Full job description
Kinovate Life Sciences, Inc. established in 2004 in Oceanside, California. A wholly owned subsidiary of Nitto Denko Corporation (www.nitto.com), Kinovate was spun-off from Oceanside, CA based R&D facility Nitto Denko Technical Corp (www.ndtcorp.com) with a mission to provide the highest quality materials to niche life science markets worldwide.
Since its inception, Kinovate has grown to become the market leader in solid support in the oligonucleotide synthesis field. We are bringing the most creative minds in science and technology to develop medical discoveries and breakthroughs. Our customers are well-known in the biotechnology industry. We are in a growth phase within ISO work environment and leading towards a GMP Certification. KLS is seeking extraordinary people to join the team. KLS is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.
Why Work Here?
Great place to work. Small subsidiary of large international company headquartered in Japan. Generous discretionary bonuses. Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance effective from date of hire. Additional benefits include 401(k), 3 weeks vacation in your first year, 12 paid yearly holidays, 5 paid sick days, tuition reimbursement and more.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Contracts Manager is responsible for managing the contract lifecycle across the organization, ensuring efficient, complaint, and scalable contracting processes. This role serves as a key business partner to Sales, Procurement, Finance, Operations, Legal and other cross-functional stakeholders to negotiate, draft, review, execute, and administer commercial agreements.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience working in a mature contract management environment and is highly proficient at managing a contract lifecycle management system. This individual will help optimize contract workflows, maintain clause libraries, drive process improvements, monitor key performance metrics, and ensure contractual compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Oversee end-to-end contract lifecycle management processes, including intake, drafting, negotiation, approval routing, execution, storage, renewal management, and reporting. Monitor contract performance, key milestones, obligations, and deliverables throughout the contract term. Follow up on contract renewal and expiration notifications to prevent lapses. Maintain contract repository integrity, ensuring all executed agreements are safely stored, indexed, and accessible.
- Wide Range of Contracts: Manage a high volume of commercial contracts including sales, purchasing, service, lease, license, non-disclosure, and other business agreements. Establish and maintain contract playbooks and clause libraries to ensure consistency and efficiency. In battle of the form’s scenarios, organize letters of credit, quotes, order acknowledgments, and invoices as needed.
- Process Improvement and Strategic Initiatives: Continuously evaluate and optimize contract processes to reduce cycle times, improve compliance, and enhance user experience. Maintain comprehensive contracts management policies, procedures, and documentation. Implement standardization and automation opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce manual effort.
- Business Partnership and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Legal, Sales, Procurement, Finance, Operations, and other business functions to facilitate timely contract execution. Communicate contract terms and obligations in a clear, business-focused manner and help stakeholders make informed decisions.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Primary job duty satisfactorily. The skills and qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job duties.
MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Contract Management, or related field (required)
- Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), or similar professional certification (required)
- Experience with DocuSign CLM (or similar system) advanced features including AI-powered clause detection, obligation management, and analytics
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in contracts management, contract administration, or related legal/procurement role
Proven experience administering DocuSign CLM or similar contract lifecycle management platforms (e.g., Icertis, Agiloft, Ironclad, Conga)
- Experience in biotechnology, medical device, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or regulated manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge/understanding of ISO 13485 Quality Management Systems
- Demonstrated expertise in managing complex contract negotiations across multiple contract types.
- Strong understanding of commercial contract terms, legal principles, and risk allocation
- Experience designing and implementing contract workflows, approval processes, and automation
- Proficiency in CLM system configuration, including template creation, workflow design, and integration management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Track record of driving process improvement initiatives and achieving measurable efficiency gains
- Excellent project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and contract management software
- Strong analytical skills with ability to generate insights from contract data and metrics
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain complex contract issues to non-legal stakeholders
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and commitment to accuracy
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
COMPUTER SKILLS:
- Proficient using Windows, file management, and systems navigation.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Team, etc.)
- Confident using web browsers, search engines, online forms, and cloud storage (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.).
- Accurate and efficient in typing and handling data in spreadsheets and databases.
- Understands basic cybersecurity practices like strong passwords and identifying phishing attempts.
CERTIFICATES and/or LICENSES:
Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), Certified Federal Contracts manager (CFCM), or similar professional certification required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT:
(Typical physical demands and the work environment characteristics an employee must meet and encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
This position will require the following:
- Works in a typical office environment with prolonged periods in front of a computer entering or researching data.
- Ability to lift 25 pounds with assistance.
- Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk to hear.
- Availability and willingness to travel if required as part of Contracts Management or if requested to visit or attend a business transaction as legal agent of the company.
- Must be able to work extended hours per the demands of the business.
The above statements are intended to describe the primary and general functions and responsibility levels and characteristics of the [title] positions. They should not be viewed as an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. Management has the right to change duties at any time to meet business needs.