Contract Specialist Sr

Salem Health; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Health is seeking a senior contract specialist to lead negotiation and execution of complex service agreements, partnering with clinical and operational leaders to protect organizational interests. The role focuses on applying financial analysis, strategic thinking and Lean methodologies to optimize contracts in a fast-paced healthcare setting.

You will mentor staff, collaborate with physicians and executives, and balance multiple priorities while advancing organizational strategy and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Law, Finance, or related field.
• 5 years of contracts analysis or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, negotiation and execution of complex, high-profile service agreements.
• Partner with department leaders and stakeholders to understand business objectives and guide the contracting process.
• Develop negotiation strategies, identify legal, financial and operational risks and modify contract language to protect organizational interests.
• Conduct financial analyses and modeling to evaluate pricing structures, contract terms and performance benchmarks.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership to support decision-making.
• Mentor contracts analyst staff and ensure accuracy, completeness and adherence to standards.
• Manage multiple complex contracts concurrently while prioritizing deadlines.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Financial analysis

Lean methodologies

Mentoring

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/healthcare/law/finance

Job description

Location: Mission Medical Building, 1155 Mission Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department: Contracts & Value Analysis
Position Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Exempt
Schedule: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday

Your role with us

Play a pivotal role in shaping the partnerships and agreements that enable exceptional care throughout Salem Health. As a senior contract specialist, lead the negotiation and execution of complex, high-profile service agreements while partnering with operational leaders to understand business needs and protect organizational interests. Apply financial analysis, strategic thinking and sound judgment to evaluate contract terms, identify risks and present clear recommendations that support informed decision-making. Build trusted relationships with physicians, executives and external partners while translating complex contractual concepts into practical guidance that stakeholders can confidently act upon. This role offers the opportunity to influence organizational strategy, drive process improvements through Lean initiatives and mentor fellow analysts while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment. For those energized by collaboration, problem solving and meaningful work behind the scenes, this position provides a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on the organization's ability to serve its community.

What you'll do

• Lead the review, negotiation and execution of complex, high-profile service agreements while aligning contract terms with operational needs.
• Partner with department leaders and stakeholders to understand business objectives and provide guidance throughout the contracting process.
• Develop negotiation strategies, identify legal, financial and operational risks and recommend contract language modifications to protect organizational interests.
• Conduct financial analyses and modeling to evaluate pricing structures, contract terms and performance benchmarks.
• Present findings, recommendations and complex information in a clear and concise manner to support leadership decision-making.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with physicians, executives and external partners to advance successful outcomes.
• Develop communication strategies that engage appropriate stakeholders and promote transparency throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to improve contract processes through Lean methodologies, streamlining workflows and strengthening compliance.
• Mentor contracts analyst staff by providing day‑to‑day guidance and reviewing work for accuracy, completeness and alignment with organizational standards.
• Manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously while effectively prioritizing deadlines and competing responsibilities.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Law, Finance, or related field.
• 5 years of contracts analysis or related experience.

Additional information

• Experience in a healthcare or highly regulated industry with data analysis experience is preferred.
• Creative and strategic thinking abilities, along with broad-based knowledge of healthcare industry trends.
• Skilled at collecting, interpreting, and presenting information in a clear, concise manner.
• Strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with physicians, executives and managers of outside entities.
• Goal‑oriented work ethic with effective prioritization and time management skills.
• Excellent computer skills required for spreadsheet analysis, word processing and presentation preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex contractual language for non‑legal audiences.

Total rewards package

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth. Click here for details.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award‑winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high‑quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].