Clinical Contracts, Finance and Vendor Management
Associate Director/Director

Function: Contract and Finance Management
Location:  Foster City, CA

Company Description
Terns Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company committed to discovering and developing molecularly-targeted, oral, small molecule medicines to treat NASH and other liver diseases. Based in San Mateo CA and Shanghai, Terns Pharma is focused on bringing forward innovative therapeutic candidates with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs in China and globally. The company combines expertise in disease biology and medicinal chemistry with a capital-efficient drug discovery model and global clinical development capabilities to advance our growing pipeline of medicines. As the Terns pipeline advances and expands, multiple strategic alliances in drug discovery and development are anticipated.

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced professional with a strong foundation in the principles of contract management, finance, and vendor management to support drug development projects from late stage research to proof of concept. This individual will work closely with key stakeholders to support successful negotiation of contracts and budgets and provide financial and vendor relationship management over the contract life cycle. This individual will also lead efforts to establish an outsourcing strategy and build the appropriate infrastructure to support contract related activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with relevant internal stakeholders (e.g., Clinical Operations, DPMK, toxicology) to manage, support and oversee end-to-end contracting process with service providers including Vendor Identification, Request for Information, Request for Proposal, bid defense meetings, bid comparison/evaluation, budget and contract negotiations, vendor selection,  execution of contract and provide ongoing support (e.g, contract amendments) needed to support development programs

  • With support from Legal, acts as lead for contract negotiation process, especially for more complex contracts

  • Ensures consistency in complex clinical contracts and finance specific policies and procedures

  • Demonstrates understanding of corporate goals as they relate to clinical contracts and finance

  • Establish clinical contracts and finance business process; assess and establish resources and systems needs to support business operations

  • Works with senior leadership and relevant stakeholders to develop outsourcing strategy

  • Collaborate with internal team members to manage vendor relationships and to resolve any vendor performance issues

  • Demonstrates an in depth understanding of clinical research process and the regulatory environment across functions

  • Work with relevant team members to develop program budgets and to assist with budget forecast and accrual process. 

  • Support project teams with budget estimates to support project team scenario planning, discussions and decision making.

  • Negotiate and support consulting and health care professional agreements (e.g., advisory board agreements, DSMBs)

  • Facilitate corporate and/or organizational policies and authorize their implementation, coordinating across cross-functional groups within the Terns US and China offices.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:
The successful candidate will be an innovative and collaborative individual who thrives in a “get it done” type of environment with a strong track record of hands on experience in contracts, finance and vendor management with the following mix of personal and professional characteristics:

  • The ideal candidate will have a BA/BS in a relevant discipline and a minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry

  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with all levels within the company, with partners and functional areas

  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to influence others in a highly matrixed organization

  • Preference for small company pharma experience

  • Passionate, persistent and tenacious. Strong ability to prioritize and operate with a sense of urgency.

  • Able to balance being with biotech mindset of being highly strategic in nature and a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves style to get things done.

  • Trustworthy with highest integrity, committed to ethics and scientific standards.

  • Direct report experience is preferred.

  • Ability to navigate diverse cultures and geographies.