Contract Negotiator Sample Job Descriptions

What Does a Contract Negotiator Do?

A contract negotiator manages business deals for companies or individuals by evaluating contract agreements and documents, negotiating terms with clients and customers, and resolving contract disputes. Contract negotiators adhere to company guidelines as well as state and federal regulations, so they must be familiar with all state and federal contract rules and regulations. They must have very good communication skills, excellent organizational ability, business acumen, and legal know-how.

Contract negotiators serve as advisors in all matters related to contractual arrangements. They typically handle grievances, investigate complaints, and act as mediators. Excellent people skills are required as they must develop relationships when negotiating with various parties. These professionals should possess good presentation skills and an eye for detail.

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National Average Salary

Contract negotiator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.

The average national salary for a Contract Negotiator is:

$83,659

Contract Negotiator Job Descriptions

The first step when hiring a great contract negotiator is a well-crafted job description. Below are real-world examples to help give you the best chance of success on your recruiting journey.

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Negotiation Experts. This online and classroom training offers training ranging from foundational to advanced negotiation skills. Be it sales, procurement, project management, or advanced negotiations, this certification comes with assessments, videos, simulations, and more. Candidates will walk away with the key values they need to better understand the negotiation landscape.
  • Kellogg’s High-Performance Negotiation Skills. Northwestern University offers this interactive program based on the science of negotiation. Candidates will develop and implement effective strategies, better identify strengths and weaknesses, and receive personalized feedback to improve their skills. They’ll have the opportunity to learn solo or as a team, and work in a variety of environments with dynamic situations and problems. After obtaining this certification, they’ll be better suited to efficient preparation and application regardless of their circumstances.
  • Harvard Negotiation Workshop. The Harvard Negotiation Institute offers negotiation and mediation courses that focus on training negotiators in a business setting. This is designed for trainees to find value in joint gain and create lasting, positive relationships. Candidates walk away with a thorough understanding of mutual gain and the structural components that make a deal. They’ll analyze their strengths and weaknesses and coordinate behind-the-scenes negotiation prep.

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