Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager

Department: Legal

Reports To: Vice President, Corporate Law

Location: South San Francisco, CA – On-site 4 days per week (Mon to Thurs)

Kardigan is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee all aspects of contract processing and administration. In this role, the Contracts Manager will manage the complete contract lifecycle and lead the implementation and administration of contract management systems. The position reports to the Vice President, Corporate Law and interfaces directly with business stakeholders across the company.

Contract Lifecycle Management

• Process all contract requests from intake to execution, tracking status.
• Lead the evaluation and implementation of a contract lifecycle management (CLM) tool and serve as the primary administrator.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate a range of contracts, including CDAs, consulting agreements, MSAs, and other commercial agreements.
• Track key contractual obligations and deadlines.
• Maintain a library of form agreements and contract repository.

Contract Operations & Reporting

• Lead weekly interdepartmental contracts update meetings with stakeholders and negotiators.
• Develop contract management key performance metrics and generate periodic reports.
• Coordinate and manage signature routing for contracts.
• Develop and manage contract-related processes, guidelines, and SOPs.

Business Partnership & Training

• Serve as the primary liaison for internal partners on contract processes and operations.
• Interface with teams across the company to anticipate contracting needs and provide guidance.
• Develop and maintain training programs for contract processes and CLM system usage.
• Develop communication plans to share contract process updates and performance metrics with partners.

General

• Support special projects and contract-related initiatives.
• Perform other duties as directed by the manager.

Required

• At least 7 years of relevant experience with a minimum of 5 years of contract administration.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, ability to manage changing priorities and multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to identify risks and communicate them to appropriate legal or other internal decision-makers.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, rapidly growing workplace, with a keen interest in providing a consistently high level of service.
• Able to work independently while exercising initiative and good judgment.
• Experience working with contract lifecycle management systems, e-signature platforms, and collaboration platforms.
• Contract negotiation experience and solid knowledge of commercial contract terms and best practices.

Preferred

• Paralegal certification.
• Previous CLM implementation and administration experience.
• Experience in the life sciences/biotech/pharma sector.
• Experience managing IP docketing system implementation and ongoing administration.
• Hands‑on experience with patent prosecution support.
• Proficiency with patent‑related filings and correspondence with patent offices.
• Familiarity with patent office systems such as PAIR.

Pay Range: $146,000 - $190,000 USD

Exact Compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.

As set forth in Kardigan’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.