Proposals and Contracts Specialist

Role Summary

This contract opportunity is for a Proposals and Contracts Specialist based in Serilingampalli, Telangana, India. The role supports proposal creation, budget preparation, and contract development, with close coordination across internal teams and external stakeholders.

Proposal Development

• Review RFP materials, including study protocols or synopses, and ensure the right subject matter experts are assigned and informed.
• Support the preparation of proposals by coordinating strategic and operational inputs, and help review proposal content and budgets in line with the Decisions Right policy.
• Draft and update proposal and budget documents in response to RFPs and revisions, using SME feedback and guidance from proposal management staff.
• Manage the RFP workflow from intake through submission, while spotting possible risks or blockers and helping implement practical mitigation plans.
• Collect quotations from third parties when required.
• Check that proposals and budgets are consistent with the RFP, client communication, client requirements, and internal assumptions.
• Maintain accurate filing and data entry so documents are stored correctly and information remains current in reporting and KPI systems.

Contract Development

• Create and finalize budgets and contracts according to department SOPs, guidance, and work instructions.
• Revise project budgets as needed with project and functional teams, making sure all relevant inputs are included.
• Use internal tools and reports to update client budgets accurately.
• Help build the contract strategy and delivery plan through to client signature, working with accountable team members.
• Deliver high-quality client materials within tight deadlines, including formatted client grids that clearly explain cost changes.
• Join relevant meetings and build strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and facilitate client discussions when needed to negotiate costs and terms by the target signature date.
• Prepare draft contract documents using company templates and coordinate with the relevant departments as required.
• Identify contract issues that need input from finance, tax, or other internal teams, and apply lessons learned to similar future situations.
• Keep records and systems updated and file documents correctly for metrics and KPI tracking.

Additional Responsibilities

• Plan work and manage time effectively, including preparing a detailed handover before time off and organizing deliverables and priorities.
• Work to internal and external deadlines and expectations.
• Map client bid grids with support when needed.

Skills and Experience

• Solid understanding of clinical study operations across different global regions, ideally gained through prior industry experience.
• Strong analytical ability, organizational capability, and time management skills.
• Comfortable handling several tasks at once and delivering work on schedule with support when needed.
• Good problem-solving ability and sound judgment in decision-making.
• Knows when to escalate issues or seek support in difficult situations.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Confident working with people at different organizational levels.
• Able to lead internal meetings.
• Can prioritize a varied workload with enthusiasm and accuracy.
• Works well in a matrix environment and values teamwork.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Approaches tasks with urgency and a positive mindset.

Knowledge and Technical Background

• Basic understanding of proposal and contract management principles, contractual terms, pricing structures, pricing tools, and data systems such as Salesforce.
• Working knowledge of common software tools including Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases.
• About two years of experience in project support, finance, contracting, or proposals in a CRO or similar environment is preferred; experience in proposal development is an advantage, and exposure to multinational or multicultural organizations is also beneficial.
• Ability to work from home partially or full-time depending on business needs.
• Willingness to work irregular or extended hours when necessary to meet client proposal deadlines.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in Life Science, Business, Languages, or an equivalent mix of education and experience is required. An MBA is preferred.