Contracts Manager

Prolaio • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Prolaio is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to manage its complete contract lifecycle, including contract creation, processing, drafting, and administration. The role is employed by Kardigan and embedded within Prolaio, and may also support initiatives, projects, and programs within the broader Legal Department. The Contracts Manager will collaborate across functions, negotiate agreements, communicate clearly, and maintain meticulous attention to detail. This highly visible position interfaces 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.

The role covers contract lifecycle management, contract operations and reporting, business partnership and training, and general legal support. Responsibilities include drafting and negotiating a broad range of agreements, managing contracts from intake through execution, tracking obligations and deadlines, advising stakeholders, monitoring compliance, and improving contracting workflows. The Contracts Manager will also support special projects and other initiatives for the broader Kardigan Legal Department as requested.

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, with 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, internally and externally.
• 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 when necessary.
• 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, tracking status and communicating risks, priorities, and solutions to stakeholders.
• Develop performance metrics and prepare periodic contract management reports.
• Coordinate and manage contract execution, renewals, and terminations.
• Improve contracting processes, workflows, operational efficiency, and cross-functional alignment.
• Serve as the primary liaison for internal partners 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 work supporting the broader Kardigan Legal Department.
• Perform other duties as requested.

What This Job Offers

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