Open To Work
Sarah Fowler
Vendor Contracts Manager
Worcestershire
Summary
Clinical research contracts professional with 13+ years of progressive experience across biotech, pharma, and CRO environments. Proven expertise in vendor outsourcing, contract negotiation, budget development, and Fair Market Value (FMV) analysis for global clinical trials. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, managing complex vendor portfolios, and driving efficient contracting processes that support study timelines, quality, and financial governance. Recognised for strong analytical capability, stakeholder management, and the ability to navigate high-pressure, fast-moving study environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Vendor Contracts Manager embedded in biotech R&D
ICON
Remote
05.2013 - 06.2026
- Lead end-to-end vendor contracting for global clinical studies, including RFP creation, vendor evaluation, bid analysis, and selection discussions with study teams.
- Act as primary negotiator with vendors on scope of work, assumptions, budgets, and Work Orders, ensuring alignment with study requirements and FMV benchmarks.
- Prepare and manage Purchase Orders throughout the contract lifecycle and resolve accounts payable issues related to PO or contractual discrepancies.
- Maintain study-level and departmental trackers, ensuring inspection-ready documentation at all times.
- Collaborate closely with clinical operations, legal, finance, and program leads to resolve contract and budget issues.
- Support generation of Master Services Agreements and Consulting Agreements as required.
- Manage sponsor-requested initiatives and provide strategic contracting support across multiple therapeutic areas.
Clinical Contracts Manager embedded in biotech R&D
Hays Specialist Recruitment
Maidenhead, Windsor and Maidenhead
01.2013 - 05.2013
- Managed vendor and CRO contracts for Phase III, multi-country studies, ensuring compliance with strict financial and timeline constraints.
- Executed PO requisitions and monitored contract tolerance levels to maintain alignment with internal financial controls.
- Negotiated contract terms while balancing study timelines, quality expectations, and vendor performance.
- Provided process improvement recommendations and contributed to departmental initiatives.
- Successfully managed a diverse portfolio of vendor and CRO agreements with efficiency and accuracy.
Proposals and Contracts Manager
Ergomed
Guildford, UK
05.2011 - 12.2012
- Managed all proposals and contract modifications within an international Business Development team, serving as the primary point of contact for clients.
- Coordinated with BD, PM, legal, and finance teams to develop accurate proposal text, budgets, and contract amendments.
- Led handover meetings with operations and ensured complete, accurate documentation and finance tracking.
- Maintained rigorous record-keeping and ensured timely delivery of all proposal-related outputs.
- Reviewed RFIs, RFPs, and contract modifications, preparing tailored responses within defined timelines.
Commercial Analyst II
PPD
Abingdon, UK
05.2008 - 05.2011
- Led the proposal development process for large, complex clinical study budgets, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
- Served as client contact during negotiation phases alongside Business Development representatives.
- Coordinated subject matter experts, gathered content, and produced high-quality proposal text and budgets.
- Created internal templates and tools to streamline proposal and contract modification processes.
- Mentored junior team members, allocated workload, and monitored progress against project timelines.
Contracts Management Associate
Amgen
Cambridge, UK
02.2007 - 05.2008
- Facilitated clinical site contract execution across Europe, ensuring alignment with study budgets and timelines.
- Prepared country budgets using FMV pricing tools and collaborated with clinical, financial, and legal teams.
- Led teleconferences to coordinate timelines and resources across cross-functional teams.
- Ensured rapid and compliant contract execution in accordance with internal policies and guidelines.
Education
BSc - Biology with Oceanography
University of Southampton
Southampton01-2004
A-Levels - undefined
Pershore High School
01-2001
Skills
Vendor Contracting & Negotiation
Clinical Outsourcing & Vendor Selection
RFP/RFI Development & Evaluation
Budgeting, FMV Analysis & Financial Controls
Cross Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management
MSA, Work Orders & Contract Amendments
CRO, Lab, Homecare & Specialist Vendor Management
Inspection Readiness & Documentation Control
Timeline
Vendor Contracts Manager embedded in biotech R&D
ICON
05.2013 - 06.2026
Clinical Contracts Manager embedded in biotech R&D
Hays Specialist Recruitment
01.2013 - 05.2013
Proposals and Contracts Manager
Ergomed
05.2011 - 12.2012
Commercial Analyst II
PPD
05.2008 - 05.2011
Contracts Management Associate
Amgen
02.2007 - 05.2008
A-Levels - undefined
Pershore High School
BSc - Biology with Oceanography
University of Southampton