Contract Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Contract Specialists handle government procurement, vendor negotiations, and federal contracting compliance. Most positions require H-1B sponsorship since they're typically specialty occupations requiring business, finance, or related degrees. Defense contractors and federal agencies frequently sponsor international talent for these analytical roles. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsContract Specialist
Work Location: Hybrid – 2 days remote, 3 days in-office (Jefferies NYC: 520 Madison Avenue, NY, NY)
Job Summary
The Contract Specialist will play a critical role in supporting Jefferies’ Procurement Department by managing contract negotiations, drafting, and administration. This position involves working closely with three Senior Sourcing Managers and the Procurement Business Analyst to ensure timely and accurate execution of sourcing initiatives. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced financial services environment. This role is hybrid office/WFH and requires 3 days in-office at our New York Headquarters (520 Madison Avenue).
Key Responsibilities
Contract Management & Negotiation:
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and legal teams to resolve contractual issues and mitigate risks.
- Maintain accurate records of contract versions, approvals, and execution status.
Procurement Support:
- Assist Senior Sourcing Managers in sourcing activities, including vendor selection, RFP/RFI processes, and bid evaluations.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation to support procurement decisions.
- Track and monitor supplier performance and compliance with contractual obligations.
Client Request Coordination:
- Orchestrate and prioritize incoming client requests and purchase initiatives.
- Serve as a liaison between internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure timely resolution of inquiries.
- Provide administrative and communication support for procurement activities.
Data & Reporting:
- Generate and analyze procurement reports to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and compliance gaps.
- Maintain dashboards and trackers for contract lifecycle management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Interact with C-suite executives, legal personnel, and business units to align procurement strategies with organizational goals.
- Support internal audits and compliance reviews related to procurement and contracts.
Qualifications
Experience Level:
- 5+ years of experience in contract negotiation and commercial contract law.
- 3+ years in sourcing or supply chain management within a corporate environment.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including professional business writing and legal terminology.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Forms, OneNote), Adobe Acrobat Pro, and e-signature platforms (e.g., DocuSign).
- Professional demeanor with strong customer focus and ability to interact with senior executives.
- Agile multitasker, adaptable to changing demands.
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have):
- Experience with ERP/Corporate Financial Management Software (e.g., PeopleSoft Financials).
- Knowledge of Contract Lifecycle Management systems and concepts.
- Familiarity with Uniform Commercial Code and basic contract law principles.
- Exposure to Source-to-Pay systems.
- Experience with GEP.
Contract Specialist
Work Location: Hybrid – 2 days remote, 3 days in-office (Jefferies NYC: 520 Madison Avenue, NY, NY)
Job Summary
The Contract Specialist will play a critical role in supporting Jefferies’ Procurement Department by managing contract negotiations, drafting, and administration. This position involves working closely with three Senior Sourcing Managers and the Procurement Business Analyst to ensure timely and accurate execution of sourcing initiatives. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced financial services environment. This role is hybrid office/WFH and requires 3 days in-office at our New York Headquarters (520 Madison Avenue).
Key Responsibilities
Contract Management & Negotiation:
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and legal teams to resolve contractual issues and mitigate risks.
- Maintain accurate records of contract versions, approvals, and execution status.
Procurement Support:
- Assist Senior Sourcing Managers in sourcing activities, including vendor selection, RFP/RFI processes, and bid evaluations.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation to support procurement decisions.
- Track and monitor supplier performance and compliance with contractual obligations.
Client Request Coordination:
- Orchestrate and prioritize incoming client requests and purchase initiatives.
- Serve as a liaison between internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure timely resolution of inquiries.
- Provide administrative and communication support for procurement activities.
Data & Reporting:
- Generate and analyze procurement reports to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and compliance gaps.
- Maintain dashboards and trackers for contract lifecycle management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Interact with C-suite executives, legal personnel, and business units to align procurement strategies with organizational goals.
- Support internal audits and compliance reviews related to procurement and contracts.
Qualifications
Experience Level:
- 5+ years of experience in contract negotiation and commercial contract law.
- 3+ years in sourcing or supply chain management within a corporate environment.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including professional business writing and legal terminology.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Forms, OneNote), Adobe Acrobat Pro, and e-signature platforms (e.g., DocuSign).
- Professional demeanor with strong customer focus and ability to interact with senior executives.
- Agile multitasker, adaptable to changing demands.
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have):
- Experience with ERP/Corporate Financial Management Software (e.g., PeopleSoft Financials).
- Knowledge of Contract Lifecycle Management systems and concepts.
- Familiarity with Uniform Commercial Code and basic contract law principles.
- Exposure to Source-to-Pay systems.
- Experience with GEP.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Contract Specialist
Target government contractors and defense firms
Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Booz Allen frequently sponsor Contract Specialists. They understand the visa process and have established immigration support systems.
Emphasize your analytical and compliance background
Contract Specialist roles require analyzing complex regulations, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance. Highlight experience with procurement processes, contract analysis, or regulatory work.
Consider both private sector and government roles
While direct federal employment requires citizenship, many Contract Specialist positions are with private contractors supporting government agencies. These private roles can sponsor visas.
Prepare for security clearance discussions
Many Contract Specialist roles eventually require security clearances, which need citizenship. Be clear about your long-term immigration plans and willingness to pursue permanent residency.
Highlight relevant degree fields
Business administration, finance, economics, supply chain management, or related fields typically qualify. The specialty occupation requirement is usually straightforward for analytical procurement roles.
Research FAR and procurement regulations
Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulation demonstrates genuine interest. Many employers value candidates who understand government contracting fundamentals, even without direct experience.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Contract Specialists qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Contract Specialist positions typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship as specialty occupations. The role requires analytical skills, knowledge of procurement regulations, and usually a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related fields. Government contractors regularly sponsor international professionals for these positions.
What degree do I need for Contract Specialist visa sponsorship?
Most Contract Specialist positions require a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, economics, supply chain management, or related fields. Some employers accept equivalent experience, but the degree requirement helps establish the H-1B specialty occupation standard for visa purposes.
Can Contract Specialists work for the federal government on visas?
Direct federal employment typically requires U.S. citizenship, but many Contract Specialists work for private contractors supporting government agencies. These contractor positions can sponsor H-1B visas while you work on government projects and pursue permanent residency.
How does security clearance affect Contract Specialist sponsorship?
Many Contract Specialist roles eventually require security clearances, which need citizenship. However, employers often sponsor visas for positions that don't immediately require clearance, understanding that employees may pursue permanent residency. Some roles have unclassified tracks that don't require clearance.
Which companies sponsor Contract Specialists most frequently?
Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, and consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton regularly sponsor Contract Specialists. These companies have established immigration processes and understand the value of international talent in procurement and compliance roles.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Contract Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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