Contract Specialist

Summary of Job Function The Contract Specialist is responsible for providing a supportive role to the Contracting Team. The individual will possess knowledge and experience in vendor negotiations, contract development, and skills to implement contracting principles for purchasing equipment, supplies, and services. They will demonstrate strong analytical, expense reduction, problem solving, and customer service skills in a complex multi‑facility supply chain environment. The individual must be highly organized, detail‑oriented, and capable of handling multiple projects with aggressive deadlines, source products, equipment, and services through both the Group Purchasing Organization and the market, coordinate evaluation of options with key stakeholders, and create effective contracts that drive value for the organization. Basic Qualifications Associate degree or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in Supply Chain / Contract Management Five (5) years of related work experience in Contract Administration, Vendor Management, or Purchasing, preferably in a healthcare provider setting Computer skills: PeopleSoft preferred, Microsoft Excel, Visio, Word, and PowerPoint Job Specific Requirements Ensure adherence of established purchasing policies and procedures by all departments Provide exemplary acquisition and contract management support, and other related workload requirements associated with the acquisition and administration of awarded contracts Develop and maintain systems to measure progress and report on outcomes Establish and maintain complex supplier relationships by serving as a single point of contact for contractual matters to provide contract resolution Possess knowledge of Supply Chain automated functions (preferably in PeopleSoft) as it relates to materials, contract management, and project management Understand basic legal principles and commercial business terms Apply project management processes and systems to meet deadlines and achieve goals Develop, present, track, and achieve Departmental and Organizational Goals Be sensitive to the needs of customers through the practice of quality service principles Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to persuade internal and external stakeholders Incorporate appropriate terms and conditions into final contract documentation, ensuring adherence and compliance to all contractual, financial, local, and regulatory specifications or requirements, and adhere to HIPAA and BAA requirements Specific Competencies Under general supervision of the Dept. VP, the Contract Manager facilitates and coordinates a wide variety of capital equipment, supply, and services needs in collaboration with stakeholders. Specific tasks include: assisting in the planning and implementation of interdepartmental projects; assisting with pre‑ and post‑award documentation and contractual documents; identifying GPO agreements and coordinating their implementation; working with vendors to ensure product addition, deletion, and availability for assigned commodities; reviewing and negotiating all assigned purchase requisitions (CTR) for supply contracts, blanket orders, service agreements, capital equipment, and one‑time purchases; working with teams to implement goods and services cost‑reduction initiatives; drafting, negotiating, and executing RWJBH standard addendums and business associate agreements with suppliers; reviewing and reducing price‑match exceptions; maintaining high contract coverage (95%+); verifying that the contract file repository is complete; and performing other duties as assigned. Benefits and Perks Paid Time Off (PTO) Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance Dental and Vision Insurance Retirement Plans Short & Long Term Disability Life & Accidental Death Insurance Tuition Reimbursement Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Wellness Programs Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance) Discounts through our partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more Equal Opportunity Employer RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr