How to hire a contracts specialist

How to hire a contracts specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step contracts specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a contracts specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new contracts specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a contracts specialist do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a contracts specialist, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A contracts specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, contracts specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents contracts specialist salaries for various positions.

   Type of Contracts Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Contracts Specialist	Contracts Specialists create and monitor contractual agreements between the organization they work for and materials or labor suppliers. They direct and coordinate the activities of workers engaged in formulating bid proposals.	$19-47
   Contracting Officer	In government agencies, a Contracting Officer plays a vital role in securing contracts for different projects. They are responsible for liaising with internal and external parties, conducting research and analyses, developing plans to attain project requirements, negotiating contracts, and procuring materials according to standards... Show more	$17-45
   Subcontract Administrator	As a subcontract administrator, you will be responsible for identifying the needs of a company and implement measures and initiatives to fulfill those needs. This role will require you to perform a few tasks, including responding to purchase requisitions, soliciting bids and proposals from new and existing sources, and evaluating terms and awarding the subcontract... Show more	$20-49

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Veterans
   • DOD
   • Contract Administration
   • Contract Terms
   • Contract Management
   • Market Research
   • Customer Service
   • Price Analysis
   • Business Administration
   • Acquisition Strategy
   • Acquisition Planning
   • Contract Modifications
   • Contractor Performance
   • Contract Negotiations

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage multiple task orders in an IDIQ environment.
   • Provide clarity on medical and drug cover benefits for a Medicare advantage insurance plan.
   • Manage inventory and distribution activities of the third-party logistics provider.
   • Develop marketing strategies to expand Medicaid manage care provider network and enrollment.
   • Manage the influenza vaccine annual contracting and RFP process for a national specialty pharmaceutical distributor.
   • Process purchase orders and subcontracts, including managing insurance requirement compliance and certify payroll documentation.

   More contracts specialist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your contracts specialist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A contracts specialist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, contracts specialists' average salary in maine is 65% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level contracts specialists 60% less than senior-level contracts specialists.
   • Certifications. A contracts specialist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a contracts specialist's salary.

   Average contracts specialist salary

   $63,727yearly

   $30.64 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level contracts specialist salary

   $40,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 14, 2026

   Average contracts specialist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	District of Columbia	$85,342	$41
   2	Virginia	$79,150	$38
   3	Maryland	$78,223	$38
   4	California	$72,844	$35
   5	Mississippi	$72,350	$35
   6	Missouri	$71,338	$34
   7	South Carolina	$70,048	$34
   8	New Mexico	$69,504	$33
   9	Pennsylvania	$68,625	$33
   10	Alabama	$67,725	$33
   11	Texas	$67,559	$32
   12	North Carolina	$66,812	$32
   13	Illinois	$66,417	$32
   14	Florida	$65,071	$31
   15	Kansas	$64,987	$31
   16	Georgia	$64,879	$31
   17	Ohio	$64,697	$31
   18	New York	$63,855	$31
   19	Oklahoma	$63,015	$30
   20	Tennessee	$62,651	$30

   Average contracts specialist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Google	$130,227	$62.61	27
   2	Microsoft	$117,424	$56.45	9
   3	ConocoPhillips	$115,559	$55.56	1
   4	Repsol Energy North America Corporation	$114,570	$55.08
   5	Kronos Incorporated	$113,262	$54.45
   6	Avid	$111,103	$53.41	1
   7	Brookhaven National Laboratory	$109,990	$52.88
   8	TechnipFMC	$109,178	$52.49	1
   9	Accenture	$108,753	$52.29	1
   10	Juniper Networks	$107,840	$51.85
   11	Los Alamos National Laboratory	$106,611	$51.26
   12	Pacific Northwest National Laboratory	$105,713	$50.82
   13	Vertex Pharmaceuticals	$102,961	$49.50	1
   14	Proofpoint	$101,789	$48.94
   15	DocuSign	$101,516	$48.81
   16	Systemax	$101,286	$48.70
   17	Halliburton	$100,361	$48.25	4
   18	Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.	$100,344	$48.24
   19	ION Geo	$100,219	$48.18
   20	Baker Hughes	$100,122	$48.14	2

4. Writing a contracts specialist job description

   A good contracts specialist job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a contracts specialist job description:

   Contracts specialist job description example

   This position will support the Amphibious Combat Vehicle(ACV) program.The ACV is a wheeled armored combat vehicle able to deploy Marines from ship to shore.It is a unique mix of true open-ocean amphibious capability, land mobility, survivability, payload, and growth potential to accommodate the evolving operational needs of the United States Marine Corps (USMC).BAE Systems won a contract to produce the personnel variant (ACV-P).The ACV-P is now in full rate production after successful engineering manufacturing development (EMD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phases of the contract.BAE Systems has since developed a Command and Control variant (ACV-C) and is currently developing a 30mm gun variant (ACV-30) and recovery variant (ACV-R) under our ACV contract.This is amulti-billion dollar program supporting the future of the USMC.
   
