At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of proposals and contracts in a dynamic, global environment.
- Company: Join Optimapharm, a growing global Contract Research Organisation focused on patient-centric clinical development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, performance bonuses, training, and well-being initiatives.
- Other info: Remote-friendly role with opportunities for fast-paced career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while advancing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in CRO or pharma with strong proposal and contract management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
This role is open to applicants located anywhere in Europe (remote-friendly).
Who we are? Optimapharm is a mid‑size, global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) turning science into hope through agile, patient‑focused clinical development. We specialise in Phase I–IV clinical studies, delivering Full‑Service and Functional Service Provision (FSP) solutions that help sponsors move faster and execute with confidence. With operations in 40+ countries and 2x the patient reach of the average mid‑size CRO, we enable accelerated regulatory pathways, faster study start‑up, and access to diverse patient populations worldwide.
As a Proposals & Contracts Manager at Optimapharm, you will lead the development of high‑quality proposals and contracts while taking full ownership of complex commercial activities within a global CRO. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced professional ready to step into a Manager role, expand their impact, and work closely with Business Development and cross‑functional teams to drive Optimapharm’s continued growth.
What do we offer?
- Working in a successful company that’s growing and developing every day
- Working with a highly experienced team of clinical research professionals
- Employee engagement programs
- Well‑being initiatives
- Training and development program
- Fast‑paced career path progression
- Performance bonus
- Referral bonus
- Additional location‑specific benefits
Qualifications and Experience:
- A university degree in life sciences, business, finance, economics, law, or a related field
- 4+ years of experience in a CRO (or pharma/biotech) within proposals, contracts, budgets, or commercial operations
- Hands‑on experience preparing and managing client proposals, contracts, budgets, and change orders, with growing autonomy
- Proven ability to manage complex proposals and contracts independently, including change orders
- Solid understanding of clinical trial costing, margins, and commercial compliance
- Experience working closely with Business Development and senior stakeholders
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with confidence managing multiple deadlines
- A proactive and solution‑oriented mindset, with interest in improving processes and ways of working
- Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Proficiency in MS Office; experience with CRM or contract management systems (e.g. Salesforce) is a plus
Your responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of client proposals, contracts, budgets, and change orders with a high level of autonomy
- Manage multiple complex commercial opportunities in parallel, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery
- Act as a key commercial partner to Business Development, supporting RFIs, RFPs, proposals, bid responses, and contract finalisation
- Collaborate closely with Project Management and operational teams to define scope, pricing, and commercial strategy
- Ensure all commercial documentation complies with Optimapharm SOPs, policies, and applicable local and international regulations
- Proactively drive process improvement initiatives within the Proposals & Contracts function
- Contribute to maintaining high standards for client‑facing quality and Optimapharm’s commercial positioning
Compensation is competitive and final offers will reflect each candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.
Proposals & Contracts Manager (m/f/d) in London employer: Optimapharm
Optimapharm is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment, offering remote-friendly opportunities across Europe. With a strong focus on employee engagement, well-being initiatives, and comprehensive training programmes, we empower our team members to grow their careers in the fast-paced field of clinical research. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive compensation and unique benefits tailored to your location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Proposals & Contracts Manager (m/f/d) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend virtual events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in proposals and contracts management. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. We suggest reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and mentioning something specific from the conversation to keep you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Proposals & Contracts Manager (m/f/d) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Proposals & Contracts Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in proposals, contracts, and commercial operations, and show us how you can bring value to our team at Optimapharm.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your ability to manage complex proposals and contracts. We want to see how you've tackled challenges and driven improvements in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Optimapharm family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimapharm
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of clinical trials, proposals, and contracts. Understand the specifics of Optimapharm's operations and how they differ from other CROs. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing proposals and contracts. Be ready with specific examples that highlight your ability to handle complex commercial activities and your understanding of clinical trial costing. This is your chance to shine!
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the role, team dynamics, and Optimapharm’s growth strategies. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in your past roles. Highlight any initiatives you've taken to enhance efficiency or quality in proposals and contracts. This will resonate well with their focus on continuous improvement.
