Manager, Contracts (Non-HCP SOWs)

The Manager, Contracts (Non-HCP SOWs) is an important role within the Medical Excellence & Operations team within Global Medical Affairs. This role is responsible for end-to-end management of contracts that support Global Medical Affairs operations, excluding those with healthcare professionals or organizations. This includes agreements with vendors, consultants, technology platforms, contract research organizations (CROs), publication and medical education vendors, and other third-party service providers. This role will support the Global Medical Affairs team to ensure efficient operations, compliant contracting that align with global and regional regulations, Otsuka policies and GMA goals. This role reports directly into the Vendor Contracts and Management Lead who reports into the Executive Director, Medical Excellence and Operations.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities Include:

Contract Development and Management Expertise

• Lead drafting, reviewing, negotiating and managing comprehensive non-HCP contracts such as (but not limited to):
  • Service agreements (e.g., for medical writing vendors, MSL platforms, publication planning, scientific communications)
  • CRO/ vendor contracts for medical affairs-sponsored studies (e.g., observational, RWE, Phase IV)
  • Data sharing, data use and collaboration agreements
  • Software or SaaS contracts supporting medical platforms (e.g., publication management, KOL engagement tools)
  • Confidentiality Agreements (CDAs/NDAs)
  • Engagement Agreements (MSAs, SOWs)
  • Other (work orders, amendments, change orders)
• Define commercial terms, scope of work, deliverables, payment schedules, milestones, and risk allocations 
• Establish and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal and external stakeholders to ensure performance expectations are clearly defined and met
• Align contracting terms with internal stakeholders’ requirements, procurement guidelines, data privacy regulations and Otsuka legal/finance policies
• Track contract progress, renewals, amendments, expirations, and obligations, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution
• Assist in the development and maintenance of standardized templates, playbooks, and SOPs related to non-HCP contracts

Cross-functional Liaison & Vendor POC 

• Act as a contract liaison to both external vendors and internal stakeholders (Global Medical Affairs Teams, Legal, Finance, Compliance, Procurement and IT) to define contract terms, budgets, deliverables, and risk mitigation 
• Ensure timely internal contract review and execution across all stakeholders
• Provide consultation and support to internal colleagues on contract terms, risk, obligations, and vendor management 
• Educate business partners on contracting policies, processes, and best practices 
• Serve as the main point of contact within Global Medical Affairs for all non-HCP contract-related inquiries and escalations

Vendor Service / Execution Oversight

• Oversee vendor onboarding, track milestones, performance and deliverable quality, ensure compliance with contractual obligations, and timely payments
• Escalate vendor related issues where needed within Global Medical Affairs or cross-functionally  
• Lead contract amendments, renewals, extensions, or terminations in a timely manner 
• Ensure cost-effective utilization of resources while maintaining high-quality outputs across all vendors

Governance, Compliance & Documentation 

• Maintain contract documentation, systems (e.g. Contract Life Cycle Management Software CLM ), and reporting dashboards and ensure timely renewals, amendments, and terminations
• Ensure contracts are compliant with applicable regulations, codes of conduct, and internal policies 
• Support internal and external audit requests, contract governance reviews, and periodic compliance checks 

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, standardization, quality and efficiency enhancement, and risk reduction in the contracting life cycle 
• Design, implement, and refine contracting workflows, templates, metrics, and dashboards 
• Standardize contract language and contracting best practices across Global Medical Affairs
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement of contract stewardship within the global team
• Consider technology and AI to support workflow improvement

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (Business, Life Sciences, Law, or related field) required;
• Minimum 5 years of contract management experience, ideally in life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech, or related industries; experience within Medical Affairs is a plus
• Experience negotiating and managing service / vendor contracts, especially SOWs, in a regulated environment 
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with legal, procurement, finance, and business stakeholders
• Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems, vendor management platforms, and contract reporting tools 

Skills and Competencies:

• Exceptional ability to draft and review complex contracts, with high attention to detail
• Strong negotiation skills and outstanding business acumen, with the ability to translate the strategic needs of Medical Affairs activities to binding contracts
• Superior project management, organization and prioritization skills with ability to manage and deliver multiple high-quality contracts and deliverables simultaneously
• Ability to assess and manage contractual risk (liabilities, indemnities, termination, IP, confidentiality, deliverables) 
• Skilled at serving as a neutral, solutions-oriented partner; able to work effectively across diverse teams to drive alignment and outcomes
• Familiarity with compliance, regulatory and industry codes relevant to pharmaceutical / medical affairs 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with experience engaging with cross-functional teams and senior leaders across the organization (e.g., R&D, Commercial, Finance)
• Strong Excel skills, analytical mindset and ability to track performance metrics, KPIs, and build dashboards 
• Demonstrated Integrity, ethical judgment, and sense of accountability 

Competencies
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $104,640.00 - Maximum $156,400.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Company benefits:  Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka.

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