Senior Contract Specialist

Thermo Fisher Scientific

. Manage preparation, negotiation and finalization of the contracts process .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeGermanySeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in contract negotiation and management, with a strong understanding of contract law and compliance in the pharmaceutical industry. Proven ability to mentor staff, manage site activations, and ensure adherence to budgetary and contractual guidelines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract NegotiationPharmaceutical Product DevelopmentRisk AnalysisBudget ManagementStaff Training and Mentoring

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Contract LawInvestigator ContractsBudget NegotiationAnalytical SkillsAttention to DetailTime ManagementProblem-SolvingCompliance KnowledgeQuality ReviewAutomated Systems Usage

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationCollaboration SkillsDecision-MakingOrganizational SkillsCustomer-Focused Communication

Tools & Technologies

PPD SOPsWPDsComputerized ApplicationsIn-House SoftwareOff-the-Shelf Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Industry Keywords

CRO InvolvementSite ActivationInvestigator Grant BudgetsQuality ReviewsCountry Process Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage preparation, negotiation and finalization of the contracts process
Liaise with study sites and internal functional teams
Draft, review, negotiate and finalize agreements with study sites
Negotiate investigator grant budgets and contractual terms within approved parameters
Ensure compliance with negotiation parameters, approvals, contractual processes, budgetary guidance, templates and client expectations
Identify and assess legal, financial and operational risks and escalate issues appropriately
Provide recommendations and alternative resolutions for Investigator Contracts negotiations
Coordinate site startup activities with internal departments and align them with contractual activities and site activation timelines
Achieve target cycle times for site activations
Track and report activities as required
Train and mentor junior staff
Participate in country process improvement initiatives and country team meetings
Act as country subject matter expert for Investigator Contracts 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 when required
Manage responsibility for Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification
5+ years of previous experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job
Equivalency through a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience may be considered
Detailed understanding of contract law, including business, intellectual property, local tax and stamp laws
Effective verbal and written communication skills in English and the local language
Ability to negotiate investigator grant budgets within approved parameters
Strong attention to detail
Excellent analytical and decision-based thinking skills
Knowledge of pharmaceutical product development and CRO involvement
Ability to work independently or in a team environment
Good organizational and time management skills
Working knowledge of PPD SOPs and WPDs
Ability to organize competing priorities and review contractual risks and issues
Ability to use automated systems and computerized applications
Customer-focused communication, problem-solving and collaboration skills
Ability to train and mentor staff independently
Ability to provide valuable feedback to Investigator Analysts
Strong problem-solving and risk-analysis skills
Ability to negotiate Investigator Contracts in the best interests of the company and client
Ability to work in an upright and/or stationary position for 6–8 hours per day
Ability to perform repetitive hand movements and frequent mobility
Ability to occasionally crouch, stoop, bend and twist
Ability to lift and carry 15–20 lbs
Ability to access and use in-house and off-the-shelf computer software
Ability to communicate and understand spoken and written information
Ability to interact frequently with diverse groups
Ability to perform under stress, multitask and maintain regular, consistent attendance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Collaboration and development opportunities
Global team environment
Opportunity to contribute to scientific excellence and innovation