Commercial Contracts Specialist

As a Commercial Contracts Specialist, you will serve as a key player in managing and negotiating the agreements that keep our business moving — from vendor and procurement contracts to client-facing agreements. You’ll work closely with our legal team to handle contract negotiations that don’t require an attorney’s signature but do require sound judgment, strong negotiation instincts, and a solid grasp of commercial contract terms. This role is ideal for someone who wants to do substantive contract work — negotiating terms, managing risk, and protecting the company’s interests. You’ll partner closely with Legal, Procurement, and Sales to move deals forward efficiently while keeping Clearwater’s interests protected. Key Responsibilities: Contract Negotiation: Lead negotiations on procurement and vendor contracts, as well as client agreements, balancing commercial goals with risk management. Contract Drafting & Review: Draft, redline, and review contract language for common agreement types (MSAs, SOWs, NDAs, vendor agreements, order forms), escalating novel or high-risk issues to Legal. Cross-Functional Partnership: Work directly with Procurement, Sales, and business stakeholders to understand deal requirements and move contracts through negotiation and execution efficiently. Risk Identification: Flag unusual terms, compliance concerns, or business risk in contracts, and know when an issue needs attorney review versus when it can be resolved directly. Playbook Management: Apply and help refine contract playbooks and negotiation guidelines, ensuring consistency across deals and reducing turnaround time. Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline the contract lifecycle, including templates, approval workflows, and negotiation standards. Contract Administration: Maintain accurate records of contract status, obligations, and key terms within the contract management system. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred; paralegal certification, contracts management certification, or equivalent practical experience considered in lieu of a degree. A minimum of 3 years of experience in contract negotiation, procurement, paralegal work, or a related commercial/legal support role. Demonstrated experience negotiating contract terms directly with vendors, clients, or counterparties — this is a negotiation-heavy role, not a purely administrative one. Solid understanding of common commercial contract structures and terms (MSAs, SOWs, NDAs, indemnification, liability, payment terms, etc.). Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain contract terms clearly to non-legal stakeholders. Sound judgment on when to resolve an issue independently versus escalate to Legal. Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple contracts and deadlines simultaneously.