The Senior Proposals & Contracts Manager is primarily responsible for leading end‑to‑end proposal development activities for assigned customers, including complex and strategic bids. The role plays a critical part in shaping high‑quality, competitive proposals that support business growth and customer success.
Contract‑related activities are part of the role but are secondary and primarily linked to proposal and bid processes. Acting as a regional subject‑matter expert for proposals, this position partners closely with Sales and cross‑functional teams to ensure consistency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across all proposal activities.
Key ResponsibilitiesProposal Development & Bid Management- Lead, coordinate, and manage end‑to‑end proposal development for complex, strategic, and high‑value customer opportunities.
- Develop proposal strategies, timelines, and response structures in collaboration with Sales and internal stakeholders.
- Coordinate cross‑functional inputs (Finance, Operations, Legal, Medical, etc.) to deliver accurate, compliant, and competitive proposals.
- Support pricing, costing, and budget development aligned with proposal strategy and customer requirements.
- Participate in bid defenses, customer presentations, and negotiations as required.
- Support the review and negotiation of contracts, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and amendments, as part of proposal and bid activities.
- Ensure contractual documentation aligns with approved proposal assumptions, internal policies, and governance requirements.
- Liaise with Legal and other stakeholders to escalate and resolve complex contractual topics when needed.
- Act as the primary internal point of contact for proposal‑related activities for assigned customers.
- Build and maintain strong, trust‑based relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Serve as a regional subject‑matter expert for proposal processes, ensuring consistency in approach, metrics, and documentation standards.
- Identify risks, gaps, and inefficiencies in proposal processes and proactively drive improvements.
- Contribute to the development and continuous enhancement of proposal tools, templates, and best practices.
- Provide strategic input on proposal‑related initiatives with minimal supervision.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to colleagues within the proposals function.
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Finance, Legal, Operations, and other internal teams to support successful bid outcomes.
- Maintain strong knowledge of proposal systems, processes, and governance frameworks.
- Ensure proposal and associated contract activities comply with internal procedures and applicable regulations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in proposal development, bid management, or a closely related commercial role, preferably within the CRO industry.
- Contract experience is considered an advantage but is not required as a primary area of specialization.
- Strong experience leading complex proposals and coordinating cross‑functional bid teams.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, including costing and pricing models.
- Ability to interpret customer requirements, clinical protocols, budgets, and financial assumptions.
- Strong commercial and analytical mindset.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple complex proposals simultaneously under tight timelines.
- Proven ability to build effective relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Proactive, self‑directed, and comfortable working with minimal oversight.
- Strong customer and quality focus.
- Collaborative, solution‑oriented, and detail‑driven approach.
IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com
IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.
