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience using technology and resources efficiently.
  • Experience handling confidential information and documentation and willingness to maintain confidentiality.
  • Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
  • Experience within the Architecture / Engineering / Construction industry, especially previous experience working with industry contracts, such as AIA, DBIA, EJCDC, and ConsensusDocs contracts.
  • Experience with Deltek Vision software.
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