Senior Contract Manager

Spring House

**Title:**Senior Manager, Contracts -- Research \& Academic Partnerships **Location:** Springhouse, PA **Role Overview** The Senior Manager, Contracts will support a top pharmaceutical client's Research and Academic Partnerships (RAP) team by managing and negotiating research-focused agreements with academic institutions and non-profit organizations. This role focuses on low-dollar, high-complexity agreements requiring strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate inflexible language and various contractual provisions common in the life sciences industry, including intellectual property (IP) terms. The position helps expedite contract processes, maintain compliance, and ensure timely execution of agreements that support research collaborations. **Key Responsibilities:** **Contract Drafting \& Negotiation** * Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements, including research collaboration agreements, data transfer agreements, licenses for research tools, material transfer agreements, and confidentiality agreements (CDAs). * Amend and adapt existing templates to meet project-specific needs while ensuring compliance with client standards. **Stakeholder Coordination** * Serve as the primary point of contact for internal RAP team members, academic partners, and subject matter experts (SMEs) such as IP attorneys. * Schedule and lead calls to align stakeholders, resolve issues, and keep projects moving forward. **Project Management** * Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution of agreements and adherence to deadlines. * Maintain accurate records and databases of agreements, including progress tracking and reporting of metrics. **Compliance \& Risk Management** * Ensure all agreements comply with client policies and applicable laws and regulations. * Address complex IP and contractual language issues common in academic partnerships. **Collaboration \& Support** * Work closely with RAP team members (many with JD or Ph.D. backgrounds) to draft initial language and escalate to SMEs when needed. * Support the RAP team in managing approximately 500 agreements anticipated for 2025. **Required Qualifications** * Juris Doctor (JD) degree preferred; experience with life sciences agreements strongly preferred. * 7 years of experience drafting and negotiating contracts, ideally within research or academic partnership environments. * Strong understanding of IP terms, research collaboration agreements, and compliance requirements. * Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. * Experience with database management and contract tracking systems. * Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams. **Preferred Qualifications** * Experience working with academic institutions and non-profit organizations. * Knowledge of IP transactions and M\&A agreements. * Prior exposure to life sciences or pharmaceutical industry contracts. **Pay:** $60hr - $90hr