Associate Contract Manager, Clinical Research

Join the PPD™ clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific, a globally recognized leader in drug development and laboratory services. We partner with leading pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, academic, and government organizations to bring life-changing therapies to market. No matter where your career passions lie, you’ll find opportunities here to contribute to something greater. By joining our team, you will be part of groundbreaking medical discoveries and gain invaluable experience and growth opportunities in your field.

About the role

The Associate Contract Manager serves as a regional lead in managing the preparation, negotiation and finalization of contract templates, process and negotiation parameters (including, contractual terms and conditions, and ancillary documents), and oversight of associated investigator grant budget(s). This critical role ensures quality, objectivity and risk analysis in the efficient delivery of contract templates, process and negotiation parameters, teams and Contract Specialists as directed by Contract Managers.

Responsibilities

• Participate in or lead the review, negotiation, and finalization of contract templates, process and negotiation parameters with clients.
• Provide regional oversight and contractual risk assessment in accordance with established contractual considerations and serve as the liaison with the legal department during country improvement initiatives.
• Negotiate within approved parameters both investigator grant budget negotiation parameters, contractual terms and conditions in accordance with company contractual considerations, client contractual considerations, and ensure established process follows established escalation routes.
• Serve as a regional contact for clients regarding contractual negotiations, process questions, and issue resolution.
• Partner with Legal during country-specific process improvement initiatives and complex contractual matters.
• Collaborate with internal functional teams to coordinate site start-up activities impacted by contract execution and investigator grant negotiations.
• Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely execution of contractual deliverables.
• Ensure consistent application of approved contract templates, negotiation parameters, client expectations, and established processes across assigned work.
• Organize competing priorities while monitoring contractual risk and issues.
• Ensure collaboration, quality alignment with terms and conditions, process and client expectations with assigned team members.
• Identify and assess legal, financial and operational risks in accordance with approved PPD and client contractual considerations.
• Provide recommendations and alternative resolutions to contract negotiations for internal and external clients.
• Facilitate coordination of different site startup activities impacted by contractual activities upon mutually agreed timelines.
• Contribute to change initiatives within the department.
• Complete periodic quality reviews and peer feedback reports.
• Create and deliver training material to team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
• Previous experience in contract negotiation and/or contract management (comparable to 5+ years’ experience).
• Clinical research experience preferred.
• Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.
• Able to work upright and stationary for typical working hours.
• Ability to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.
• May require as-needed travel (0-20%).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening (US candidates).

Skills

• Contracting Expertise: Strong knowledge of contract law and principles, including a general understanding of business, intellectual property, local tax, and stamp laws across multiple regions. Foundational understanding of business, contractual, and financial principles related to clinical research service agreements. Demonstrated ability to draft and negotiate contract provisions and investigator grant budgets within established negotiation parameters.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of clinical drug development and the clinical trial process within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO industry.
• Communication & Leadership: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and the local language, where applicable. Strong customer focus with the ability to influence stakeholders and build collaborative relationships.
• Analytical & Technical Skills: Strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and decision-making skills. Excellent problem-solving, risk assessment, and impact analysis capabilities. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word) and other business systems.

Pay

The annual salary range estimated for this position in NC is $98,000-140,000 USD. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy.

Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)