Eli Lilly

Associate Director - Oncology Discovery Contracting

Eli Lilly • $127K — $204K *
Washington, DC 20011In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in biology or related field.
  • 5+ years of contract management experience, preferably in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.
  • Strong scientific literacy to engage with research scientists effective.
  • Proficient in contract drafting, negotiation, and compliance issues.
  • Experience in software licensing procurement within a life sciences context.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional collaboration to align contracting with Lilly Oncology's pipeline needs.
  • Provide expert guidance on procurement contracting within the business area.
  • Drive negotiations and ensure compliance in scientific contracting across research.
  • Develop tailored contracting solutions to address evolving business needs.
  • Oversee communication with project management teams regarding contracting requirements.
  • Cultivate relationships with third-party suppliers to minimize operational risks.
  • Manage and mentor a small team of contracting professionals for effective performance.

Benefits

  • 401(k) and pension plan participation.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
  • Life insurance and death benefits.
  • Well-being benefits including fitness and employee assistance programs.
Full Job Description
Position Summary:

The Associate Director, Oncology Discovery Contracting in the Business Operations team serves as a recognized contracting, internal business process and S2P partner within the Early Phase Oncology organization, supporting drug discovery and development through the drafting, negotiation, and management of complex procurement-facing agreements. This individual will support custom scientific engagements across key discovery research areas spanning early phase biology, chemistry and scientific technologies. This role requires a combination of scientific literacy and contracting expertise to effectively partner with research teams, understand the nature of the work being contracted, and drive sound, risk-based contracting decisions. The Associate Director exercises a high degree of independent judgment, drives process improvements across the contracting function, and builds strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders to proactively identify and resolve complex operational and business challenges impacting the Oncology Business Unit - the expectation is that the Associate Director will help shape how contracting is done, not just execute it.

Key Objectives/Deliverables
  • Serve as a key contracting resource within the Early Phase Oncology organization, leading cross-functional collaboration with Project Management, Scientific, Legal, Subject Matter Experts, Business Operations, and Finance to support Lilly Oncology's pipeline needs and functional objectives in compliance with established internal policies and risk mitigation strategies
  • Serve as a recognized internal expert on procurement contracting, providing authoritative guidance to business teams and influencing decisions on complex compliance and contractual issues within the business area
  • Drive custom scientific contracting engagements across early phase biology, chemistry and scientific technology business areas, partnering closely with research and operations teams to understand scope and independently lead negotiation of the full range of applicable agreement types
  • Develop tailored contracting solutions and scalable processes that address the evolving needs of supported business areas and close gaps before they become operational issues
  • Independently lead all phases of contract drafting and negotiation, effectively coordinating Legal and SME input and making sound, risk-based decisions that impact the function or geography
  • Oversee regular engagements with PM teams to proactively advise on upcoming third-party contracting needs, including scope, deliverables, timelines, prioritization, and risk considerations impacting the business area
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with third-party suppliers, identifying requirements and influencing contracting approaches that advance the business area's interests while anticipating and resolving key operational and business risks, partnering with the third-party risk management team and exercising independent judgment to escalate or mitigate issues with functional impact
  • Provide expertise and guidance to business partners in the procure-to-pay process including purchase requisition submission, managing budgets, invoicing reconciliations to ensure internal compliance, and identifying opportunities to optimize financial stewardship
  • Maintain awareness of regulatory and industry developments relevant to discovery research contracting, and apply that knowledge to identify risks, inform contract strategy, and recommend process improvements
  • Manage and develop a small team of contracting professionals, fostering their growth through active coaching, timely feedback, and adherence to Lilly's Performance Management system; set clear expectations, hold team members accountable, and proactively address performance issues to ensure team effectiveness


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required; master's degree in biology or a related scientific discipline and/or MBA preferred, along with scientific literacy and/or background in a relevant biological discipline and the ability to engage credibly with research scientists in areas such as exploratory research, translational science, and large molecule biology
  • 5+ years of applicable experience, including contract management and research experience, with an advanced degree (MBA, master's, or Ph.D.), or 7+ years without an advanced degree, including procurement facing contracting to support discovery and development efforts in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting
  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • An advanced degree (MBA or MS, Ph.D., in a biological science), combined with contracting experience supporting drug discovery research functions such as exploratory research, translational science, or large molecule biology
  • Demonstrated experience making independent, risk-based decisions on complex contracting matters with functional or cross-organizational impact, knowing when to escalate and when to act
  • Strong contract drafting, review, analysis and negotiation skills across a variety of contract types
  • Recognized ability to serve as a key resource, influence complex issues across the business area or function, and interact effectively with senior stakeholders
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to independently manage and lead a team across a high volume of concurrent workstreams; approaches work with an owner's mindset and consistent sense of urgency, takes initiative to anticipate issues, meets strict deadlines, and drives tasks to completion while maintaining quality
  • Demonstrated success designing and implementing information management systems and processes with measurable impact across closely related work teams or business areas
  • Experience with project management, finance, procurement, and contract lifecycle management software
  • Experience in software licensing procurement, including negotiating SaaS, data platform, and AI/ML tool agreements in a life sciences or research context
  • Fluency with AI tools and a demonstrated willingness to embrace and apply emerging AI and technology solutions to improve the efficiency and quality of contracting work
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to proactively communicate status, risks, and issues to stakeholders at all levels to drive work forward and resolve matters in a timely manner
  • Excellent attention to detail and critical thinking skills
  • MS Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)


Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$127,500 - $204,600

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

#WeAreLilly

About Eli Lilly

ICOS Corporation is a biotechnology company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products. It is engaged in the commercialization of treatments for unmet medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. It is the developer of a treatment known as Cialis (tadalafil), a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction through its joint venture with Eli Lilly and Company in North America and Europe. It is also engaged in contract manufacturing services for third parties. It is in a strategic alliance with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ICOS Corporation was established in 1989, based in Bothell, Washington. It is currently operated by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eli Lilly Careers

Joining Eli Lilly offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading global team dedicated to creating a healthier future. As a company revered for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly is where your professional journey can flourish. Work You’ll Do At Eli Lilly, we are passionate about transforming patient care and advancing medical innovation. Our team at Eli Lilly is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using cutting-edge technology to make real-world impacts. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Eli Lilly stands out in the marketplace by integrating deep industry expertise with robust research and development efforts. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and lead the way in developing therapeutic breakthroughs. Explore Job Opportunities and Growth Eli Lilly offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, across multiple functions such as research, marketing, IT, and sales. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Eli Lilly provides an environment that promotes career growth and learning opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and leadership training ensures that every employee can achieve their potential. Be Part of Our Team Our team at Eli Lilly is committed to excellence and driven by a mission to improve lives. Employees enjoy a supportive culture that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and helps us better connect with the communities we serve. Benefits and Culture Eli Lilly is dedicated to supporting our employees, offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and comprehensive health care. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and quality, making Eli Lilly not just a great place to work, but a community to grow with. Networking and Professional Development Eli Lilly encourages continuous professional development and networking. With access to various training programs and mentorship opportunities, employees can enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through effective training and development strategies. Join Our Team Discover the exciting job opportunities at Eli Lilly by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, innovative, and ready to contribute to our mission of making life better for people around the globe. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Eli Lilly by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders and get tips on everything from crafting the perfect resume to preparing for your interview. Eli Lilly is not just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Explore the positions available and find out how your talents can help change the world. SEARCH ELI LILLY JOBS Stay ahead in your career with Eli Lilly, where innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and growth lead the way to future advancements.
Learn more about Eli Lilly
Size
35,000 employees
Market Cap
$344.2 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ
LLY
* Ladders Estimates

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