Contract Specialist I
College of American Pathologists, Winnetka, IL, United States
Contract Specialist I
The Contract Specialist I is responsible for supporting the contracting lifecycle by reviewing escalated agreements for alignment with the Contract Playbook, maintaining accurate CLM data and workflows, and assisting with development and upkeep of contract templates and related documentation. This role serves as the first reviewer for all contracts escalated by Category Managers and helps ensure consistency, compliance, and efficient contracting operations across the organization. The Contract Specialist will: Review escalated contracts to determine alignment with approved Playbook terms Identify deviations, missing clauses, or inconsistencies and correct them using established Playbook guidance Resolve minor issues when they fall within approved parameters Prepare clear escalation packets for Contract Specialist II or Sr. Manager of Contracts when additional review is required Flag potential risk, legal, or compliance matters for further escalation Enter and maintain accurate contract records, metadata, and version control in the CLM system Ensure contract routing follows established workflows and required approval paths Monitor contract status, signatures, and pending approvals, follow up with stakeholders as needed Support dashboard updates, trackers, and renewal/expiration alerts Assist in testing workflows adjustments, template uploads, and CLM upgrades Support updates to the Contract Playbook by performing clause comparisons and confirming accuracy of referenced language Maintain organized clause libraries, template files, and version records Assist in drafting non-substantive revisions (formatting, cross-referencing, administrative updates) Document recurring issues or patterns that may indicate a need for future Playbook enhancements Collaborate with Contract Specialist II to ensure templates and guidance documents remain up to date Provide guidance to Category Managers on routing steps, basic Playbook requirements, and CLM processes Partner with Buyers/Procurement Specialists to ensure alignment between contracting and purchasing workflows Assist with preparing job aids, checklists, and workflow documentation for internal users Participate in training sessions for new and existing users on CLM fundamentals Recommend improvements based on workflow observations and user feedback Knowledge / Skills Required / Preferred: Strong attention to detail Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively Sound judgement, including knowing when and how to escalate issues 1-3 years of experience in contract administration, legal support, or procurement operations Strong organizational skills Strong analytical skills Strong written and verbal communication skills Paralegal degree or equivalent contracting experience Familiarity with contract structure, common clauses, and legal terminology Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) or document management systems Education / Experience: Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant contracting or procurement experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree. 1-3 years of experience in contract administration, legal operations, procurement operations, or a related role. Hands-on experience reviewing, comparing, and tracking contract terms, including renewals and key obligations. Experience supporting legal, contracting, or procurement teams in an operational or administrative capacity. Demonstrated experience working with a Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system or document management platform preferred. Experience managing multiple requests, maintaining organized records, and escalating issues appropriately within defined processes. Paralegal or Legal Certifications Certified Commercial Contracts Manager or Certified Professional Contracts Manager Certified Professional in Supply Management Certified Procurement Professional or equivalent CLM platform training or certification (e.g. Malbek, Icertis, Agiloft, Coupa, or similar) Microsoft Dynamics 365 familiarity or training Additional Criteria: Travel: Minimal travel required. Occasional local travel may be required for meetings or training, estimated at less than 5% annually. No overnight travel is anticipated. To be considered for this position, candidates must reside within 75-miles of the Northfield, IL office and meet in-office requirements. Salary: $67,000 - $84,000
The Contract Specialist I is responsible for supporting the contracting lifecycle by reviewing escalated agreements for alignment with the Contract Playbook, maintaining accurate CLM data and workflows, and assisting with development and upkeep of contract templates and related documentation. This role serves as the first reviewer for all contracts escalated by Category Managers and helps ensure consistency, compliance, and efficient contracting operations across the organization. The Contract Specialist will: Review escalated contracts to determine alignment with approved Playbook terms Identify deviations, missing clauses, or inconsistencies and correct them using established Playbook guidance Resolve minor issues when they fall within approved parameters Prepare clear escalation packets for Contract Specialist II or Sr. Manager of Contracts when additional review is required Flag potential risk, legal, or compliance matters for further escalation Enter and maintain accurate contract records, metadata, and version control in the CLM system Ensure contract routing follows established workflows and required approval paths Monitor contract status, signatures, and pending approvals, follow up with stakeholders as needed Support dashboard updates, trackers, and renewal/expiration alerts Assist in testing workflows adjustments, template uploads, and CLM upgrades Support updates to the Contract Playbook by performing clause comparisons and confirming accuracy of referenced language Maintain organized clause libraries, template files, and version records Assist in drafting non-substantive revisions (formatting, cross-referencing, administrative updates) Document recurring issues or patterns that may indicate a need for future Playbook enhancements Collaborate with Contract Specialist II to ensure templates and guidance documents remain up to date Provide guidance to Category Managers on routing steps, basic Playbook requirements, and CLM processes Partner with Buyers/Procurement Specialists to ensure alignment between contracting and purchasing workflows Assist with preparing job aids, checklists, and workflow documentation for internal users Participate in training sessions for new and existing users on CLM fundamentals Recommend improvements based on workflow observations and user feedback Knowledge / Skills Required / Preferred: Strong attention to detail Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively Sound judgement, including knowing when and how to escalate issues 1-3 years of experience in contract administration, legal support, or procurement operations Strong organizational skills Strong analytical skills Strong written and verbal communication skills Paralegal degree or equivalent contracting experience Familiarity with contract structure, common clauses, and legal terminology Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) or document management systems Education / Experience: Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant contracting or procurement experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree. 1-3 years of experience in contract administration, legal operations, procurement operations, or a related role. Hands-on experience reviewing, comparing, and tracking contract terms, including renewals and key obligations. Experience supporting legal, contracting, or procurement teams in an operational or administrative capacity. Demonstrated experience working with a Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system or document management platform preferred. Experience managing multiple requests, maintaining organized records, and escalating issues appropriately within defined processes. Paralegal or Legal Certifications Certified Commercial Contracts Manager or Certified Professional Contracts Manager Certified Professional in Supply Management Certified Procurement Professional or equivalent CLM platform training or certification (e.g. Malbek, Icertis, Agiloft, Coupa, or similar) Microsoft Dynamics 365 familiarity or training Additional Criteria: Travel: Minimal travel required. Occasional local travel may be required for meetings or training, estimated at less than 5% annually. No overnight travel is anticipated. To be considered for this position, candidates must reside within 75-miles of the Northfield, IL office and meet in-office requirements. Salary: $67,000 - $84,000