Contract Specialist

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Contract Specialist based in India.

This is an opportunity to support complex proposal and contract activities within a global clinical research environment. You will manage processes from initial RFP review through proposal development, budgeting, contract preparation, negotiation, and finalization. The role combines commercial awareness, analytical thinking, project coordination, and stakeholder management. You will work closely with cross-functional experts to ensure proposals and contracts are accurate, compliant, competitive, and delivered on time. The position offers exposure to international clients, multidisciplinary teams, and the operational realities of clinical research. It is well suited to an organized and detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

Accountabilities

• Review and analyze RFP documentation, including study protocols and project requirements, and coordinate the involvement of appropriate subject matter experts.
• Coordinate proposal preparation across strategic and operational functions, including budgets, assumptions, documentation, and required approvals.
• Manage the RFP lifecycle from receipt through submission, identifying potential barriers, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Develop, revise, and validate proposal budgets based on client specifications, communications, internal assumptions, and SME input.
• Obtain and incorporate third-party quotations where required and ensure proposal information is accurate and complete.
• Maintain proposal documentation, files, systems, metrics, and KPI data in accordance with established processes.
• Create and finalize budgets and contract documents in line with internal SOPs, guidance, and work instructions.
• Amend project budgets in collaboration with project and functional teams, ensuring all relevant information and cost changes are accurately reflected.
• Develop contract strategies and plans to support timely delivery, negotiation, and client signature.
• Prepare high-quality client deliverables and ensure pricing rationale and supporting documentation are clearly presented.
• Participate in and facilitate internal and client meetings, supporting negotiations around costs, contractual terms, and delivery timelines.
• Draft contract documentation using established templates and coordinate with relevant internal functions as necessary.
• Identify contractual matters requiring input from finance, tax, legal, or other stakeholders and ensure appropriate escalation and resolution.
• Organize workloads, proposal and contract plans, priorities, handoffs, and deliverables to consistently meet internal and client deadlines.
• Map client bid grids and contribute to continuous improvements in proposal and contracting processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business, Languages, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; an MBA is preferred.
• Around 2+ years of experience in project support, finance, contracting, proposals, or a related function, preferably within a clinical research organization or similar environment.
• Previous experience in proposal development, contract management, pricing, or commercial operations is advantageous.
• Working knowledge of proposal and contract management principles, contractual terms, pricing structures, pricing tools, and relevant data systems such as Salesforce.
• Understanding of clinical study operations and the different operational requirements involved in conducting studies across international regions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to review complex information while maintaining accuracy across budgets, contracts, and client deliverables.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with good judgment regarding when to escalate complex or sensitive issues.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with confidence interacting with internal teams and external clients at different organizational levels.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a matrixed, multicultural, and geographically distributed environment.
• Ability to lead or facilitate internal and client meetings and confidently contribute to commercial discussions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases; familiarity with CRM and pricing systems is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently from home and remain productive in a remote environment.
• Flexibility to work irregular or extended hours when required to meet critical client or proposal deadlines.
• A proactive, positive, and solutions-oriented approach, combined with a strong sense of urgency and accountability.

Benefits

• Full-time remote opportunity available across multiple locations in India, subject to role requirements.
• Opportunity to work on international proposals and contracts within the clinical research and life sciences sector.
• Exposure to global clients and multidisciplinary teams across different regions and functions.
• Opportunity to develop expertise in proposal management, contracting, pricing, and commercial operations.
• Collaborative and multicultural working environment.
• Opportunities to build experience across clinical development and related business operations.
• Flexible work-from-home setup, subject to business and role requirements.
• Professional growth opportunities through exposure to complex projects, clients, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Potential MBA and professional-development value through hands-on experience in a global clinical research environment.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1