The Research Finance Manager is a senior leader at the intersection of finance, clinical operations, and sponsor partnerships. This role owns clinical trial budgeting, contracting, and financial performance across Iterative Health's global research network - overseeing a team of Budget Specialists while serving as the key escalation point for complex negotiations with sponsors, CROs, and research sites. The ideal candidate is a seasoned clinical research finance professional who brings sharp negotiation instincts, strong team leadership, and the operational rigor to keep study startup moving efficiently at scale.
Where You'll Drive Impact Clinical Trial Budgeting & Contracting- Manage the development, negotiation, and execution of clinical trial budgets, Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), amendments, and related study agreements across a global network of research sites.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex budget, contract, and study startup issues involving sponsors, CROs, research sites, and internal stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain standardized budgeting methodologies, negotiation tools, and country-specific rate cards.
- Prepare sponsor budget estimates, feasibility assessments, and pricing analyses to support new study opportunities and partnerships.
Team Leadership & Development- Manage and mentor Clinical Trial Budget Specialists and Contract Administrators responsible for study budgeting and contracting activities.
- Provide coaching, training, and performance management to ensure high-quality execution and professional development across the team.
- Lead regular team meetings and establish priorities to support organizational goals and study startup timelines.
- Develop educational programs and training materials related to budgeting, contracting, and negotiation best practices.
Site Network & Operational Support- Partner with Clinical Operations and site leadership to support study startup, activation metrics, and operational readiness.
- Participate in site selection discussions by evaluating financial feasibility, budget assumptions, and operational considerations.
- Support sponsor alliance management activities and participate in regular sponsor governance and project meetings.
- Collaborate with post-award teams to ensure accurate invoicing and adherence to contractual payment terms.
Contract Administration- Assist with contract lifecycle management (CLM) initiatives, including workflow improvements, document repository management, and process standardization.
- Coordinate with Legal and Procurement teams to support contract compliance and operational efficiency.
Process Improvement & Compliance- Develop and maintain SOPs, workflows, templates, and process documentation supporting budgeting and contracting activities.
- Track and report key performance indicators related to contract turnaround times, budget negotiations, and study startup milestones.
- Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Performs related duties as requested
What You Bring to the Team- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Life Sciences, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in clinical trial budgeting, contracting, clinical research finance, or related research administration, including at least 3 years managing a team.
- Proven experience negotiating clinical trial budgets and contracts with sponsors, CROs, and research sites.
- Working knowledge of clinical trial operations, study startup processes, and research financial management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional relationships across clinical, finance, and legal stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting global research programs across Europe and Asia.
- Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and tools.
- Background in healthcare technology, biotech, or a multi-site clinical research network.
How We Work - Collaborative and low-ego team environment
- High ownership and accountability culture
- Fast-paced and highly iterative growth environment
- Open communication and continuous learning mindset
- Mission-driven organization focused on improving patient outcomes
- Comfortable navigating evolving business priorities and opportunities
Benefits That Support You We believe great teams do their best work when they feel supported - professionally and personally.
- Hybrid work environment with in-office collaboration two days per week in either our NYC or Boston office
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with up to 80% of premiums covered by Iterative Health
- Mental health and wellness support through Spring Health
- Health HSA or FSA options, and commuter FSA contributions supported by Iterative Health
- Unlimited PTO, 12 company holidays, and a company-wide shutdown between Christmas and New Years
- 401(k) program with a company match of up to 3% (up to $3,000 annually)
- Weekly in-office lunch benefit every Tuesday
- 100% company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Annual wellness and professional development stipend to support your health and growth
- And more!
