Contracts Manager (Prolaio)
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, and administration. The role will also support initiatives, projects, and programs across the broader Legal Department as requested. This highly visible position works directly with business stakeholders and leadership in a fast-paced legal team and reports to the Vice President, Corporate Law. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule of 2–3 days per week. The Contracts Manager independently drafts, reviews, and negotiates a broad range of agreements; translates business needs into clear, legally sound language; tracks obligations and deadlines; and identifies and escalates legal and business risks. The role manages contracts from intake through execution, renewals, and terminations, supports contract operations and reporting, and drives improvements to contracting processes. It also serves as a primary liaison to internal partners and stakeholders, providing guidance and supporting strategic contracting initiatives.
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 contract lifecycle management systems, e-signature platforms, and collaboration platforms.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to triage, prioritize, and advance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent issue-spotting, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with people at all levels inside and outside the organization.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Commitment to integrity and ethical conduct, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- 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 implementing 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 process form requests from intake through execution; track status and communicate risks, priorities, and solutions to stakeholders.
- Develop key performance metrics and generate periodic contract management reports.
- Coordinate and manage contract execution, renewals, and terminations.
- Drive continuous improvement of 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
