Contracts & Business Affairs Specialist

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments•Columbia, MD

1d•$82,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is seeking a Contracts & Business Affairs Specialist to support the administration of commercial and government contracts, corporate legal documentation, compliance initiatives, and day-to-day business legal affairs. The role helps ensure that contracts and related processes are managed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations. The specialist works closely with Legal Counsel and teams across Sales, Finance, Operations, Marketing, and other functions to review and coordinate agreements, support contract negotiations, maintain legal records, and address contractual and compliance matters. The work combines contract administration, legal operations, research, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration to support business objectives while minimizing legal and contractual risk. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Columbia, Maryland. The starting salary range is $82,000 to $85,000 annually, paid semi-monthly. Additional variable compensation may include a discretionary year-end bonus based on overall company performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
At least two years of progressive experience in contract administration, paralegal services, legal operations, compliance, or a related business legal environment.
Working knowledge of contract administration, legal documentation, contract review, and business-related legal processes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify contractual concerns, research requirements, and recommend practical solutions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, contract management systems, and document management systems.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders, customers, and legal counsel.

Responsibilities

Support the administration, review, drafting, negotiation, and management of commercial, government, customer, supplier, and other corporate agreements.
Coordinate contract terms, approvals, renewals, amendments, and compliance requirements with internal stakeholders and legal counsel.
Maintain accurate contract records, legal documentation, document retention systems, and contract lifecycle tracking.
Support corporate legal affairs, including legal correspondence, regulatory research, litigation support, and compliance-related activities.
Partner with Sales, Finance, Operations, Marketing, and other departments on contractual matters, proposal reviews, bid submissions, and customer requirements.
Review and coordinate customer questionnaires, Requests for Information (RFI), compliance surveys, vendor documentation, and Certificates of Insurance (COI).
Monitor contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and potential risks, and recommend practical solutions to support business objectives.
Assist in developing and improving contract administration processes, legal workflows, policies, and internal controls.
Serve as a liaison between internal teams, customers, suppliers, government agencies, and legal counsel on contractual and business legal matters.
Support employee training, cross-functional initiatives, and other legal or compliance-related projects as needed.

Benefits

Matching 401(k) and profit-sharing program.
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
Generous, front-loaded paid time off plan; first-year allotment includes 10 vacation days, 8 personal days, 8 scheduled holidays, and 3 floating holidays.
Tuition assistance for graduate and undergraduate studies.
Pet insurance.
Optional identity theft, prepaid legal, and critical care buy-up insurance benefits.
Company-paid life insurance.
Short-term disability program; after one year of employment, the company covers 100% of monthly premiums.
Potential discretionary year-end bonus based on overall company performance.
Career, leadership, and personal development pathways.
Day-one benefits.
Employee Resource Groups.
Business-casual dress attire and casual Fridays.