Contracting Solutions Manager

Pfizer • Lake Forest, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Contracting Solutions Manager (CSM) is a high-impact, senior leader who orchestrates complex, high-value contracting strategies across Grants, Research Collaborations, and Pfizer-Sponsored Studies. This pivotal role serves as the definitive escalation authority for critical contract negotiations while pioneering operational excellence initiatives that accelerate cycle times, maximize efficiency, and ensure rigorous compliance across MED. An expert negotiator, the CSM independently architects, redlines, and secures sophisticated contract terms, exercising seasoned, executive-level judgment to balance risk and strategic opportunity. The CSM forges powerful partnerships with Legal and Operational Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)—deploying advanced negotiation methodologies, innovative problem-solving, and decisive escalation protocols to drive swift, successful contract execution. Championing organizational standard-setting, the CSM establishes, governs, and modernizes the negotiation frameworks, playbooks, and standards that define MED's contracting operations. Operating as an invaluable internal consultant, the CSM serves as a trusted strategic advisor to MED stakeholders, delivering foresight on emerging contracting risks, trends, and business-critical opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years progressive experience in contract management/negotiation (biopharma, healthcare, or research‑sponsorship context preferred); or JD/paralegal credential with 4+ years directly relevant negotiation experience
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation strategy, risk assessment, and redlining complex terms (IP, publication, data/privacy, indemnity, payment & budget)
• Proven ability to lead by influence in a matrixed environment and to serve as an escalation authority for contracting decisions
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word/Excel/Teams/PowerPoint) and PDF tools (Adobe); e‑signature platforms (DocuSign/Adobe)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer. U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in a relevant field
• Experience in a leadership or managerial role
• Knowledge of drug development processes
• Familiarity with clinical trial design and execution
• Experience with budget management and resource allocation
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use

Responsibilities

• Orchestrate and spearhead high-stakes negotiations for high-risk, high-visibility agreements; design comprehensive negotiation strategies, establish creative fallback parameters, and decisively resolve critical impasses with external institutions.
• Serve as the definitive escalation authority for Contracting Senior Associates and Specialists; triage complex legal and business issues, provide authoritative guidance on positioning, and exercise strategic judgment on when to activate Legal counsel.
• Architect, review, and refine sophisticated contract language; ensure flawless alignment with internal policies, evolving regulatory mandates, and overarching business objectives.
• Command the end-to-end contract lifecycle for high-priority escalated files, including intricate, multi-party amendments, while streamlining executive approvals and digital signature workflows (e.g., DocuSign, Adobe Sign).
• Forge a close alliance with Legal to co-develop, maintain, and modernize "Comments & Fallback" playbooks; strategically calibrate thresholds for legal review to eliminate systemic bottlenecks and accelerate cycle times.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational agility, including template modernization, standardized key performance metrics (e.g., cycle time, Legal escalation rates, rework), robust guidance documentation, and targeted cross-training programs.
• Mentor, coach, and elevate junior contracting professionals; cultivate team capabilities through hands-on redline reviews, negotiation shadowing opportunities, and targeted professional development.
• Deliver executive-level portfolio health reporting (covering throughput, turnaround times, and risk hotspots); proactively design and present mitigation strategies to Contracting Solutions Lead (CSL) and business stakeholders.
• Cultivate strategic cross-functional partnerships with Operations, Clinical Scientists, Grant Administration, and Sourcing to optimize workflows, eliminate duplicate efforts, and clarify escalation protocols.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
• Additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• Health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior