Contracts Manager
Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for polygenic diseases, with an initial focus on ophthalmology. At the core of Character Bio’s approach is a set of company-sponsored observational studies that integrate patients’ genetics with their longitudinal clinical and imaging data. Character’s interdisciplinary team, spanning clinical research, data science, statistical genetics, machine learning and drug discovery, leverages the company’s platform to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies to enhance clinical success. The company is currently advancing two programs into the clinic for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)into the clinic, with additional programs in earlier stages of discovery research.
We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Contracts Manager to oversee and manage our contracting processes, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation across the business. As the Contracts Manager, you will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a diverse range of contracts and for helping to build out Character’s contracting processes and workflow. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to align contracts with business objectives and drive operational efficiency. The first hire in this capacity, you will define and own the contracting function: establishing tools, templates, and processes that will scale with the company.
Key Responsibilities:
Review, draft, and negotiate various contract types including CRO/CDMO services agreements, consulting agreements, equipment purchase/rental and maintenance agreements, technology product and service agreements (including data security terms), and benefits agreements
Work collaboratively with business stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify gaps between proposed contract terms and company business requirements and to balance and monitor risk
Work closely with external legal counsel on complex agreements and legal matters as needed
Develop, maintain, and update standardized contract templates to streamline the contracting process
Implement and optimize contract management processes and tools to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and improve overall contract performance
Ensure agreements are finalized promptly and in accordance with our approval matrix
Maintain a centralized repository of all contract documents, ensuring accurate record-keeping and timely management of renewals, extensions, and terminations
Skills and Qualifications:
B.A. / B.S. (Paralegal background helpful but not a must)
5+ years of progressive contract management experience, with a minimum of 3 years in the life sciences/biotechnology industry
Thorough understanding of contracting trade-off clauses and the risk trade-offs that come with these for key vendors in the biotechnology space (e.g. CROs CDMOs, laboratory suppliers, etc.)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address complex contract issues
Experience in negotiating basic contractual elements
Organized, process-driven, and resourceful with an attention to detail
Proven ability to work closely with science teams to incorporate accurate scientific and legal language that aligns contractual elements with project needs
Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a proven ability to adapt to changing priorities
Strong project management skills to oversee multiple concurrent agreements and ensure timely execution
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders
Enjoys building and optimizing processes and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness
Possesses the ability to act independently and proactively to ensure effective workflows
Average salary estimate
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Are you ready to make an impact in the world of precision medicine? Character Biosciences, a pioneering company focused on targeted therapies for polygenic diseases, is on the lookout for a talented Contracts Manager to join our dynamic team in Jersey City. As our first hire in this role, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape and refine our contracting processes. This involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of contracts including agreements for CRO/CDMO services and consulting, all while aligning them with our business goals. Your knack for efficiently managing contract workflows and ensuring compliance will be invaluable as you collaborate closely with cross-functional teams. But that's not all; you'll also get to work with external legal counsel when faced with complex agreements. At Character, we believe in fostering an environment where your analytical and problem-solving skills can shine. With a background in life sciences or biotechnology and a deep understanding of contracting nuances, you'll be perfectly positioned to drive operational efficiency. Plus, your strong project management skills will help you juggle various agreements and ensure they’re executed on time. If you're organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy optimizing processes, we want to hear from you. Join us at Character Biosciences, where you’ll contribute to groundbreaking advancements in ophthalmology while enjoying a vibrant and supportive workplace culture!
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