Legal Contracts Manager

Join the Spark Team

 

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to unlock the power of gene therapy to accelerate healthcare transformation. 

 

We don’t follow footsteps. We create the path.

 

 

1 of 2 available roles

 

Primary Duties

The Senior Contracts Manager will draft, review, and negotiate standard and non-standard contractual terms and conditions and related documents. Utilizing independent judgment and discretion, the role is responsible for end-to-end contracting, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders, delivering relevant trainings, and partnering with attorneys in Spark’s Legal Department to support business contracting needs. The Senior Contracts Manager is also a primary contributor to process improvement efforts related to contracting at Spark.

 

Responsibilities

• Independently draft, review, and negotiate a variety of high-complexity agreements, including nondisclosure, master and stand-alone service, and consulting agreements, using both company templates and third-party paper, and exercise discretion and judgment to apply creative solutions to non-standard issues
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand the full scope of internal service needs and advise on appropriate contracting approach
• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks using practical, creative solutions
• Complete tasks and projects swiftly with little guidance, and prioritize workload to enable the ability to react with appropriate urgency to situations requiring quick response
• Ensure and educate stakeholders on compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and company policies and procedures
• Partner with attorneys in Spark’s Legal Department provide comprehensive and consistent service to multiple business functions with unique contracting goals and needs, and drive effective communication to keep all stakeholders informed and involved in the contracting process
• Adhere and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of contract management processes, including effective triaging at intake, accurate status tracking, timely reviews, and storage of executed copies
• Serve as a primary contributor to the development, updating, and maintenance of contract templates and playbooks
• Serve as a primary contributor to contract process improvement initiatives to streamline and improve customer experiences
• Act as a resource for business stakeholders related to the contracting process and contract lifecycle management
• Identify the need for, assist in developing, and deliver trainings on legal requirements to business stakeholders
• Serve as a role model for best practices in contract negotiations, processes, and customer service
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

 

Education and Experience Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) required
• 10+ years of relevant contracts administration experience required, including extensive demonstrated ability to manage contract negotiations 
• 5+ years pharmaceutical or life sciences industry experience required
• Expertise in holistically analyzing and interpreting complex contracts
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal principles, best practices, and procedures as they relate to contracts
• Experience in advising and training internal clients on contract processes and terms and conditions

 

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Highly skilled in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide variety of complex agreements
• Possesses one or more areas of specialized knowledge with respect to pharma/life sciences  contract types (e.g., research, clinical, facilities/real estate, IT, etc.)
• Skilled in interpreting and communicating to others the meaning and practical impact of complex contract language and concepts <