Senior Contract Manager Jobs
Senior Contract Manager jobs are open across government contracting, healthcare, technology, and energy, at every level from mid-senior to principal and director, with specializations in procurement, vendor negotiations, and compliance management. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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SUMMARY
Job Title: Senior Contract Manager (Remote)
LI-Remote
This position can be based remotely anywhere in the U.S. (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager. This position will not require travel.
Take the lead in shaping the success of clinical trials at Novartis by driving complex contract negotiations that directly impact study timelines and patient access. As a Senior Contract Manager, you will play a critical role at the intersection of legal expertise, financial strategy, and clinical operations—partnering with global stakeholders to deliver high-quality agreements, unlock efficiencies, and resolve challenges with confidence. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring trials start faster, run smoother, and ultimately bring innovative therapies to patients sooner.
ABOUT THE ROLE
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Independently negotiate and execute complex clinical trial agreements, including Master Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements
- Develop, review, and finalize clinical trial budgets, ensuring alignment with fair market value principles
- Lead contract and budget negotiations with investigational sites to achieve timely contract execution and study start-up goals
- Resolve stalled negotiations and provide strategic support to Contract Managers to maintain study timelines
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders including Legal, Regulatory, Quality, and Clinical teams
- Identify, assess, and communicate contractual and budgetary risks to key stakeholders for approval
- Collaborate with global and local teams to resolve complex contractual challenges efficiently
- Analyze grant plans and budget proposals to support accurate and compliant financial decisions
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying trends and leading initiatives to enhance contracting processes
- Partner with clinical teams and vendors to optimize budgets and deliver cost-saving opportunities
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, legal, finance, science, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in contract management within clinical trials or pharmaceuticals
- Proven expertise in negotiating clinical trial agreements and complex contracts independently
- Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical industry regulations and United States privacy requirements
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills with strong attention to detail
- Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization with global and cross-functional teams
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused mindset
The salary for this position is expected to range between $89,600 and $166,400 per year.
The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.
Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
WHY NOVARTIS: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
BENEFITS AND REWARDS: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
ACCESSIBILITY & REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
LOCATION
Location: USA
State: Remote, US
Site: Remote Position (USA)
COMPANY / LEGAL ENTITY
U014 (FCRS = US014) Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
FUNCTIONAL AREA
Audit & Finance
JOB TYPE
Full time
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Regular
SHIFT WORK
No
SUMMARY
Job Title: Senior Contract Manager (Remote)
LI-Remote
This position can be based remotely anywhere in the U.S. (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager. This position will not require travel.
Take the lead in shaping the success of clinical trials at Novartis by driving complex contract negotiations that directly impact study timelines and patient access. As a Senior Contract Manager, you will play a critical role at the intersection of legal expertise, financial strategy, and clinical operations—partnering with global stakeholders to deliver high-quality agreements, unlock efficiencies, and resolve challenges with confidence. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring trials start faster, run smoother, and ultimately bring innovative therapies to patients sooner.
ABOUT THE ROLE
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Independently negotiate and execute complex clinical trial agreements, including Master Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements
- Develop, review, and finalize clinical trial budgets, ensuring alignment with fair market value principles
- Lead contract and budget negotiations with investigational sites to achieve timely contract execution and study start-up goals
- Resolve stalled negotiations and provide strategic support to Contract Managers to maintain study timelines
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders including Legal, Regulatory, Quality, and Clinical teams
- Identify, assess, and communicate contractual and budgetary risks to key stakeholders for approval
- Collaborate with global and local teams to resolve complex contractual challenges efficiently
- Analyze grant plans and budget proposals to support accurate and compliant financial decisions
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying trends and leading initiatives to enhance contracting processes
- Partner with clinical teams and vendors to optimize budgets and deliver cost-saving opportunities
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, legal, finance, science, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in contract management within clinical trials or pharmaceuticals
- Proven expertise in negotiating clinical trial agreements and complex contracts independently
- Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical industry regulations and United States privacy requirements
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills with strong attention to detail
- Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization with global and cross-functional teams
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused mindset
The salary for this position is expected to range between $89,600 and $166,400 per year.
