Contracts Manager (Prolaio)

Kardigan•Chicago, IL

24d•Hybrid

About The Position

Prolaio is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager, employed by Kardigan and embedded within Prolaio, to manage Prolaio’s complete contract lifecycle, including contract creation, processing, drafting, negotiation, and administration. The role also supports initiatives, projects, and programs within Kardigan’s broader Legal Department as requested. This highly visible position works directly with business stakeholders and leadership, and reports to the Vice President, Corporate Law. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule of two to three days per week onsite. The Contracts Manager independently drafts, reviews, and negotiates a broad range of agreements; translates business needs into clear, legally sound terms; monitors compliance and contractual obligations; and coordinates contracts from intake through execution, renewal, or termination. The role partners with internal and external stakeholders, provides guidance on contracting processes, develops performance metrics and reports, and advances improvements to contracting workflows and operations.

Requirements

At least 7 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years of contract administration experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, or medical device industry.
Demonstrated excellence in contract drafting and negotiation, a solid foundation in biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical-device contract terms and best practices, and ability to independently manage complex agreements.
Proficiency in contract lifecycle and procurement processes, including experience with CLM systems, e-signature platforms, and collaboration platforms.
Strong organizational and planning skills, including ability to triage, prioritize, and advance multiple simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent issue-spotting, problem-solving, and communication skills, with ability to collaborate with people at all organizational levels, inside and outside the company.
Skill with Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
Commitment to integrity, ethical conduct, and discreet handling of confidential information.
Meticulous attention to detail; ability to work independently with good judgment and a strong team-oriented mindset.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Paralegal certification preferred.
Previous CLM implementation and administration experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently draft, review, and negotiate service agreements, consulting agreements, NDAs, vendor and supplier contracts, and statements of work.
Translate business needs into clear, legally sound contract language while balancing risk mitigation and operational flexibility.
Ensure contractual terms comply with applicable laws, company policies, and industry regulations.
Assist with implementation of a contract lifecycle management (CLM) tool.
Track contractual obligations, renewals, and deadlines; identify, assess, and escalate legal and business risks as needed.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, service providers, consultants, clinical sites, and collaboration partners.
Manage contracts and form requests from intake through execution, track their status, and communicate risks, priorities, and solutions to stakeholders.
Develop and prepare key performance metrics and periodic contract-management reports.
Coordinate execution, renewals, and terminations of contracts.
Drive improvements to contracting processes, workflows, operational efficiency, and cross-functional alignment.
Serve as the primary liaison for internal partners and stakeholders on contract negotiations, processes, and operations; anticipate contracting needs and provide guidance.
Partner with senior business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders on strategic contracting initiatives and organizational priorities.
Monitor contract-related activities for compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and applicable laws.
Support special projects and contract-related initiatives, including initiatives within Kardigan’s broader Legal Department.
Perform other duties as requested.