Proposals and Contracts Specialist

When our values align, there's no limit to what we can achieve.

At Parexel, we all share the same goal - to improve the world's health. From clinical trials to regulatory, consulting, and market access, every clinical development solution we provide is underpinned by something special - a deep conviction in what we do.
Each of us, no matter what we do at Parexel, contributes to the development of a therapy that ultimately will benefit a patient. We take our work personally, we do it with empathy and we're committed to making a difference.

About Parexel
Parexel is a leading global clinical development partner delivering insights-driven clinical and consulting solutions to the life sciences industry. With 22,000+ employees worldwide, we partner with biopharmaceutical companies and research sites to design and deliver patient-focused clinical trials that broaden access and make research a care option for anyone, anywhere.
We work with focus, agility, and shared purpose, moving with urgency to address patient needs and accelerate the delivery of new therapies. We embrace bold thinking, adapt quickly to change, and continually raise the bar for the speed and quality of clinical research. We are expanding our team and seeking talented individuals to help drive industry-leading innovations. With Heart.

About the Role
As a Proposals and Contracts Specialist, you will support clinical research activities that advance new treatments for patients. This position plays a key role in shaping the proposals and contracts that bring new clinical studies to life, from receipt of the Request for Proposal (RFP) through to client signature. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, follow established SOPs and departmental guidance, and contribute to study operations from proposal preparation through contract finalization.
Responsibilities include managing the full RFP process, developing strategic proposals and budgets, and creating, negotiating, and finalizing contracts, with opportunities to deepen your expertise and grow your influence in proposal and contract strategy.
You will join a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment focused on making a meaningful impact through accurate budgets, sound contract strategy, and high-quality client deliverables. With diverse teams and continuous learning opportunities, the Proposals and Contracts Specialist can explore career paths and expand skills across clinical research.

Key Responsibilities

- Create, negotiate, and finalize contracts in accordance with departmental SOPs, guidance, and work instructions, drafting Parexel templates in conjunction with relevant departments.

- Manage the RFP process from receipt to delivery, including reviewing RFP documentation and study protocols or synopses, assigning and notifying Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and identifying and mitigating barriers and risks to completion.

- Prepare and modify strategic proposals and budgets in response to RFPs and revisions, using SME feedback and proposal management support, in line with the Decision Rights policy.

- Lead and facilitate client meetings to negotiate costs and terms by the targeted client signature date, negotiating independently or with support depending on contract complexity.

- Develop contract strategies and contract plans for delivery and client signature, with accountable team members.

- Amend project and client budgets in partnership with project and functional teams, using internal tools and reports to ensure all information is included from all groups.

- Ensure proposals, budgets, and contract documents align with the RFP, client specifications and communications, and internal assumptions.

- Obtain third-party quotes as needed and map client bid-grids, with support as needed.

- Deliver quality client deliverables to strict deadlines, including formatted client grids that clearly present the rationale for cost changes.

- Identify contractual issues that require finance, tax, or other internal stakeholder input, and apply lessons learned to similar scenarios in new contracts.

- Keep all documents and files saved in the appropriate locations and data current in the systems used for metrics and KPI purposes, such as Salesforce.

- Attend relevant meetings, build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and manage time and workload to meet internal and external deadlines, including preparing detailed handoffs before time off.

Candidate Profile
You'll thrive in this role if you bring:

- Strong understanding of the operational aspects of clinical study conduct in different regions of the world, which may be demonstrated through previous work experience in the industry

- Excellent analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to perform several tasks simultaneously

- A consistent commitment to high-quality work and outstanding attention to detail

- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective, appropriate decisions when necessary

- Sound judgment about when to bring in support or escalate difficult situations and interactions

- Excellent oral and written communication skills, highly developed interpersonal skills, and a strong team orientation

- Confidence interacting with all levels of staff and the ability to lead internal and client meetings

- The ability to meet deadlines independently while managing multiple, varied tasks with enthusiasm and prioritizing workload

- Willingness to work in a matrix environment and to value the importance of teamwork

- A sense of urgency and a positive attitude in everything you do

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's Degree in Life Science, Business, Languages, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

- At least three years of previous experience in project support, finance, contracting, or proposals in a CRO or similar environment

- Standard knowledge of proposal and contract management principles, contractual terms, pricing structures, and pricing tools and data systems (e.g., Salesforce)

- Higher-level knowledge of relevant software, including Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases

- Fluent in written and oral English

- Ability to work from home

- Ability to work irregular and/or extended hours as needed to meet the client's proposal deadline