Contract Specialist

Job Title: Contract Specialist
Department: Compliance
Reports To: Director of Compliance 
Location: Houston, TX

The Contract Specialist is responsible for reviewing, understanding, and supporting contract agreements. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in contract management and a background in legal operations. The individual in this role will manage contracts from negotiation through finalization while safeguarding the organization’s interests and minimizing risks.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Oversight & Compliance

• Maintain and manage the company's contract repository, ensuring secure storage and accessibility.
• Track key contract dates (renewals, expirations, etc.) and ensure timely actions are taken.
• Conduct contract audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Serve as a point of contact for contract-related inquiries across all departments.

Cross Departmental Coordination

• Collaborate with the accounting team to verify financial obligations, price escalations, and payment terms.
• Review contract amendments, extensions, and renewals.
• Perform all legal administrative tasks related to contracts.

Legal & Risk Management Support

• Identify and document potential risks, ensuring mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Facilitate dispute resolution and ensure contract enforcement when necessary.
• Ensure third-party compliance with contractual terms, including regulatory requirements.

• Assist in optimizing acquired company templates including Master Service Agreements, Professional Service Agreement, Purchase Orders, etc.
• Ensure timely negotiation, agreement, execution and record management of contracts.
• Review, negotiate, and draft a variety of agreements in support of Legal.
• Perform responsibilities both independently and collaboratively with the Compliance Department.
• Monitor contract execution and follow up to ensure full compliance.
• Review ancillary agreements (e.g. NDAs, teaming agreements, etc.) and provide final recommendations.

• Identify missing or incorrect information and work proactively to resolve issues.

Skills

• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• In-depth understanding of the transaction process from contract negotiation to closure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related field, (certification preferred).
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a Contract Specialist or similar role, with a solid understanding of contract law.
• Strong proficiency in drafting, proofreading, and analyzing legal documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional business acumen with the ability to recognize risk elements in business transactions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and discretion.

• Strong proficiency Microsoft Office Suite and electronic signature software (i.e. DocuSign, Adobe Sign).

The Contract Specialist will primarily work in an office setting, with occasional meetings and interactions with external clients or stakeholders. Some tasks may require working under tight deadlines, requiring attention to detail and effective time management.
This job description is intended to provide an overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Contract Specialist position. It is not an exhaustive list, and responsibilities may evolve to meet the changing needs of the organization.