Contract Specialist, Procurement Services – UT System Administration Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

Contract Specialist, Procurement Services – UT System Administration
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Knoxville, TN Full-time Other
Posted on April 03, 2025
Job Description
The Contract Specialist drafts contracts, reviews contracts for compliance with state law and UT policy, and negotiates with vendors (including vendors’ legal counsel). The position provides assistance to end-users of the electronic Contract Management System and delivers training classes. The position also provides internal review of procurement files to ensure that staff members are complying with office SOPs and UT policy.
The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.
Responsibilities
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Reviews, edits, and negotiates System and Institution authority contracts on behalf of the University in accordance with fiscal policy
Negotiates with vendors and their legal counsel
Drafts contracts and memoranda for exceptions to fiscal policy
Responds to contract questions from vendors and University departments
Serves as a point of contact for the Contract Management System and assists end users with questions about the Contract Management System
Conducts training classes for the Contract Management System
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
A minimum of two years of experience in a professional office environment is required. At least one year of
experience interpreting and/or drafting technical or contract language is also required.
Experience with technical writing, contract review, contract drafting, or related work is desired. Intermediate technology skills including at least one year of experience using Microsoft Word software, especially MS Word and Outlook is required.
Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:
Strong customer service skills and the ability to equally balance compliance and customer service to deliver services in a professional, timely manner
Outstanding organizational skills
The ability to exercise independent judgment
The ability to read and accurately interpret legal language, regulations, and policies
The ability to negotiate with attorneys or supplier representatives supplies
The ability to manage high volume workloads accurately and effectively in a deadline-driven environment
Strong communication skills including public speaking
Excellent written communication skills including familiarity with standard English writing
Knowledge of Adobe Pro or similar document reader

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Oracle or other ERP systems
Application Process
For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. Benefits and Compensation
Compensation for the position will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience within the market range. The University offers a comprehensive package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition for employees and their families, generous retirement , a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s , visit hr.tennessee//