Research Budgets Manager

About the role

The Research Finance Manager is a senior leader at the intersection of finance, clinical operations, and sponsor partnerships. This role owns clinical trial budgeting, contracting, and financial performance across Iterative Health's global research network — overseeing a team of Budget Specialists while serving as the key escalation point for complex negotiations with sponsors, CROs, and research sites.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development, negotiation, and execution of clinical trial budgets, Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), amendments, and related study agreements across a global network of research sites.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex budget, contract, and study startup issues involving sponsors, CROs, research sites, and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain standardized budgeting methodologies, negotiation tools, and country-specific rate cards.
• Prepare sponsor budget estimates, feasibility assessments, and pricing analyses to support new study opportunities and partnerships.
• Manage and mentor Clinical Trial Budget Specialists and Contract Administrators responsible for study budgeting and contracting activities.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management to ensure high-quality execution and professional development across the team.
• Lead regular team meetings and establish priorities to support organizational goals and study startup timelines.
• Develop educational programs and training materials related to budgeting, contracting, and negotiation best practices.
• Partner with Clinical Operations and site leadership to support study startup, activation metrics, and operational readiness.
• Support sponsor alliance management activities and participate in regular sponsor governance and project meetings.
• Collaborate with post-award teams to ensure accurate invoicing and adherence to contractual payment terms.
• Assist with contract lifecycle management (CLM) initiatives, including workflow improvements, document repository management, and process standardization.
• Coordinate with Legal and Procurement teams to support contract compliance and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, workflows, templates, and process documentation supporting budgeting and contracting activities.
• Track and report key performance indicators related to contract turnaround times, budget negotiations, and study startup milestones.
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in clinical trial budgeting, contracting, clinical research finance, or related research administration, including at least 3 years managing a team.
• Proven experience negotiating clinical trial budgets and contracts with sponsors, CROs, and research sites.
• Working knowledge of clinical trial operations, study startup processes, and research financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional relationships across clinical, finance, and legal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting global research programs across Europe and Asia.
• Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and tools.
• Background in healthcare technology, biotech, or a multi-site clinical research network.

What You Bring to the Team

The ideal candidate is a seasoned clinical research finance professional who brings sharp negotiation instincts, strong team leadership, and the operational rigor to keep study startup moving efficiently at scale.

How We Work

• Collaborative and low-ego team environment
• High ownership and accountability culture
• Fast-paced and highly iterative growth environment
• Open communication and continuous learning mindset
• Mission-driven organization focused on improving patient outcomes
• Comfortable navigating evolving business priorities and opportunities

Benefits That Support You

• Hybrid work environment with in-office collaboration two days per week in either our NYC or Boston office
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with up to 80% of premiums covered by Iterative Health
• Mental health and wellness support through Spring Health
• Health HSA or FSA options, and commuter FSA contributions supported by Iterative Health
• Unlimited PTO, 12 company holidays, and a company-wide shutdown between Christmas and New Years
• 401(k) program with a company match of up to 3% (up to $3,000 annually)
• Weekly in-office lunch benefit every Tuesday
• Annual wellness and professional development stipend to support your health and growth
• And more!