Research Budgets Manager

Iterative Health • Cambridge, MA

35d • Hybrid

About The Position

Iterative Health is a healthcare technology and services company powering the acceleration of clinical research to transform patient outcomes. We built a leading performance-driven network of 100+ sites across the US, Europe, India, and Australia, conducting research directly in the communities where care is delivered across gastrointestinal, hepatology, obesity, and cardiology. By combining deep clinical trial expertise with cutting-edge AI, we connect sponsors' scientific ambitions with high-performing research teams that expedite and expand access to novel therapeutics for patients in need. Today, Iterative Health is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and New York City with 250+ employees world-wide. The Research Finance Manager is a senior leader at the intersection of finance, clinical operations, and sponsor partnerships. This role owns clinical trial budgeting, contracting, and financial performance across Iterative Health's global research network — overseeing a team of Budget Specialists while serving as the key escalation point for complex negotiations with sponsors, CROs, and research sites. The ideal candidate is a seasoned clinical research finance professional who brings sharp negotiation instincts, strong team leadership, and the operational rigor to keep study startup moving efficiently at scale.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in clinical trial budgeting, contracting, clinical research finance, or related research administration, including at least 3 years managing a team.
• Proven experience negotiating clinical trial budgets and contracts with sponsors, CROs, and research sites.
• Working knowledge of clinical trial operations, study startup processes, and research financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional relationships across clinical, finance, and legal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting global research programs across Europe and Asia.
• Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and tools.
• Background in healthcare technology, biotech, or a multi-site clinical research network.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development, negotiation, and execution of clinical trial budgets, Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), amendments, and related study agreements across a global network of research sites.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex budget, contract, and study startup issues involving sponsors, CROs, research sites, and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain standardized budgeting methodologies, negotiation tools, and country-specific rate cards.
• Prepare sponsor budget estimates, feasibility assessments, and pricing analyses to support new study opportunities and partnerships.
• Manage and mentor Clinical Trial Budget Specialists and Contract Administrators responsible for study budgeting and contracting activities.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management to ensure high-quality execution and professional development across the team.
• Lead regular team meetings and establish priorities to support organizational goals and study startup timelines.
• Develop educational programs and training materials related to budgeting, contracting, and negotiation best practices.
• Partner with Clinical Operations and site leadership to support study startup, activation metrics, and operational readiness.
• Participate in site selection discussions by evaluating financial feasibility, budget assumptions, and operational considerations.
• Support sponsor alliance management activities and participate in regular sponsor governance and project meetings.
• Collaborate with post-award teams to ensure accurate invoicing and adherence to contractual payment terms.
• Assist with contract lifecycle management (CLM) initiatives, including workflow improvements, document repository management, and process standardization.
• Coordinate with Legal and Procurement teams to support contract compliance and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, workflows, templates, and process documentation supporting budgeting and contracting activities.
• Track and report key performance indicators related to contract turnaround times, budget negotiations, and study startup milestones.
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Performs related duties as requested

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment with in-office collaboration two days per week in either our NYC or Boston office
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with up to 80% of premiums covered by Iterative Health
• Mental health and wellness support through Spring Health
• Health HSA or FSA options, and commuter FSA contributions supported by Iterative Health
• Unlimited PTO, 12 company holidays, and a company-wide shutdown between Christmas and New Years
• 401(k) program with a company match of up to 3% (up to $3,000 annually)
• Weekly in-office lunch benefit every Tuesday
• 100% company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Annual wellness and professional development stipend to support your health and growth

What This Job Offers

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