Contracts Manager

About the Company

Marea Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco with a growing pipeline of first-in-class therapies to address genetically validated cardiometabolic disease targets. Our therapies have the potential to complement existing therapies and serve as transformative treatment options for significant patient populations living with cardiometabolic diseases.

Incubated by Third Rock Ventures, Marea completed a Series B financing in June 2024 and is now well funded by a syndicate of life science investors including Sofinnova, Forbion, Xontogeny, venBio, Omega Funds, Surveyor, Alpha Wave and Third Rock Ventures. The company’s lead program is in Phase 2 clinical development (MAR001) and a second program is progressing towards clinical development in a rare endocrine disease. Marea is a fast-growing company looking for extraordinary individuals to join our team who want to make a difference in the lives of millions of people living with cardiometabolic diseases. The company is led by a dynamic team of scientists and company builders with deep knowledge and experience in cardiometabolic diseases, human genetics, and adipocyte biology.

At Marea, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of leading by example. We are a tight-knit team that values the contributions of every member, from interns to senior leaders. Our environment is dynamic, with each day presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. Every role is “Hands-On”, and the successful candidate will be able to work alongside team members, regardless of level, to understand challenges and drive results.

About the Role

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for assisting the legal and operations team with contract management, compliance tracking and effective management of our vendor relationships. This position is the face of Marea to our vendors and requires professionalism, reliability, attention to detail, and excellent organizational and communication skills. The Contracts Manager will report to the VP, Corporate Controller.

This is a full-time position with the expectation of coming into the SF-based office a minimum of three days / week.

Key Responsibilities:

Contract management and administration, including:

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of a contract, from drafting to execution, contract negotiation, contract authorization, contract reporting, contract record keeping, contract enforcement and contract renewal
• Ensure signatory and approval compliance with internal policies and procedures
• Maintain relationship with vendors, provide a consistent point of contact for both internal employees and external parties to plan, update and execute contracts
• Maintain records for correspondence and documentation in relation to established contracts and those in progress
• Communicate and present information to stakeholders about all contract-related matters
• Monitor contracts and move forward with close-out, extension or renewal according to what’s best for the company
• Facilitate the resolution of any contract-related problems that may arise with other parties and internally with the company itself
• Proactively manage contract requests from internal stakeholders and facilitate the execution of all contracts including, but not limited to master services agreements, work orders, quotes, statement or works, change orders, amendments, terminations, confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements (CDA/NDAs), service contracts, consulting agreements, rental agreements, engagement letters, etc.
• Ensure timely and efficient execution of all contracts through effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Facilitate contract negotiations between internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure all fully executed contracts are properly and timely filed in the contracts management system
• Prepare and provide contract reports to internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to help develop and implement new policies, procedures, and contract templates and provide education and training to internal stakeholders
• Work with members of the finance, accounting, and legal teams to help ensure that contracts are in compliance with applicable policies and procedures

Purchase order management, including:

• Create purchase orders for contracts with monetary value
• Work with external procurement support team as needed on PO amendment and/or change orders
• Ensure POs are created timely and in compliance with company policy and procedures
• Work closely with Finance/Accounting team on PO coding, contract reporting and contract record keeping

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• At least 6 years in contracted-related positions in the life science industry
• Biotech or life sciences industry experience is strongly preferred
• Proven experience in high-growth startup environments is a plus
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated sound judgment and integrity
• Excellent organizational skills, with great attention to detail
• A proactive, “can-do” attitude with a hands-on approach and flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficient with technology, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint
• Knowledge of Agiloft and Prendio a plus
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and managing sensitive information with discretion
• Financial skills – able to assess financial terms and how such terms are favorable or unfavorable to company a plus

Additional Qualifications:

Provide any required certifications (or timeline to achieve such certification following hire); and desired competencies Certification may include, but not limited to certifications for commercial, professional and federal contracts as provided by the National Contract Management Association.)

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of being at a stationary desk or work computer
• Ability to occasionally adjust, handle, or move objects up to 20 pounds