Senior Proposals & Contracts Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Proposals & Contracts Manager is primarily responsible for leading end‑to‑end proposal development activities for assigned customers, including complex and strategic bids. The role plays a critical part in shaping high‑quality, competitive proposals that support business growth and customer success.

Contract‑related activities are part of the role but are secondary and primarily linked to proposal and bid processes. Acting as a regional subject‑matter expert for proposals, this position partners closely with Sales and cross‑functional teams to ensure consistency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across all proposal activities.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Development & Bid Management

• Lead, coordinate, and manage end‑to‑end proposal development for complex, strategic, and high‑value customer opportunities.
• Develop proposal strategies, timelines, and response structures in collaboration with Sales and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross‑functional inputs (Finance, Operations, Legal, Medical, etc.) to deliver accurate, compliant, and competitive proposals.
• Support pricing, costing, and budget development aligned with proposal strategy and customer requirements.
• Participate in bid defenses, customer presentations, and negotiations as required.

Contract Support & Review

• Support the review and negotiation of contracts, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and amendments, as part of proposal and bid activities.
• Ensure contractual documentation aligns with approved proposal assumptions, internal policies, and governance requirements.
• Liaise with Legal and other stakeholders to escalate and resolve complex contractual topics when needed.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary internal point of contact for proposal‑related activities for assigned customers.
• Build and maintain strong, trust‑based relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a regional subject‑matter expert for proposal processes, ensuring consistency in approach, metrics, and documentation standards.

Process Improvement & Strategic Contribution

• Identify risks, gaps, and inefficiencies in proposal processes and proactively drive improvements.
• Contribute to the development and continuous enhancement of proposal tools, templates, and best practices.
• Provide strategic input on proposal‑related initiatives with minimal supervision.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to colleagues within the proposals function.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Finance, Legal, Operations, and other internal teams to support successful bid outcomes.

Compliance & Knowledge Expertise

• Maintain strong knowledge of proposal systems, processes, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure proposal and associated contract activities comply with internal procedures and applicable regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in proposal development, bid management, or a closely related commercial role, preferably within the CRO industry.
• Contract experience is considered an advantage but is not required as a primary area of specialization.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong experience leading complex proposals and coordinating cross‑functional bid teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, including costing and pricing models.
• Ability to interpret customer requirements, clinical protocols, budgets, and financial assumptions.
• Strong commercial and analytical mindset.

Key Competencies

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex proposals simultaneously under tight timelines.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.

Working Style

• Proactive, self‑directed, and comfortable working with minimal oversight.
• Strong customer and quality focus.
• Collaborative, solution‑oriented, and detail‑driven approach.