   The successful candidate will be responsible for contracting activities associated with the ACV variants, from supporting proposals for design and development through negotiating awards for vehicle build and testing.
   As a Contracts Specialist, you will:
   Maintain and demonstrate a working understanding of the US Government Acquisition and Procurement environment, the BAE Systems Contracts function and relevant Company policies and procedures, commercial and international contracting methods, export, and FAR/DFAR and other government regulations. Independently lead and support proposal activities including;analysis of solicitations, preparing summaries and developing strategies and recommendations based on the analysis, participating in all proposal team meetings, preparing the terms, conditions and assumptions upon which the proposal may be submitted, reviewing the technical and pricing proposals for accuracy and consistency, and preparing the proposal documents for submittal to the Customer. Coordinate with other company functions as required to ensure appropriate reviews are conducted, scheduling required reviews, and obtaining required review and approval signatures prior to submittal of proposals or execution of contractual documents. Research and make recommendations on proposal and contract language.Ensure that all necessary functions review recommendations and terms, with minimal direction and guidance needed from the Contracts Manager. Lead contract negotiations and collaborate with customers in defining contracts under general guidance from the Contracts Manager. Research and provide presentations on Acquisition/Contracting topics, strategies, and approaches of moderate complexity. Perform all aspects of assigned contract or purchase order processing including; accuracy of order entry data, contract funding, scope changes, contract amendments, receipts and delivery schedules, legal requirements and other commitments. Under the supervision of a Contract Manager analyze and prepare various agreements encountered in the business, such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA's), Teaming Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement, Strategic Alliances, and others as the opportunity presents. Lead or support fact-finding and other audit activities. Participate in final stages of assigned contract by verifying completion of all commitments, and performing assigned activities associated with contract closeout. Act as primary point of contact between the Company and the Customer for all contractual matters on assigned contracts and projects including auxiliary agreements such as Proprietary Information Agreements.Draft, prepare, and execute certain internal and external correspondence on contractual matters with increasing levels of autonomy but under the supervision of a Contracts Manager, commensurate with experience and demonstrated competence. Compile and maintain all required contractual records and documents in accordance with contract requirements and Company policies and procedures.Serve as the official repository for all contractual documentation and correspondence relative to assigned contracts. Develop specialized knowledge in an area of contracting such as, but not limited to, international contracting, certain contract types, commercial contracting, joint ventures, strategic alliances and intellectual property. May be required by supervisory personnel to prepare contract summaries to assure proper interpretation of the contract(s), perform cost or price analysis and resolution of moderately complex business issues on a special assignment basis. Schedule will be 9/80 work week. **Must be able to be onsite for 2-3 days a week**
   Required Education, Experience, & Skills
   Bachelor's degree and 6 years of relevant Contract Management experience or equivalent experience. Knowledge of DoD contracting Expert knowledge of FAR/DFAR Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Exhibit sound interpersonal skills involving interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with company personnel, customers and suppliers; Utilize computer skills to prepare appropriate reports and documents- Microsoft Office Make decisions using sound judgement while complying with policies, procedures, appropriate principles and applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Develop/demonstrate research and presentation skills to senior leadership. Ability to prioritize and multitask. Excellent organizational and follow through skills. Detail oriented. Cost Type / Cost-Plus Contract experience. Firm Fixed Price Contract experience. Prime Contract experience.
   Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
   7 or more years of related experience CFCM or CPCM certification from NCMA. JD/MBA degree.
   About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
   BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
   
   The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
   
   Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
   At BAE Systems, we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where employees are valued and feel like they belong. We are conscious of the need for all employees to see themselves reflected at every level of the company and know that in order to unlock the full potential of our workforce, everyone must feel confident being their best, most sincere self and be equipped to thrive. We provide impactful professional development experiences to our employees and invest in social impact partnerships to uplift communities and drive purposeful change. Here you will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment intentionally designed to be one where you will learn, grow and belong.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right contracts specialist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with contracts specialists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit contracts specialists who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your contracts specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit contracts specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with contracts specialist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new contracts specialist

   Once you've decided on a perfect contracts specialist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new contracts specialist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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