Contract Manager

About Maxion Therapeutics is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing groundbreaking biologic medicines for diseases with unmet needs, driven by ion channel and GPCR dysfunction. Our innovative KnotBody® technology empowers us to create potent, selective, and durable antibody therapeutics. This technology merges millions of years of cysteine‑rich mini‑protein ('Knottin') evolution with cutting‑edge antibody engineering, addressing pivotal challenges in ion channel/GPCR drug discovery. Situated at Unity Campus in Cambridge, UK, Maxion Therapeutics fosters a dynamic and forward‑thinking work environment underpinned by our scientific founders, who are trailblazers in antibody engineering.

About the Role We are seeking a highly organised, self‑motivated, proactive and pragmatic Contracts Manager to oversee, prepare, negotiate, execute and maintain contracts between Maxion Therapeutics and third parties. The position is based in Cambridge, reporting to the Head of Intellectual Property. The successful candidate will effectively manage risk to protect the company’s interests, comply with relevant regulations, and support business objectives across R&D, clinical, operations and legal functions throughout the contracting process. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background (Law degree or Science/Technology degree and a postgraduate legal qualification, a qualified solicitor is strongly preferred) and experience working in the Life Sciences/Biotechnology sector. We are open to part‑time (3 days per week minimum, at least 2 days per week on site) or full‑time depending on the candidate and level of experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain Contract Management System, including keeping information up to date, tracking contract progress, ensuring awareness of and compliance with agreement obligations, and supporting the continuous improvement of contracting processes and tools.
• Key contact for internal stakeholders, providing support with company contract templates and execution according to corporate policies, and organising and driving the contract negotiation process with third parties (national and international, including individuals, academic institutions, CROs, CMOs, CDMOs and pharmaceutical companies) where necessary and ensuring timely renewals, amendments and follow‑ups, if needed.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts relating to research, clinical and/or drug development stages, including: Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Research Collaboration Agreements, Clinical Trial Agreements, Manufacturing, Supply and Quality Agreements, Work Orders (WOs), Change Orders (COs), Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), Other supplier and partner contracts.
• Draft, implement and ensure compliance of contract‑related policies and procedures across the company and keep contract management system up‑to‑date.
• Ensure that employees understand and comply with company contracts and provide training and updates as needed.

Candidate Profile

• Law degree (LLB or equivalent) OR Science/Technology degree and Law Conversion (GDL, PGDL, LLM, SQE or equivalent). Postgraduate legal training (LPC, SQE, BPC, BPTC, training contract, bar admission, or foreign equivalent) is an advantage.
• Proven work experience as a contracts manager in‑house (biotech start‑up or academic tech transfer office preferred) or contracts specialist in private practice.
• Excellent written and spoken English and language comprehension, in combination with a keen eye for detail, to enable thorough review of clauses so as to establish business risks and communicate these clearly and effectively to non‑legal stakeholders.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with a data‑driven and solutions‑oriented approach.
• Hands‑on, proactive and conscientious, with proven organisational and time‑management skills and the desire and ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced, quickly changing environment whilst interacting with all levels of the organization and external partners.
• Exercise appropriate levels of confidentiality and discretion in disclosing or protecting confidential and privileged information belonging to Maxion Therapeutics or third parties under CDA.
• Knowledge of GDPR and HIPAA desirable.
• Must be self‑motivated, and capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with German inventorship determination and remuneration provisions and negotiating related contract clauses a bonus.
• Familiarity with international law, particularly working with US academic institutions, is a bonus.
• A team player actively contributing to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared among the teams.

What can we offer you?

• A competitive salary based on experience.
• A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, participation in the company Share Option Scheme, and more.
• Located in a state‑of‑the‑art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on‑site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community.
• Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field.
• A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering collaborative working environment within a friendly team.

To apply for this position, please send your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, including your salary expectations to Robert Baron - rob@baroncrawford.com. This is a permanent position.

Agencies: We are recruiting this role with our selected recruitment partner - BaronCrawford. If you need to get in touch regarding the role please reach out directly to the contact Robert Baron - rob@baroncrawford.com.