Contracting Solutions Manager (Healthcare)

Location: Hybrid in Lake Forest, Illinois, requiring residence within commuting distance and on-site work an average of 2.5 days per week or more as needed. Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the United States; U.S. work visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and eligibility.

Salary: $99,200–$165,400 annual base salary, plus a 12.5% bonus target and eligibility for a share-based long-term incentive program.

Company

A global biopharmaceutical company developing medicines and supporting research, clinical development, and healthcare programs.

What you will do

• Lead high-risk, high-visibility negotiations for grants, research collaborations, and sponsored studies.
• Act as the escalation authority for complex legal and business issues, determining when Legal counsel is required.
• Draft, review, and refine sophisticated contract language covering intellectual property, publication, privacy, indemnity, payment, and budgets.
• Manage escalated contract files end to end, including multi-party amendments, executive approvals, and electronic signatures.
• Modernize negotiation playbooks, templates, metrics, documentation, and cross-training programs with Legal and operational SMEs.
• Mentor contracting professionals and provide portfolio reporting, risk mitigation, and strategic guidance to business stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of progressive contract management or negotiation experience, or a JD/paralegal credential with 4+ years of directly relevant experience.
• Expertise in negotiation strategy, risk assessment, and redlining complex contract terms.
• Ability to lead by influence in a matrixed environment and make strategic escalation decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Adobe PDF tools, and e-signature platforms such as DocuSign and Adobe Sign.
• Strong communication, organization, teamwork, independence, and attention to detail.
• Permanent U.S. work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree or experience in a leadership or managerial role.
• Knowledge of drug development, clinical trial design and execution, budget management, or resource allocation.
• Strategic planning, conflict resolution, and experience working in fast-paced environments.
• Experience using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot and understanding of responsible AI practices.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement with regular on-site collaboration.
• Performance bonus target of 12.5% and eligibility for a share-based long-term incentive program.
• 401(k) with matching contributions and an additional retirement savings contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, personal days, caregiver/parental leave, and medical leave.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.