Contract Manager

About Meridian

Meridian Bioscience is a fully integrated life science company that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic products. We are dedicated to developing and delivering better solutions that give answers with speed, accuracy and simplicity that are redefining the possibilities of life from discovery to diagnosis. We are looking for talented and passionate individuals that help drive our vision. Our innovative culture will allow interested candidates to discover and create, through collaboration, cutting edge solutions to tough problems.

Job Summary

This role is responsible for negotiating, preparing, and administering customer contracts, distribution agreements, group purchasing organization (GPO) contracts, and related documents across all business units. It involves reviewing solicitations and preparing routine responses to proposals, bids, and contract modifications. The position requires analyzing contract requirements, special provisions, terms, and conditions to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, corporate policies, and business procedures. The individual serves as a key resource for communicating contract policies and practices and training sales teams on contract requirements, processes, and compliance expectations. Success in the role depends on strong research, communication, and technology skills. The position also requires the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while consistently meeting deadlines.

Key Duties

Contract Management & Administration

• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer a wide range of commercial agreements, including:

• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

• Customer Sales Agreements

• Purchasing and Supply Agreements

• Consulting Agreements

• Purchasing Organization (GPO) Agreements

• Distribution Agreements

• Master Service and Master Supply Agreements

• Amendments, renewals, and contract modifications

• Customer-proposed terms and conditions

• Manage the full contract lifecycle from request through execution, implementation, renewal, and termination.

• Ensure contracts accurately reflect business requirements while protecting the company''s legal, financial, and operational interests.

• Analyze contract terms, identify potential risks, and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Develop, maintain, and update standard contract templates, clause libraries, and approved contract language.

• Interpret and explain contractual terms, obligations, and requirements to internal stakeholders and external parties.

• Monitor contractual obligations and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, corporate policies, and internal procedures.

• Maintain complete and accurate contract records, executed agreements, and supporting documentation.

• Leverage artificial intelligence and contract management technologies to analyze, draft, and process contracts more efficiently while ensuring appropriate oversight and compliance.

Contract Negotiation & Business Partnership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, distributors, GPOs, and internal business teams on contractual matters.
• Lead negotiations of standard and non-standard contract terms directly with customer purchasing, legal, and procurement representatives.
• Provide redlined recommendations and negotiate mutually acceptable contract language while balancing business objectives and risk exposure.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Finance, Operations, Quality, and Legal teams to support business initiatives and customer opportunities.
• Support Product Management and Marketing to ensure products and services are offered with competitive and commercially appropriate terms and conditions.
• Train and educate Sales and other business teams on contract processes, company policies, approved terms, and risk considerations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Partner with outside legal counsel and internal stakeholders to research legal issues, assess business risks, and evaluate contractual provisions.
• Identify and escalate legal, regulatory, financial, operational, and commercial risks associated with proposed agreements.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance standards, revenue recognition requirements, pricing policies, discounting guidelines, and other financial controls.
• Evaluate the financial impact of contract terms, pricing structures, rebates, incentives, and renewal options.
• Support compliance with healthcare, procurement, and industry-specific regulations as applicable.

Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Maintain contract data and documentation within contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems, including LinkSquares, MasterControl, SalesForce, and other company systems.
• Lead contract system enhancements, implementations, and process improvements to increase efficiency, visibility, and compliance.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, workflows, and best practices for contract management and administration.
• Generate contract metrics, reports, and analyses to support management decision-making and business planning.
• Monitor contract expiration dates, renewal opportunities, pricing changes, and other key milestones.
• Monitor and manage contract pipeline performance using data, dashboards, and key metrics (e.g., cycle time, volume, turnaround times), and drive continuous improvement in contracting processes.

Proposal & Bid Support

• Review solicitations and prepare contractual responses for Requests for Proposal (RFPs), bids, tenders, and contract modifications.
• Support cross-functional teams in evaluating contractual requirements and developing compliant customer responses.
• Coordinate contract review and approval processes for strategic business opportunities.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in special projects, audits, acquisitions, integrations, and other strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required to support business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• 5 plus years prior experience in similar roles
• Strong knowledge of contract law, business law principles, and commercial contracting practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experienced in utilizing contract management, CRM, and other business systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including customers, sales teams, finance, legal counsel, and executive leadership.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively negotiate, influence, present information, and explain complex contractual concepts to various audiences.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying risks and developing practical business solutions.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service and supporting business objectives.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and results-oriented, with the ability to effectively manage changing priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and process optimization.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and ethical conduct in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing, negotiating, and administering contracts.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions while balancing legal, financial, operational, and commercial considerations.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, facilitate collaboration, and drive consensus among stakeholders.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, with the flexibility to work outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, as business needs require.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. (USA Only)*