Contract Manager, Clinical Research

About the role

The Contract Manager serves as the regional lead for the preparation, negotiation, and finalization of contract documentation, approved negotiation parameters, and associated investigator grant budgets for an assigned portfolio of clients. This role ensures contractual quality, consistency, objectivity, and appropriate risk assessment while supporting efficient study start-up activities. The Contract Manager also serves as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and clients, provides regional oversight, supports process improvement initiatives, and coaches Contract Specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, negotiation, and finalization of contract templates, contractual terms and conditions, negotiation parameters, and associated documentation in accordance with PPD contractual standards and established processes.
• Negotiate investigator grant budgets, contractual terms, and conditions within approved negotiation parameters while balancing company and client requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate legal, financial, and operational risks associated with contract negotiations.
• Provide contractual risk assessments and ensure compliance with approved contractual considerations.
• Escalate contractual issues outside approved negotiation parameters through established governance processes and serve as the regional escalation point for external clients.
• Recommend practical solutions to resolve complex contractual issues while balancing business objectives and contractual risk.
• Serve as the primary 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.
• Promote quality, consistency, and operational efficiency while supporting continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Conduct periodic quality reviews and provide constructive peer feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Train, mentor, and support Associate Contract Specialists and junior team members.
• Develop and deliver training materials on contract processes, negotiation practices, and client-specific requirements.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and consistent application of contractual standards across the regional team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
• Previous experience in contract negotiation or contract management (comparable to 8+ years). In some cases, an equivalency consisting of appropriate education, training, and/or directly related experience will be considered sufficient.
• 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.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of contract law and principles, including a general understanding of business, intellectual property, local tax, and stamp laws across multiple regions.
• Strong 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.
• In-depth understanding of clinical drug development and the clinical trial process within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO industry.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop others.
• 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 $105,000 - $145,000 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)