A contract specialist, also known as purchasing manager or agent, specializes in reviewing and analyzing contractual agreements between a company and suppliers of products or services. Their core duty is to ensure contractual agreements between clients and companies are fair and legal.
A contract specialist may perform a wide range of duties, including drafting and negotiating contract terms, evaluating bids, analyzing price proposals, and researching current legal regulations. They may look over sales, maintain inventory records, find suppliers, and ensure that their companies are consistently getting the best prices on the best goods and services. Generally, they work for government agencies or private sector organizations.
Most contract specialists hold a bachelor's degree in marketing, economics, law, or a related field. Earning a master's degree in a relevant field and previous experience in a similar role may improve employment prospects. They must possess strong interpersonal and coordinating skills and an in-depth knowledge of contract documents, procurement rules, and legitimate specifications.