Contracts Manager

Prolaio • Chicago, IL

7h • $100,000 - $130,000 • 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 the broader Kardigan Legal Department as requested. This highly visible position works directly with business stakeholders and leadership and is part of a fast-paced legal team. The position reports to the Vice President, Corporate Law and follows a hybrid model in Chicago, Illinois, with 2–3 days per week in the office.

The Contracts Manager independently drafts, reviews, and negotiates a broad range of agreements; translates business needs into clear, legally sound terms; tracks contractual obligations and deadlines; and identifies and escalates legal and business risks. The role manages contract operations from intake through execution, renewals, and terminations, supports contract lifecycle management processes and reporting, and partners with internal and external stakeholders to improve contracting practices and support organizational priorities.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 5 years of contract administration experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, or medical device industry.
• Proven excellence in contract drafting and negotiation, a solid foundation in biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical device contract terms and best practices, and the ability to manage complex agreements independently.
• Proficiency in contract lifecycle and procurement processes, including experience with CLM systems, e-signature platforms, and collaboration platforms.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to triage, prioritize, and advance multiple simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent issue-spotting, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with people at all organizational levels.
• Skilled in 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 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 when necessary.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, service providers, consultants, clinical sites, and collaboration partners.
• Manage contract requests and processes from intake to execution, track status, and communicate risks, priorities, and solutions to stakeholders.
• Develop and prepare key performance metrics and periodic contract management reports.
• Coordinate and manage contract execution, renewals, and terminations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize 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 for the broader Kardigan Legal Department.
• Perform other duties as requested.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed