Head of Contracts

Overview

Reporting to the Vice President, Legal and Contracts, this role leads the Contracts Division within the Legal Department. The position ensures timely delivery of high-quality, risk-balanced contractual support to internal and external stakeholders. Responsibilities include contract strategy development, optimization of contract management processes, team leadership, and continuous improvement of contracting capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Contracts Division, including workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and professional development
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure timely negotiation and execution of contracts while maintaining service level expectations
• Prepare, negotiate, review, and oversee the execution of commercial agreements with:
  • Clients
  • Vendors and service providers
  • Subcontractors and consultants
  • Investigator sites
• Develop and implement contracting strategies that support business growth, operational efficiency, and risk management objectives
• Provide pragmatic, risk-based legal and commercial advice to stakeholders on contractual matters
• Establish, monitor, and report departmental KPIs, contract cycle times, workload metrics, and stakeholder satisfaction
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance contracting processes, including automation, templates, and workflows
• Maintain and oversee contract lifecycle management systems and associated governance processes
• Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with SOPs, policies, playbooks, templates, and training materials
• Oversee outsourced contract review and negotiation services, including management of external resources and service providers
• Serve as an escalation point for complex contractual, legal, and commercial issues
• Support internal and external audits related to contracting activities and compliance requirements
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify legal and contractual risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies
• Provide regular reporting to the Vice President, Legal and Contracts and senior management on departmental performance, resourcing, and strategic initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President, Legal and Contracts

Requirements

Education

• Degree qualified in Humanities, Sciences, or Social Sciences (or overseas equivalent)
• Qualified lawyer or equivalent legal professional with significant relevant post-qualification experience

Experience

• Extensive experience drafting and negotiating contracts
• Experience drafting commercial and project contracts
• Extensive experience in contracts management
• Previous experience managing or leading teams
• International contract drafting and management experience (desirable)
• Extensive experience in the pharmaceutical or CRO industry (desirable)
• Experience managing the financial aspects of a department (desirable)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• European language skills (desirable)

Capabilities

• Ability to work remotely

Compensation & Benefits

• Not specified

Location

• Remote