Dir, Partner Strategy & Contracting

Job Description

The position of Director, Partner Strategy & Contracting is responsible for providing cross-functional support and transactional expertise to achieve company growth and clinical evidence objectives related to Haystack MRD by Quest Diagnostics.

Serve as subject matter expert and strategic contract advisor to pharma services team.

• Assist with proposal development based upon deep knowledge of competitive landscape. 
• Support pipeline analysis to maximize revenue-generating opportunities.
• Serve as cross-functional liaison between pharma and Haystack Medical Affairs, ensuring all stakeholders are apprised of key collaborations and evidence-generating opportunities that contribute to attainment of corporate objectives. 
• Oversee BAL laboratory communications and study coordination. 
• Facilitate R&D inquiries re: capabilities & product development requests.
• Support assay & sample specification questions.
• Convene appropriate personnel and technical experts to support external pharma meetings. 

Lead all contracting activities related to clinical evidence generation.

• Drafting, negotiation, and execution of a variety of contracts, including research collaboration agreements, materials transfer agreements, service contracts, pricing proposals, and statements of work. (SOW)
• Partner cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Legal, Finance, Laboratory Operations, and Regulatory teams to ensure contracts align with clinical development strategy, scientific goals, financial targets, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all contract and budget related activities with external collaborators.
• Oversee the end-to-end contracting process, holding both internal and external stakeholders accountable to minimize delays.
• Develop and maintain contract templates and workflow optimizations for consistency and efficiency.
• Facilitate internal and external meetings as needed to align on contract terms, project scope, budget assumptions, and partnership structures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, institutional customers, and collaborators to promote efficient negotiations and long-term partnerships.
• Ensure all necessary corporate approvals and authorizations are obtained and documented prior to contract execution.
• Implement and manage systems for tracking contract status, key milestones, amendments, and financial commitments.
• Maintain accurate records of executed contracts and associated documentation, ensuring transparency, audit readiness, and version control.
• Monitor ongoing contractual obligations and proactively manage renewals, amendments, and terminations as needed.
• Identify and address potential contracting bottlenecks, risks, or conflicts early, driving resolution through collaboration and creative problem-solving.

Participate in client meetings, trade shows, and other forums that increase Haystack MRD brand awareness.

Required Work Experience: 

• 5+ years of experience in contract management and negotiation, with at least 3 years focused on clinical trial agreements or clinical research collaborations.
• 5+ years of experience working in or with diagnostics, biopharma, clinical research organizations, or academic research institutions.

Preferred Work Experience: 

• N/A

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

• N/A

Knowledge: 

• Strong understanding of clinical study protocols and the ability to translate scientific and operational requirements into contractual terms, budgets, and deliverables.
• Deep familiarity with standard contract terms and legal concepts critical to clinical research, including IP rights, data ownership, confidentiality, publication rights, and compliance with applicable regulations.

Skills: 

• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to resolve conflicts and build alignment among diverse stakeholders.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complex workflows and competing priorities with minimal oversight.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree

Preferred:

• Advanced degree preferred