Contracts Manager

Job Title:         Contracts Manager

Status:             Exempt, Full Time 

Reports to:     General Counsel

Department:  Legal

Location:         San Diego Headquarters, Hybrid 

Contact:          careers@aardvarktherapeutics.com

Pay Range:     $100,000-$130,000

About Us:

Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics designed to suppress hunger for the treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome and metabolic diseases.

Recognizing hunger (the discomfort from not having eaten recently) is a distinct neural signaling pathway separate from appetite (the reward-seeking, desirability of food). Our programs explore therapeutic applications in hunger-associated indications and potential complementary uses with anti-appetite therapies.

Our lead compound, oral ARD-101, is in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of hyperphagia associated with PWS, a rare disease characterized by insatiable hunger. Aardvark is also developing ARD-201, a planned fixed-dose combination of ARD-101 with a DPP-4 inhibitor, with a goal of addressing some of the limitations of currently marketed GLP-1 therapies for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related conditions.

Join us in translating scientific innovation into meaningful impact for patients and families affected by rare and metabolic diseases.

About The Role:

As a Contracts Manager at Aardvark, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and managing our contracting operations across research, clinical and corporate functions. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you’ll own the end-to-end contract lifecycle, drive operational excellence, and ensure that our contracting processes support Aardvark’s rapid growth in a highly regulated environment.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, proactive contracts professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced biotech start-up and enjoys building scalable systems and processes from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements, including NDAs, MSAs, SOWs, consulting, and vendor contracts.
• Manage Aardvark’s contract management system (SharePoint), ensuring data integrity, tracking key terms, and generating reports as needed.
• Optimize contract management workflows and approval systems.
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle: intake, review, approval, execution, and post-signature administration including facilitating renewals or amendments as needed.
• Maintain and enhance contract templates, playbooks, and process documentation to drive consistency and efficiency.
• Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, Operations, and R&D to ensure contracts align with company policies and business objectives.
• Maintain audit-ready contract files and ensure proper document version control.
• Redline and review routine agreements, escalating complex issues to counsel as appropriate.
• Manage signature processes via DocuSign or other e-signature platforms.
• Support compliance efforts by understanding relevant federal, state and industry regulations.
• Provide general legal and administrative support, including coordination with external counsel.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with vendors, contractors, and other business partners to support effective collaboration and contract execution.
• Develop and deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders on contract processes, systems, and compliance best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; paralegal certificate preferred.
• 4-7 years of experience in contract management or legal operations, ideally within the biotech, pharma, or life sciences industry.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume contracting activities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
• Strong working knowledge of contract structures, terms, and negotiation principles.
• Excellent communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving start-up environment and juggling competing priorities independently.

Bonus Points For:

• Experience with Contract Lifecyle Management systems (Cobblestone, Ariba, Agiloft, Coupa, Ironclad, etc.).
• Prior exposure to clinical trial, research collaboration, or vendor contracting in biotech.
• Understanding of data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and confidentiality obligations.

Why Join Aardvark:

• Work at the forefront of developing potentially novel therapeutics that could transform how we treat hunger-related disorders.
• Join a nimble, mission-driven team where your work directly impacts patients’ lives.
• Thrive in a collaborative, hybrid culture that values innovation, accountability, and growth, where motivated self-starters are empowered to succeed and collective achievement is fostered through supporting and elevating one another.
• Benefit from a competitive compensation and benefits program that reflects our commitment to the well-being and success of our team.

Additional Information:

Aardvark benefits and compensation programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program. 

Aardvark is committed to building a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

The above is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements to perform this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. 

We are committed to ensuring all employees, both current and future, receive fair and equitable pay. Base pay is one component of the total compensation package, and is determined within a range according to role, level, and location. This provides the opportunity for growth as you gain experience and develop within a role, while also allowing for differentiation based on performance.

The base pay range for this role is between $100,000 to $130,000 and reflects our good faith estimate of the minimum and maximum target for the position as of the date of posting and may be modified in the future. The final base pay within the range will be determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and market demand for your expertise.