In Market Contract Specialist

As we continue to transform the practice of medicine, the next chapter of Sanofi’s strategy will require a focus on delivering transformation and simplification of our core processes, optimizing resource allocation and deployment to fuel business growth and investment in science. 

To support this transformation and Take the Lead, Sanofi Business Operations brings together global business services under one umbrella, with a strong focus on efficiency and excellence. Within this organization, In-Market Contract Services — part of the Contract Excellence function in Global Procurement Services — is responsible for driving best-in-class contracting support for the business, ensuring compliant, efficient, and consistent contract delivery across markets and functions jointly with Global Contract Services teams, Legal and Business.

Reporting to the In-Market Contract Services Team Lead South Asia & India South Korea & Australia & Japan , the In-Market Contract Specialist plays a critical role in providing contracting guidance and advice and executing all relevant tasks to support contract elaboration and signature needs in the relevant scope of activity, ensuring adherence to the Contracting Core Model, to deliver timely, compliant, and high-quality contracting outcomes. In the performance of their tasks, the In Market Contract Specialist collaborates with a number of internal stakeholders, including Business and Legal, and also interacts with the external contractual parties.

Responsibilities

Contract Preparation, Drafting & Review:

• Assist in the preparation, drafting, review, and editing of contracts, collaborating with legal and business when relevant to ensure contract accuracy and, in accordance with relevant Sanofi policies and legal requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Legal and Business to support the development, deployment, update, and continuous improvement of contract templates in scope and Sanofi contractual landscape.
• Conduct research of existing and related contracts and agreements, keeping informed about relevant laws and regulations affecting current and future contracts.

Contract Lifecycle Management & Documentation:

• Maintain organized, accurate and up-to-date such as contract files and documentation that allow tracking key contract lifecycle events, deadlines, and renewal dates in Coupa CLM;
• Ensure all contracting activities integrate seamlessly into the global contract delivery framework and align with lifecycle management standards.
• Support the accurate and timely execution of contract milestones to minimize risk and ensure business continuity.

Contracting Core Model Adherence & Continuous Improvement

• Identify deviations from the applicable Contracting Core Model and work with relevant stakeholders to create and implement remediation plans.
• Upon assignment from the In Market contract Services Team Lead, drive continuous improvement and standardization of contracting processes, contributing to a more efficient and consistent contracting control environment.
• Support the development and implementation of best practices across the contracting function.

Stakeholder Engagement & Business Partnership

• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across markets and functions to ensure timely, accurate and compliant execution of contracts, acting as a trusted point of contact for contract-related matters.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience of previous experience in a legal support/contract specialist role/Procurement support or as a paralegal.
• Serve as a liaison between business teams, Legal, facilitating clear communication and efficient resolution of contracting issues.
• Assist customers and internal teams with contract-related inquiries, supporting simplified and efficient contracting processes.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Support risk identification and mitigation strategies in partnership with Legal and Business teams.
• Contribute to maintaining a robust contracting control environment that safeguards the organization's interests.

Qualifications

Required:

• Advanced contract drafting skills.
• Negotiations skills.
• Strong understanding of legal terminology and contract principles.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with contract management tools/software.
• Fluent in:
  • English (spoken and written),
  • Japanese
  • South Korean. 

Preferred:

• Legal studies or paralegal certification.
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in a corporate legal environment.
• Proficiency in legal research and analysis.