Contract Manager, Clinical Research

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Contract Manager leading clinical research contract negotiations and investigator grant budgets for Thermo Fisher Scientific’s PPD business. Managing contractual risk, client partnerships, process improvement, and regional Contract Specialist development.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeRemote • North Carolina • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $105,000 - $145,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates advanced knowledge of contract law and principles, with a strong understanding of business and financial principles related to clinical research service agreements. Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and manage stakeholder relationships effectively while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract NegotiationContract ManagementClinical Drug DevelopmentRisk AssessmentStakeholder Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Contract LawContract DraftingInvestigator Grant BudgetingClinical Trial ProcessesAnalytical ThinkingDecision-MakingProblem-SolvingAttention to DetailOrganizational SkillsMulti-Priority Management

Soft Skills

Verbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationInfluencing SkillsCoaching and MentoringCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeOutlookExcelWordBusiness Systems

Industry Keywords

Clinical ResearchPharmaceuticalBiotechnologyCROContractual Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the review, negotiation, and finalization of contract templates, contractual terms and conditions, negotiation parameters, and associated documentation
Negotiate investigator grant budgets, contractual terms, and conditions within approved parameters
Identify, evaluate, and mitigate legal, financial, and operational risks
Provide contractual risk assessments and ensure compliance with approved considerations
Escalate contractual issues outside approved parameters and serve as the regional escalation point for external clients
Recommend solutions to resolve complex contractual issues while balancing business objectives and risk
Serve as the primary regional contact for clients regarding negotiations, process questions, and issue resolution
Partner with Legal on country-specific process improvement initiatives and complex contractual matters
Coordinate site start-up activities impacted by contract execution and investigator grant negotiations
Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely contractual deliverables
Promote quality, consistency, and operational efficiency
Conduct quality reviews and provide peer feedback
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 contractual standards across the regional team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience
Comparable to 8+ years of experience in contract negotiation or contract management
Equivalency through appropriate education, training, and/or directly related experience may satisfy requirements
Advanced knowledge of contract law and principles
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
Ability to draft and negotiate contract provisions and investigator grant budgets within established parameters
In-depth understanding of clinical drug development and clinical trial processes in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO industries
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and the local language, where applicable
Ability to influence stakeholders and build collaborative relationships
Ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop others
Strong analytical thinking, judgment, and decision-making skills
Problem-solving, risk assessment, and impact analysis capabilities
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word, and other business systems
Ability to communicate, receive, and understand information with diverse groups
Ability to work upright and stationary for typical working hours
Ability to use and learn standard office equipment and technology
Ability to perform under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects
May require as-needed travel of 0-20%
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
Must pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening

Benefits

Comp & perks

Variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results
As-needed travel (0-20%)
Relocation assistance is NOT provided
Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities
Other benefits and privileges of employment