Clinical Trial Manager - Contractor

Responsibilities:
- Independently manage outsourcing activities for Phase I–III clinical trials and Clinical Development functional area projects across the full contract life cycle (vendor capability assessments, RFP/RFI, selection, contract & budget negotiation).
- Negotiate vendor Master Service Agreements, commercial terms, and amendments.
- Manage/negotiates global clinical development contract agreements (work orders, change orders, confidentiality, HCP, subcontractor agreements, and amendments) supporting multiple functions.
- Guide project teams through sourcing; advise on best approach/industry practices.
- Partner with study teams on supplier bidding/proposal development (RFP creation and bid analysis); facilitate bid defense meetings.
- Lead contract-related vendor communications; address internal budget/contract status questions; resolve conflicts and escalate issues.
- Partner with Finance and study teams on financial queries.
- Create/modify contract provisions and templates in collaboration with Legal and impacted functions.
- Identify/manage contract risks; develop/ensure mitigation plans and stakeholder communication.
- Resolve complex contract and budget issues with relevant departments.
- Use outsourcing systems compliantly (timely data entry); act as subject matter expert.
- Serve as subject matter expert for audits and audit-readiness.
- Manage purchase order process supporting Clinical Development stakeholders.
- Supervise, mentor, and coach direct reports.

Vendor Governance:
- Ensure vendor governance standards/processes/tools (e.g., KPIs, governance charters) are current and aligned to Arcus oversight.
- Lead vendor governance framework, activities, initiatives, and process/tool development.
- Drive governance meetings; ensure scheduling, roles/responsibilities, and meaningful content; track/archiv e materials.
- Identify, document, and mitigate vendor relationship-level risks; handle escalations and propose solutions.
- Seek technology/process innovations to improve vendor engagement; communicate vendor developments.

Process Improvement:
- Partner with Clinical Development leads on optimized sourcing strategy/model and strengthen vendor relationships.
- Lead OVG initiatives (process refinement, financial analyses, KPIs, spend consolidation, productivity/cycle-time reduction, audit readiness).
- Prepare presentations and train resources/providers on core business requirements.

Qualifications:
- B.A./B.S. required; MBA preferred.
- 10+ years related business/industry experience.
- Experience in clinical outsourcing (pharmaceutical, biotech, academia, or CROs).
- Experience with vendor selection (RFI/RFP), contracting, and budget negotiation.
- Direct/indirect management of vendor governance meetings and processes.
- Managing direct reports preferred (not required).
- Demonstrated: Ph I–III outsourcing and audit preparedness; expert knowledge of pharma sourcing/procurement, sourcing models, vendor relationship management, governance/oversight; insight into clinical vendor landscape; strong financial acumen.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Initiative-taking with minimal supervision; self-motivated and able to work independently and in teams (virtual/in-person).
- Cross-functional communication with internal/external stakeholders.
- Strong organization and time management; detail-focused and able to expedite.
- Critical thinking; analyze/synthesize to support sound decisions.
- Advanced MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
- Strong verbal/written communication; accuracy/confidentiality with time-sensitive matters.
- Professionalism, punctuality, on-time delivery, sound business judgment.
- Technical aptitude/result driven; exercise independent judgment.
- Ability to travel (including overnight stays).