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Contract Specialist Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Manager

Albuquerque, NM

$86K - $115K/yr

Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including, but not limited to, proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations ...

Perform contract administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including, but not limited to, proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations, executing contract ...

Contracts Manager

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$86K - $115K/yr

Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including, but not limited to, proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations ...

Sourcing Specialist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Sourcing Specialist analyzes, organizes, and optimizes sourcing processes to streamline ... Negotiate contracts to optimize pricing, terms, lead times, and total value of ownership; ensure ...

Contracts Manager

Albuquerque, NM

$86K - $115K/yr

Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including, but not limited to, proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations ...

Procurement Specialist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Opportunity for advancement Position Summary The Construction Quoting Specialist is responsible for ... Ensure deadlines for bid submissions are met * Assist in contract and scope review processes ...

The specialist assumes the responsibility of database management for performance metrics ... Reviews simulation contracts, ensuring adherence to institutional policies. * Conducts simulation ...

The specialist assumes the responsibility of database management for performance metrics ... Reviews simulation contracts, ensuring adherence to institutional policies. * Conducts simulation ...

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Contract Specialist information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$36.2K

$76.5K

$111K

How much do contract specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract specialist in Rio Rancho, NM is $76,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $92,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract specialist?

A contract specialist is a professional responsible for drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts to ensure compliance with legal and organizational standards. They often work in government agencies or corporations, requiring knowledge of procurement processes, negotiation skills, and familiarity with contract management tools. Their role helps facilitate secure and effective agreements between parties.

How much does a contract specialist earn?

A contract specialist typically earns a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the industry, level of certification, and whether they work in government or private sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Specialist, you need a strong understanding of contract law, negotiation techniques, and procurement processes, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in business, law, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software, ERP systems, and certifications such as CPCM (Certified Professional Contracts Manager) are highly beneficial. Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and promote successful business agreements for their organization.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Contract specialists typically do not earn $500,000 annually; high-paying roles in the US reaching this level are often in executive management, specialized medical fields, investment banking, or corporate law. These positions usually require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.

What is the difference between Contract Specialist vs Contract Administrator?

AspectContract SpecialistContract Administrator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often certifications like NCMA or NCMA-CertifiedBachelor's degree; certifications like NCMA or NCMA-Certified are common
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense, corporate sectorsGovernment agencies, corporate sectors, private companies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in government and defense contractingWidely in government, corporate, and private sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contract Specialists focus on negotiating, drafting, and analyzing contracts, often in government or defense sectors. Contract Administrators manage contract execution, ensuring compliance and performance. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Contract Specialists are more involved in the negotiation phase, whereas Contract Administrators oversee contract performance post-award.

What are Contract Specialists?

Contract Specialists are professionals responsible for managing, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts between organizations and vendors, suppliers, or clients. They ensure that agreements comply with legal requirements and organizational policies, while also protecting their employer’s interests and minimizing risks. Contract Specialists often collaborate with legal, procurement, and project management teams to oversee the contract lifecycle from initiation to completion. Their work is essential in both the public and private sectors to facilitate smooth business operations and maintain strong professional relationships.

What Is a Contract Specialist?

A contract specialist oversees the review and negotiation of contracts between two or more parties. As a contract specialist, your responsibilities include reviewing existing contracts to be sure both parties are fulfilling their requirements, mediating and addressing shortcomings, and negotiating new contracts. You may also be asked to research alternatives and execute these options. Contract specialists may work with various professionals within a business, such as purchasing agents or the purchasing manager. Your job is to ensure that both parties feel they are being treated fairly and are therefore willing to agree to the terms of the contract.

What certifications do you need to be a contract specialist?

Contract specialists typically benefit from certifications such as the Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or the Defense Contract Management Certification. These credentials demonstrate expertise in contract law, procurement processes, and federal regulations, and can enhance job prospects and professional credibility.

How does a Contract Specialist typically collaborate with legal and procurement teams during the contract lifecycle?

Contract Specialists work closely with both legal and procurement teams to ensure contracts are compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals. During contract drafting and negotiation, they coordinate with legal counsel to address risk management and regulatory requirements. Simultaneously, they partner with procurement professionals to understand supplier capabilities, pricing structures, and delivery terms. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for developing robust contracts and resolving any issues that arise throughout the contract lifecycle.
What are the most commonly searched types of Specialist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Specialist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Specialist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Contract Specialist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Specialist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Specialist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Contract Specialist jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Contract Specialist job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Specialist job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,470 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Operations Specialist

Operations Specialist

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The UNM Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking an Operations Specialist. Our Operations Specialist will be responsible for the design, development and maintenance of projects to improve operational efficiencies across a multi-faceted, multi-division, department with clinical, academic, research, and community missions. Projects may consist of constituent databases, website maintenance, faculty HR and evaluation processes, facility improvements, administrative improvements and process automations. The Operations Specialist will organize and coordinate the implementation of project plans to ensure compliance and timeliness as well as maintenance and improvement of operating efficiency for projects such as clinical contracting, space management, building maintenance and remodeling, and external contracts. The candidate should have a UNM purchasing card or the ability to obtain one and accounting knowledge to budget and reconcile accounts. The ideal candidate will be a supportive team member who: communicates effectively with diverse constituents using multiple platforms; achieves results in a deadline-driven environment; is adept at recognizing inefficiencies and recommending solutions; and flexible with diverse skills in administrative tasks, finance and operational/project flow.

Duties will include: 

  • Create and maintain Smartsheet dashboards, databases and contact lists
  • Support website maintenance
  • Project Management
  • Meeting coordination and travel arrangements
  • Creating marketing materials, brochures, newsletters
  • Oversight and coordination of building maintenance
  • Space allocation
  • Coordinating office supplies and services, telecommunications, surplus management
  • File retention management

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is a multi-division department within the UNM School of Medicine. We provide excellent, innovative education to residents, medical students, and health professionals; the highest quality mental health care to the citizens of New Mexico; and pursue outstanding multidisciplinary research that helps solve important health problems. Find out more here: https://hsc.unm.edu/medicine/departments/psychiatry/


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