The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.
Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
WHY NOVARTIS: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
BENEFITS AND REWARDS: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
ACCESSIBILITY & REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
LOCATION
Location: USA
State: Remote, US
Site: Remote Position (USA)
COMPANY / LEGAL ENTITY
U014 (FCRS = US014) Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
FUNCTIONAL AREA
Audit & Finance
JOB TYPE
Full time
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Regular
SHIFT WORK
No
See All 167+ Senior Contract Manager Jobs
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Find Senior Contract Manager JobsSenior Contract Manager Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences7
- Amazon5
- Fluor5
- Infojini5
- Quanta Infrastructure Solutions5
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software46
- Consulting & Professional Services34
- Energy15
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals13
- Construction & Real Estate12
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior contract manager jobs.
- 5 or more years of contract management or procurement experience in a related industry
- Deep working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, or commercial contract law depending on sector
- Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex multi-party agreements
- Proficiency with contract lifecycle management software such as Ariba, Icertis, or Conga
- CPCM, CFCM, or equivalent professional certification preferred or required
- Bachelor's degree in business, law, supply chain management, or a related field
Tips for Your Senior Contract Manager Job Search
Tailor your resume to contract types
Highlight the specific contract vehicles you've managed, whether fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, FAR-governed, or commercial agreements. Recruiters screening senior contract manager resumes look for contract-type fluency, not just years of experience.
Get certified before you apply
A CPCM, CFCR, or NCMA certification signals credibility to hiring managers at regulated industries and government contractors. If you're mid-process on a certification, note your expected completion date on your resume rather than leaving it off entirely.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists senior contract manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target openings by procurement authority level
Filter for roles where the job description names a specific dollar threshold you can authorize or negotiate independently. Roles requiring higher signature authority signal a genuinely senior scope and weed out postings that are really mid-level contract administrator positions relabeled.
Prepare a contract negotiation example story
Interviewers for senior roles almost always ask for a specific negotiation you led, not a general description of your process. Prepare one concrete example with a clear outcome, the parties involved, and the sticking point you resolved before your first interview.
Negotiate using total compensation, not base only
Senior contract manager offers often include signing bonuses or variable pay tied to procurement savings. When countering, ask for a full breakdown of target total compensation so you're comparing equivalent figures, not just headline salary numbers.
Senior Contract Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most senior contract managers?
The companies hiring the most senior contract managers right now include Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences, Amazon, and Fluor, with the largest share of openings in Texas, California, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Defense contractors, large health systems, and enterprise technology firms consistently maintain high hiring volume for this role.
How many senior contract manager jobs are remote?
About 35% of senior contract manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, making it one of the more location-flexible senior roles in operations. Sub-specializations in commercial contract management and SaaS vendor agreements tend to offer the highest share of remote options, while government contracting roles more often require on-site or cleared facility access.
How do you become a senior contract manager?
You typically start in a contract administrator or procurement analyst role, building hands-on experience drafting and reviewing agreements. From there, you move into a contract manager position handling negotiations independently. Earning a professional certification such as a CPCM or CFCM, along with demonstrated experience managing high-value or multi-party contracts, is what most employers require before promoting or hiring at the senior level.
Can you get hired as a senior contract manager without direct experience?
It's difficult but not impossible if you've managed complex agreements in an adjacent role, such as procurement, vendor management, legal operations, or project management. Employers will want to see that you've owned contract outcomes end-to-end, even if your title didn't say contract manager. A relevant certification and a clear example of a negotiation or risk resolution you led can offset a gap in formal title history.
What does the senior contract manager interview process look like?
Most hiring processes for senior contract manager roles include an initial recruiter screen, a competency-based interview with the hiring manager focused on negotiation scenarios, and a final round with legal or finance stakeholders. Some employers add a written exercise where you redline a sample clause or respond to a contract issue. Government contracting roles may also require a security clearance eligibility discussion before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to senior contract manager jobs?
You can find and apply to senior contract manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 167+ Senior Contract Manager Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any senior contract manager role that fits.
Find Senior Contract Manager Jobs