Contract Specialist/Sr Contract Specialist - FSP Dedicated - EMEA

Position Overview

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we are committed to advancing scientific discovery and improving global health outcomes through innovative clinical research solutions. As part of our dynamic team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare by ensuring the seamless execution of high-value clinical trial contracts. We are seeking a highly skilled Contract Specialist or Senior Contract Specialist to join our growing FSP (Functional Service Provider) environment in the EMEA region. In this role, you will be responsible for negotiating, drafting, and finalizing complex contracts while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive compliance, efficiency, and excellence in contract management. Whether you are an experienced contract professional or a senior leader looking to mentor the next generation of specialists, this opportunity offers a unique platform to contribute to life-changing therapies and therapies that impact millions worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

As a Contract Specialist or Senior Contract Specialist within our FSP team, you will be entrusted with a range of critical responsibilities designed to ensure the smooth and compliant execution of clinical trial contracts. Your core duties will include:

• Contract Development and Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate high-value and complex contracts, including Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), Confidentiality Agreements (CDAs), and other essential documents, ensuring alignment with client requirements and regulatory standards.
• Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all contracts adhere to local and international regulations, as well as company policies, to mitigate legal and financial risks while safeguarding the integrity of clinical trials.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as a liaison between internal teams—such as legal, clinical operations, regulatory affairs, and finance—and external stakeholders, including clients, research sites, and vendors, to facilitate efficient contract negotiations and approvals.
• Contract Lifecycle Management: Monitor the progress of contract negotiations, address any arising issues, and maintain meticulous records and documentation throughout the contract lifecycle to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Strategic Process Improvement: Contribute to the development and implementation of contract management strategies and processes, optimizing efficiency and ensuring timely contract execution to meet critical project deadlines.
• Dispute Resolution and Issue Management: Proactively identify and resolve contractual disputes or concerns, leveraging your expertise to maintain strong client relationships and project continuity.
• Regulatory and Industry Awareness: Stay abreast of evolving regulations and industry standards related to clinical trial contracts, ensuring our processes remain cutting-edge and compliant.
• Mentorship and Leadership (Senior Role): Provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to junior contract specialists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Training and Development: Participate in and lead training sessions and workshops to enhance the contract management skills of the team, ensuring continuous professional growth and alignment with best practices.

Qualifications and Skills

To thrive in this role, you will bring a combination of educational background, professional experience, and interpersonal skills that align with our high standards of excellence. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Law, Business Administration, or Life Sciences. Advanced degrees or certifications in contract management or related disciplines are highly desirable.
• Professional Experience: Extensive experience in contract management or negotiation within the pharmaceutical, clinical research, or related industries, with a proven track record of handling high-value and complex agreements.
• Regulatory Knowledge: A strong understanding of contractual regulations and guidelines governing clinical trials, including familiarity with ICH-GCP, FDA, EMA, and other relevant frameworks.
• Project and Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational abilities and project management expertise, enabling you to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with precision and efficiency.
• Communication and Collaboration: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, coupled with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to reviewing and drafting contracts, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is essential; additional language skills may be advantageous depending on the specific EMEA location.

Preferred Qualifications

While the core responsibilities and qualifications are essential, candidates with the following attributes will be particularly well-suited for this role:

• Prior experience working in an FSP environment, providing services to multiple clients simultaneously.
• Familiarity with electronic contract management systems and databases, such as DocuSign, Apttus, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a senior or managerial capacity within contract management or a related field.

Why Join Thermo Fisher Scientific?

By joining our team, you will become part of a global organization dedicated to advancing science and improving lives. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded. We provide comprehensive benefits, career development opportunities, and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that have a tangible impact on global health. Whether you are looking to advance your career in contract management or take on a leadership role, this position offers the perfect blend of challenge, growth, and purpose.