Senior Contract Manager
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled contract managers in the pharmaceutical industry has surged, with a notable 25% increase in job postings over the past year. As the industry continues to evolve, professionals with expertise in contract negotiation, financial strategy, and clinical operations are in high demand. Novartis, a leader in innovative therapies, is seeking a Senior Contract Manager to shape the success of clinical trials. With the rise of remote work, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact from anywhere in the U.S. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to work independently, think strategically, and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Job Description
About the Role
The Senior Contract Manager role at Novartis is a critical position that requires a unique blend of legal expertise, financial acumen, and clinical operations knowledge. As a key member of the team, you will be responsible for driving complex contract negotiations that directly impact study timelines and patient access. Your expertise will be leveraged to develop, review, and finalize clinical trial agreements, ensuring alignment with fair market value principles and compliance with regulatory requirements.In this role, you will work closely with global stakeholders, including legal, regulatory, quality, and clinical teams, to deliver high-quality agreements and unlock efficiencies. Your ability to analyze grant plans and budget proposals will support accurate and compliant financial decisions, and your negotiation skills will be essential in resolving stalled negotiations and providing strategic support to Contract Managers.
What You Will Do
- Independently negotiate and execute complex clinical trial agreements, including Master Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements
- Develop, review, and finalize clinical trial budgets, ensuring alignment with fair market value principles
- Lead contract and budget negotiations with investigational sites to achieve timely contract execution and study start-up goals
- Resolve stalled negotiations and provide strategic support to Contract Managers to maintain study timelines
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders, including Legal, Regulatory, Quality, and Clinical teams
- Identify, assess, and communicate contractual and budgetary risks to key stakeholders for approval
- Collaborate with global and local teams to resolve complex contractual challenges efficiently
- Analyze grant plans and budget proposals to support accurate and compliant financial decisions
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying trends and leading initiatives to enhance contracting processes
What We Are Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, law, finance, science, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in contract management within clinical trials or the pharmaceutical industry
- Proven expertise in negotiating clinical trial agreements and complex contracts independently
- Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical industry regulations and United States privacy requirements
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills with strong attention to detail
- Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization with global and cross-functional teams
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused mindset
- Proficiency in Excel and other relevant software applications
Nice to Have
- Experience with contract management software and systems
- Certification in contract management or a related field
- Knowledge of clinical trial operations and the pharmaceutical industry
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary range
- Performance-based cash incentive
- Eligibility for annual equity awards
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, life, and disability benefits
- 401(k) with company contribution and match
- Generous time off package, including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves
- Remote work arrangement with flexible scheduling
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
How to Stand Out
- To stand out in your application, highlight your experience with complex contract negotiations and your ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Make sure to showcase your proficiency in Excel and other relevant software applications, as well as your knowledge of pharmaceutical industry regulations.
- Prepare to provide specific examples of your negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and be ready to discuss your approach to contract management.
- Consider creating a portfolio that demonstrates your expertise in contract management, including examples of successful negotiations and contracts you have managed.
- Be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role aligns with your aspirations.
- Don't be afraid to ask about the company culture and what a typical day looks like in this role during the interview process.
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