Contracts Systems Manager

Flagship Pioneering Inc

Cambridge, MA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$108,000–$148,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Access Control, Agriculture, Alliance/Partner Management, Application Programming Interface (API), Atlassian JIRA, Auditing, Biology, Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Budgeting, Business Processes, Business Skills, Business Strategy, Change Control, Change Management, Coaching, Communication Skills, Contract Approval, Contract Management, Cross-Functional, Customer Acquisition, Customer Support/Service, Customer/Client Research, Data Collection, Data Quality, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Dynamic Logic, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Entrepreneurship, Environmental Impact, Environmental Sciences, Establish Priorities, FDA Requirements, Finance, GxP, HRIS/HRMS, Human Diseases, Human Health, Identify Issues, Information Technology & Information Systems, Information Technology/Systems Audit, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Legal, Logistics, Metadata, Metrics, Multitasking, Needs Assessment, Onboarding, Operational Improvement, Operational Strategy, Organizational Skills, Performance Metrics, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Demonstration, Project/Program Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Reporting Dashboards, Requirements Management, Risk Analysis, Security Protocols, Software Patches, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Sustainability, System Integration (SI), Systems Administration/Management, Systems Maintenance, Taxonomies, Team Player, Technical Operations, Time Management, Traceability, Train-the-Trainer, Trend Analysis, User Documentation, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Vendor/Supplier Management, Vendor/Supplier Selection, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Cambridge, MA
POSTED
30+ days ago

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship atwww.flagshippioneering.com.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Ourcore valuesguide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Contracts System Manager to serve as the primary owner and administrator of Flagships Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) and procurement systems. This individual will be responsible for system configuration, optimization, user support, training, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the Legal, Procurement, and Finance teams can efficiently manage contracts across Flagship and its portfolio companies. The role requires significant interpersonal engagement-building trusted relationships across business units, influencing stakeholders to adopt new processes, and exercising judgment in navigating competing priorities that require human insight and contextual understanding.

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience administering CLM platforms (Cobblestone experience strongly preferred), a solid understanding of procurement workflows, and the ability to translate business requirements into technical system configurations. This role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, attention to detail, and comfort working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

This is a great opportunity to join a company at the forefront of innovation in technology and science. We are looking for a self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and kind individual who works hard but doesnt take themselves too seriously. The team you would be joining is tight-knit and committed to helping one another succeed.

Key Responsibilities

System Administration & Configuration

Serve as the primary administrator for Flagships CLM system (Cobblestone), including system configuration, user provisioning, role-based access control (RBAC), and permissions management

Design and configure contract workflows, approval routing logic, and dynamic intake forms based on agreement type, spend thresholds, department, or legal requirements-collaborating directly with business owners to understand their operational needs and secure buy-in on workflow changes

Manage the companys contract templates, playbook terms, and clause libraries; configure new templates and process workflows as needed

Maintain repository accuracy, metadata tagging, and taxonomy; identify inefficiencies in current processes and propose workflow design improvements

Integration & Technical Operations

Oversee and troubleshoot API connections and data syncs between the CLM system and downstream systems (e.g., ERP, procurement platforms, HRIS, e-signature tools)

Coordinate with IT on system integrations, security protocols, and technical requirements; serve as a trusted liaison between business functions, IT, and CLM vendor, translating technical constraints into business-friendly explanations and advocating for user needs in system design decisions

Test and deploy system updates, patches, and new features from vendors; manage change control to minimize disruption to business users

Configure and maintain vendor management modules, ensuring seamless data capture and risk assessment during vendor onboarding

User Support & Training

Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 support for CLM system users, including day-to-day troubleshooting, resolving workflow stalls, and addressing error messages

Onboard and train new users (both technical and non-technical) on CLM system functionality and related processes through hands-on coaching, live demonstrations, and personalized support; implement train-the-trainer models and adapt training approaches based on individual learning styles and departmental needs

Develop and maintain CLM training materials, user guides, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); gather user feedback and recommend process improvements

Support onboarding of new Flagship portfolio companies onto established contract standards and CLM processes, serving as a dedicated point of contact who builds rapport with new teams, addresses concerns with empathy, and guides stakeholders through change management during organizational transitions

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as the primary liaison between IT and Finance, Legal, and Procurement teams, translating business processes into technical system requirements

Build and maintain strategic relationships with business colleagues across Flagship and portfolio companies to understand evolving contracting needs, anticipate workflow challenges, and influence adoption of standardized processes through trust, credibility, and demonstrated value

Coordinate directly with external vendors, counterparties, and law firms on contract logistics and system-related clarifications, exercising diplomacy and sound judgment to resolve ambiguities, manage expectations, and maintain productive working relationships

Reporting & Analytics

Build dashboards and generate contract metrics to inform Legal leadership and cross-functional stakeholders; analyze trends and provide recommendations to improve contract operations efficiency, presenting findings in stakeholder meetings and facilitating discussions to drive consensus on operational improvements

Conduct regular system audits to monitor data integrity, system health, and key performance metrics (e.g., approval cycle times, contract turnaround)

Track key dates and milestones; proactively identify and escalate potential risks, such as approaching deadlines, renewal windows, or expiring terms requiring action

Compliance & Process Improvement

Participate in assessing, refining, and executing on future business requirements for the CLM system; contribute to template and playbook updates based on recurring issues and counterparty redline patterns

Support compliance with life sciences regulatory requirements (FDA, GxP where applicable) by ensuring contract workflows and documentation meet audit and traceability standards

Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and user adoption across the contracting process

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Business, Information Systems, Legal Studies, or related discipline

3-5 years of experience as a CLM systems administrator, legal operations specialist, or similar role

Proficiency with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and associated workflows; hands-on experience with system configuration, workflow design, and user administration

Understanding of procurement and finance processes, including budgets, payment terms, and vendor engagement

Experience developing and implementing system-driven workflows; comfort with Jira or similar tools for user story creation and tracking

Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent stakeholder engagement ability, including the capacity to influence without authority, navigate organizational dynamics, and build consensus among diverse business partners

Ability to exercise independent judgment in prioritizing workflow, escalating appropriately, and making nuanced decisions that balance competing stakeholder interests and business objectives

Experience troubleshooting CLM or workflow system issues; ability to promptly identify and solve software and process problems

Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills

Ability to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced environment; prioritize workflow based on business objectives

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in biotech, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or regulated industries

Experience configuring or administering Cobblestone CLM system (taxonomy, permissions, template maintenance, workflow configuration)

Familiarity with Coupa or other procurement system integration

Experience with contract intake and legal operations frameworks

Exposure to commercial agreements and legal terms and conditions

Experience leading or actively participating in CLM system implementation projects

Familiarity with FDA regulations, GxP requirements, or clinical contracting in life sciences environments

Proficiency with business applications such as Microsoft 365, Coupa, Cobblestone, DocuSign, and Adobe Acrobat

Ability to work in a scrum/agile environment

Culture & Values (Flagship)

We seek individuals who reflect Flagships culture of fearless exploration, entrepreneurial thinking, and collaborative impact. You thrive in environments that require creative problem solving, strong ownership, and alignment with mission-driven outcomes.

Work Environment & Benefits

Standard office environment in Cambridge with hybrid and remote flexibility options

Collaborative, interdisciplinary teams engaged in high-impact innovation

Professional growth opportunities across Flagship Pioneering and its portfolio

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Equal Opportunity Employer

Flagship Pioneering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

#LI-NM1

The salary range for this role is $108,000 - $148,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Flagship Pioneering currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Flagship Pioneerings good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

About the Company

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Flagship Pioneering Inc