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Contracts Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Upload executed contracts and supporting documentation into the contract management system ... Associate degreerequired. * 3 or more years of experience in complex contract administration. * 3 ...

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Based on Company growth and requirements, the entry-level Business Associate will support the Corporate Headquarters Contracts Organization. Responsibilities * Provide assistance in the establishment ...

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Contracts Associate information

See California salary details

$15

$35

$54

How much do contracts associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for contracts associate in California is $35.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $43.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contracts Associate vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContracts AssociateContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, legal or business background often preferredBachelor's degree, legal or business background often preferred
Work EnvironmentCorporate legal or procurement departments, law firmsCorporate legal, procurement, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporations, law firms, and governmentCommon in government, large corporations, and defense sectors
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for contract management rolesOften compared for contract review and negotiation roles

The Contracts Associate and Contract Specialist roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within corporate legal or procurement departments. While both handle contracts, Contracts Associates typically assist with drafting and administrative tasks, whereas Contract Specialists focus more on review, negotiation, and compliance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What are Contracts Associates?

Contracts Associates are professionals who assist in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing contracts for organizations. They work closely with legal teams, procurement departments, and business units to ensure that contracts comply with legal requirements and company policies. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining contract databases, monitoring contract performance, and supporting contract renewal or termination processes. Contracts Associates play a key role in minimizing risk and ensuring smooth business operations.

What are some typical challenges a Contracts Associate might face when managing multiple agreements simultaneously?

Contracts Associates often handle several contracts at once, which can present challenges such as tracking deadlines, ensuring compliance with various terms, and maintaining clear communication among all parties involved. Effective organization and attention to detail are crucial to avoid errors or missed obligations. Utilizing contract management software and collaborating closely with legal, procurement, and business teams can help streamline processes and reduce risks associated with overlapping timelines or requirements.

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

To thrive as a Contracts Associate, you need a solid understanding of contract law, attention to detail, and a relevant degree such as in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management systems, document drafting software, and sometimes certifications such as Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) are commonly required. Excellent organizational skills, negotiation abilities, and clear communication help you effectively manage workflows and build strong stakeholder relationships. These skills ensure contracts are accurately drafted, compliant, and serve the best interests of the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Contracts jobs in California? The most popular types of Contracts jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contracts Associate jobs in California? For Contracts Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contracts Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contracts Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contracts Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Contracts Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Contracts Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,595 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Contracts Associate

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


BioMarin Pharmaceutical rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Who We Are
BioMarin is a leading rare disease biotechnology company focused on genetically defined conditions.
Guided by our purpose to develop medicines that make a profound impact on people’s lives, our global teams have delivered a portfolio of therapies since our founding in 1997. Our revolutionary treatments for conditions like achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism), PKU (phenylketonuria), CLN2, a form of Batten disease, and a number of forms of MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis) offer new possibilities for patients and families who previously had few, if any, available options. More recently, with the close of the Amicus acquisition, our portfolio has expanded to include therapies for Fabry disease and Pompe disease, expanding our ability to reach more people living with rare genetic conditions.
Our success comes from our unwavering commitment to excellence, our deep understanding of patient needs, our scientific expertise, and our world-class manufacturing capabilities. At the heart of BioMarin is a dedicated team of the brightest minds in the industry working together to deliver innovative therapies to patients and families around the world.
About Corporate Groups
It takes a village, and at BioMarin, our general and admin teams are the village behind our success. From the IT experts who manage our technology to the human resources professionals who hire the people who make it all possible, these teams support our organization and span all areas of operations.

Contracts Associate

BioMarin is seeking a Contracts Associate to join our Legal Department. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an organized, detail-oriented professional to gain hands-on experience supporting enterprise-wide contracting within a dynamic biotechnology company.

The Contracts Associate will work closely with attorneys, Global Sourcing and Procurement (GSP), and business partners across the organization to draft, negotiate, track, and manage a high volume of contracts. Using established templates, playbooks, and procurement and contract management systems, the successful candidate will help facilitate efficient contract execution while ensuring compliance with Legal policies and procedures.

This position is well-suited for candidates interested in pursuing law school/a legal career. Recent college graduates are eligible to apply.

BioMarin offers competitive salaries and benefits with onsite amenities including collaborative indoor and outdoor spaces and an onsite coffee bar and café. 

Contract Associate responsibilities include the ability to:

  • Research prior contracting relationships with suppliers and other contracting parties.
  • Draft and negotiate a variety of company agreements including Non-Disclosure Agreements, Master Service Agreements, Amendments, Scopes of Work, and Change Orders, using BioMarin templates, in BioMarin’s procurement and contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems.
  • Utilize Legal Department playbooks and approved guidance to negotiate contracts within established parameters.
  • Monitor and track a large volume of contracts from draft to final signatures using the CLM.
  • Ensure company-wide compliance with BioMarin's contracting policy and procedures.
  • Serve as a liaison among Legal, Global Sourcing and Procurement (GSP), business partners, and external contracting parties to facilitate contract review, negotiation, and execution.
  • Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders to understand and respond to contracting needs.
  • Exercise sound judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine action, including identifying issues and escalating matters to in-house counsel when appropriate.
  • Support Legal Department initiatives, including maintaining templates and playbooks, training users on contract management processes, and improving operational efficiencies.
  • Provide support for departmental projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to work onsite at least two days per week (currently Tuesdays and Thursdays), with occasional additional onsite days as needed.
  • Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, a quick learner, and have a strong work ethic.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong proofreading and editing skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and timely with internal and external stakeholders including suppliers/partners, outside counsel, internal legal team, business partners, GSP, and other stakeholders; proactively communicate relevant issues and deadlines.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills required; Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, work effectively in a fast-paced environment with a heavy workload, and work under pressure.
  • Strong technology aptitude and willingness to learn new systems, processes, and enterprise AI tools.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Demonstrated initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience as a contracts administrator or contracts associate.
  • Coursework in legal studies or experience at a law firm or within an in-house legal department of a public company.
  • Experience within biotech/biopharma industry or other contract-intensive fields.
  • Familiarity with Icertis or other contract lifecycle management systems.
  • Familiarity with SAP Ariba.

Education

Bachelor's degree required.


Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.


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