Contracts Manager

Overview

Positions:
Contracts Manager at Watchmaker Genomics
.

Location:

Boulder, CO or Remote. Type:
Full-time. Department:
Legal/Administrative.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 relevant to the life sciences industry.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, including collaboration, licensing, and R&D agreements.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills; demonstrated success in deal teams.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively to non-legal team members to build consensus.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with high attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team across disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic contractual advice to sales professionals and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify 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.

• Education
• 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 to work across departments.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment.

Base compensation starts at $120,000 - $150,000 plus bonus and equity. Pay is adjusted based on skills and experience. Benefits include Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer-covered base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP,…