Senior Contracts Manager

Overview

A biotechnology organization is seeking a detail-oriented, business-minded Senior Contracts Manager to join their Legal team. This role involves managing a high volume of contracting and negotiation across R&D, Clinical programs, Commercial, and general corporate functions such as Facilities, IT, and HR. The position requires using approved templates and playbooks, with escalation of novel or higher-risk matters to the appropriate attorney.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and process a high volume of contracts using approved templates and playbooks, including Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), consulting and vendor agreements, statements of work, and general corporate agreements across R&D, Clinical, Facilities, IT, HR, and Commercial departments.
• Negotiate contract terms directly with counterparties within approved parameters; identify and escalate novel legal issues, material deviations from approved templates, or elevated risk to the appropriate attorney.
• Utilize contract lifecycle management systems (e.g., Agiloft/Qompass) and e-signature platforms to track contract status, milestones, renewal dates, and obligations; support reporting efforts.
• Collaborate with Legal Operations to maintain and improve contract templates, playbooks, and standard terms; identify and implement process improvements.
• Support contract compliance efforts, including ensuring use of approved templates and escalation of deviations.
• Coordinate with Finance, R&D, Clinical, HR, IT, Facilities, and other business stakeholders on contract requirements and business terms.
• Train and support business teams on contracting processes, policies, and self-service tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Juris Doctor (J.D.) or paralegal certification is a plus but not required.
• 7–10 years of relevant contract management experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industries.
• Strong working knowledge of standard commercial, R&D, and clinical contract types such as CDAs, Master Service Agreements (MSAs), consulting agreements, Statements of Work (SOWs), vendor agreements; Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs) are a plus.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management systems (e.g., Agiloft) and e-signature platforms is strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage a high-volume caseload and exercise sound judgment on when to escalate issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable partnering with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, process-driven, and collaborative.
• Familiarity with redlining software and document management tools.
• Certification as a Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $168,000 - $218,000 annually.
• The actual base salary offered may vary based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, certifications, and job location.
• Salary will comply with applicable state or local minimum wage requirements.

Location

• Lexington, MA (hybrid work arrangement) or remote within the United States.