CONTRACT SPECIALIST

Position Summary: 

The Contract Specialist is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts and procurement activities within an organization. This role ensures that all agreements align with legal requirements and company policies, from initial drafting and negotiation to final execution and performance monitoring.  Acts as a central point of contact for all contractual matters, working to mitigate risk and secure favorable terms. Interacting with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, the Contract Specialist collaborates with legal, procurement, and project management teams. 

This position serves as a key liaison between the company and its clients or vendors, ensuring clear communication and resolving any issues that may arise during the contract term. This involves clarifying requirements, managing amendments, and ensuring all parties fulfill their obligations.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

•    Manage the entire contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiating, and executing contracts with vendors and suppliers.

•    Collaborate with internal departments, including legal, finance, and operations, to develop procurement strategies and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

•    Conduct thorough market research to identify potential vendors and suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and negotiate favorable terms and conditions.

•    Review and analyze contract terms, identifying potential risks, discrepancies, and opportunities for cost savings or process improvements.

•    Monitor contract performance and compliance, ensuring that all parties fulfill their obligations and contractual requirements. Assist with ongoing contract monitoring throughout the lifecycle.

•    Maintain accurate and up-to-date contract records and documentation, including contract changes, renewals, and amendments.

•    Resolve any contractual disputes or issues that may arise by working closely with stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions.

•    Stay up to date with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in procurement and contracts management, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing changes as needed.

•    Participates in the development and fulfillment of contract requirements to support clinical operations, patient care delivery, and hospital support services.

•    Coordinating with legal team to address contract disputes or issues
•    Adapt positively to changes in the work environment or work schedules and complete duties in a timely and efficient manner
•    Provide verbal and written reports to the Purchasing Supervisor on a quarterly basis, or as necessary
•    Serve as the primary point of communication between internal departments and external parties to clarify contract terms and resolve issues.
•    Comply with company policies and procedures
•    Performs all other duties assigned in support of hospital contracting, procurement, and operational objectives.
    
 

    Minimum Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related fields. 
•    Four years of direct work experience in supply chain management, contracting, purchasing/procurement.  Hospital experience preferred.
•    Must maintain a valid driver’s license. 
•    Must successfully pass the Employee Health requirements (mask fit, immunizations), and pre-employment requirements (background investigation, drug screen).

    Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:
    
•    Strong understanding and knowledge of procurement principles, contract law, request for proposal, and contract management.
•    Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with vendors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail.
•    Proficient in contract drafting and negotiation techniques, ensuring that contracts are comprehensive, legally sound, and aligned with business objectives.
•    Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, including Joint Commission Accreditation.
•    Knowledge of capital purchase process.
•    Knowledge of Navajo Nation procurement laws.
•    Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mathematics.
•    Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both verbally and in writing with staff and the general public.
•    Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with coworkers at all levels.
•    Ability to work effectively with individuals and demonstrate leadership and teambuilding skills with empathy and enthusiasm.
•    Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
•    Ability to speak the Navajo language and/or familiar with the Navajo Way.
•    Ability to create and present effective speeches and presentations.
•    Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
•    Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
•    Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
•    Ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations.
•    Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything and continually seek improvement in results.
•    Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
•    Skill in budget preparation and administration
•    Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and reports.
•    Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
•    Proficient in using procurement tools, contract management software, and Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use arms and hands to reach and grasp objects; and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.