Job Description

Position: Contracts Manager

Position Type: Full-time

Department: Legal/Administrative

Location: Boulder, CO or Remote

Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; paralegal certification or JD preferred. 5+ years’ relevant experience. Experience in biotech and a high-growth environment is highly desirable.

Position Summary

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for drafting, negotiating, and managing commercial and operational agreements that support Watchmaker’s growth, including sales contracts, supplier and vendor agreements, licensing, research collaborations, and strategic partnerships. This role will work cross-functionally with sales, R&D, operations, finance, and executive leadership to ensure contracts are executed efficiently, risk is managed appropriately, and obligations are tracked and met.

Responsibilities

• Contract Drafting & Negotiation
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements including NDAs, MTAs, supply agreements, distribution agreements, licensing arrangements, and procurement agreements.
• Support sales teams by reviewing customer contracts and providing practical, business-focused solutions.
• Develop fallback positions and negotiation playbooks to improve consistency.
• Contract Management & Process
• Implement and manage contract lifecycle processes and tools (from intake to signature to archiving).
• Maintain a contract database and tracking system to monitor renewals, obligations, and key deadlines.
• Support automation and scaling of the contracts function as the company grows.
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Identify and flag key risks (IP, indemnification, liability, compliance obligations).
• Ensure contracts comply with applicable laws, industry standards, and company policies.
• Partner with finance to align contract terms with revenue recognition, pricing escalators, and other commercial needs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Serve as a trusted partner to sales, R&D, and operations teams on contract-related questions.
• Support due diligence and integration efforts in potential acquisitions or strategic partnerships.
• Provide training and guidance to business stakeholders on contract basics and risk awareness.

Skills and Requirements

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• A minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in the life sciences industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. and international laws and practices.
• Strong understanding of regulations, healthcare compliance, and other laws and regulations relevant to the life sciences industry.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, including collaboration, licensing, and research and development agreements.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills, and demonstrated success participating in deal teams.
• Ability to build consensus and stakeholder buy-in by communicating complex legal issues clearly and effectively to non-legal team members.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously with high attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team across various disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic contractual advice and counsel to sales professionals and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify legal and business issues and develop creative solutions.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to multitask, work at a high standard, perform consistently under pressure with pre-determined deadlines, and work without supervision.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; paralegal certification or JD preferred (but not required).
• 5+ years of contracts management, paralegal, or legal operations experience, ideally in high-growth life sciences, biotech, or tools companies.
• Experience negotiating commercial, vendor, and licensing contracts.
• Strong knowledge of IP, confidentiality, and data security considerations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, scaling environment.

Compensation

The base compensation for the Contracts Manager role starts at $120,000 - $150,000 + bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.

Application Procedure

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com: 

• Letter of motivation 
• Resume or Curriculum vitae highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled; however, early submission is encouraged as review will begin immediately.

If you are selected to participate in the interview process, we will request the names and contact information of three professional references who can assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements.

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NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics.

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WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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