Principal Contract Specialist

Thermo Fisher Scientific

. Lead preparation, negotiation and finalization of contracts for assigned sites .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeRemote • North Carolina • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates mastery of contract law principles and effective negotiation skills to manage complex contract sites and ensure compliance with budgetary guidance. Capable of training and mentoring staff while providing strategic recommendations for contract negotiations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract Law PrinciplesNegotiation SkillsBudget ManagementTraining and MentoringRisk Assessment

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Contract DraftingStudy-Site AgreementsInvestigator Grant BudgetsCompliance ManagementProblem SolvingImpact AnalysisMultitaskingPrioritizationContract Negotiation

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam CollaborationFeedback Provision

Tools & Technologies

In-House SoftwareOff-the-Shelf Software

Industry Keywords

Site ActivationContract TrainingQuality ReviewsProcess ImprovementConfidentiality Agreements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead preparation, negotiation and finalization of contracts for assigned sites
Manage the most complex contract sites
Draft, review, negotiate and finalize study-site agreements
Negotiate investigator grant budgets and contractual terms within approved parameters
Ensure compliance with negotiation parameters, approvals, processes and client expectations
Ensure compliance with budgetary guidance, templates and processes
Identify, assess and escalate legal, financial and operational risks
Provide recommendations and alternative resolutions for contract negotiations
Coordinate with internal departments on site-startup activities and timelines
Align contract negotiations with the critical path for site activation
Achieve target cycle times for site activations
Provide training and mentoring to junior staff
Participate in country process-improvement initiatives and country-team meetings
Act as country subject-matter expert for contract-training materials
Liaise with Global Site Contracts to ensure compliance with global processes and corporate directives
Complete periodic quality reviews and peer-feedback reports
Lead amendment/novation client projects and oversee confidentiality-agreement negotiations
Own and manage training plans and content for local teams and Contract Specialists
Draft and provide input on improvements and revisions to Investigator Contracts documents

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification
8+ years of comparable experience
Equivalency through a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience may be considered
Effective communication skills in English and local language
Mastery of contract law principles, including business, intellectual property, local tax and stamp laws
Ability to negotiate investigator grant budgets within parameters
Ability to independently train and mentor staff
Ability to provide feedback on country or regional budgetary trends
Problem solving, risk assessment and impact analysis abilities
Ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands and resolve complex issues
Ability to escalate out-of-parameter issues and suggest resolutions
Ability to negotiate contracts in the best interests of the company and client
Ability to work upright and/or stationary for 6–8 hours per day
Ability to perform repetitive hand movements
Frequent mobility; occasional crouching, stooping, bending and twisting
Ability to lift/carry 15–20 lbs
Ability to use in-house and off-the-shelf computer software
Ability to communicate, listen and understand information presented verbally
Regular and consistent attendance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Global team environment
Collaboration and development opportunities
Commitment to scientific excellence