Position Summary:
The Sr. Consultant – Contract Negotiation is responsible for leading and supporting complex technology contract negotiations within the banking and financial services industry. This role combines financial analysis, contract strategy, and client-facing consulting to drive optimal outcomes for clients. The consultant operates as a key contributor in project teams, providing data-driven insights, negotiation leadership, and high-touch client service.
Key Responsibilities:
Contract Negotiation & Strategy:
- Lead or support negotiations for large, complex banking technology contracts (core systems, digital platforms, payments, etc.)
- Develop and execute negotiation strategies aligned with client goals
- Analyze contract terms and conditions to identify risks and opportunities
- Actively participate in vendor negotiations and client advisory discussions
Financial & Data Analysis:
- Build detailed financial models based on contracts, invoices, and benchmarking data
- Conduct comparative pricing analysis across vendor proposals
- Leverage proprietary and public data to support negotiation strategies
Project Management:
- Manage day-to-day execution of client engagements (typically 3+ month lifecycle)
- Develop project plans, timelines, and deliverables
- Coordinate internal teams, client stakeholders, and vendor communications
- Ensure deadlines and client expectations are consistently met
Client Delivery & Communication:
- Draft and deliver client-facing reports, presentations, and communications
- Provide high-level customer service and responsiveness to client needs
- Support RFP processes and related documentation
- Build strong relationships with client stakeholders, including executive leadership
Collaboration & Team Support:
- Work closely with senior consultants and specialized negotiation experts
- Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and tool development
- Assist with special projects and ad hoc initiatives as needed
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Strong organizational and time management skills in a deadline-driven environment
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- High emotional intelligence (EQ) and interpersonal effectiveness
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment
- Experience interacting with senior/executive-level stakeholders
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- High attention to detail and adaptability to interruption
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field (MBA preferred)
- 3–5 years of experience in consulting, finance, contract negotiation, or related field
- Experience with B2B contract negotiation
- Knowledge of financial institution (FI) vendor landscape
- Banking or financial services industry experience
- Contract negotiation strategy
- Financial modeling & pricing analysis
- Client relationship management
- Project management
- Communication & influence
- Critical thinking & problem-solving
- Adaptability & resilience
Work Environment & Structure:
- Project-based consulting environment
- Fast-paced, high-performance culture
- Remote flexibility with limited travel
- Collaborative, team-oriented structure
EEO STATEMENT
Our firm provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, our firm complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Skills Required
- Strong organizational and time management skills in deadline-driven environments
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- High emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experience interacting with senior/executive-level stakeholders
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- High attention to detail and adaptability to interruption
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field (MBA preferred)
- 3-5 years experience in consulting, finance, contract negotiation, or related field
- Experience with B2B contract negotiation
- Knowledge of financial institution vendor landscape
- Banking or financial services industry experience
What We Do
The Cornerstone Advisors team defines success by how well we improve the strategies, technologies and operations of our clients – and how well this translates into improved financial performance. Having worked with hundreds of national and international financial institutions, Cornerstone professionals have developed an expertise in how banks and credit unions operate and the best practices that enable high performers to succeed. We have also developed a comprehensive understanding of the technology providers that serve the financial services industry – what works, what doesn’t, and how an organization can best leverage its technology dollars. Formed by some of the financial industry’s most respected strategy and technology consultants, Cornerstone’s goal is to continue building an advisory firm that is legendary for the value we bring to financial services clients. Simply put, Cornerstone’s industry knowledge is unmatched, and our “no nonsense” approach to closing the gap between strategy and reality can help institutions improve their competitive position in the market. From strategy to execution – Cornerstone Advisors.
