Head of Contracts and Legal

$150k - $175k

United States

Remote

Full-time

11-50

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🔴 Closes on:

Dec 15

About Us

At Hawthorne Health, we believe that clinical research is the cornerstone of continuous improvement in healthcare. Clinical trials are about hope for patients of all ages and maladies, are the bedrock of medicine and innovation in healthcare, and their success is largely based on accessibility and patient experience.

We challenge convention, embrace creativity, and always keep the experiences for patients at the core of our endeavors. We believe that data is the valuable story of patient’s lives. Through the completeness of data, we see the full picture for individuals and communities. When protected and shared with trusted partners we increase opportunities and efficiencies of health care decisions for all. We believe that our team, our HERO community, and our technology solutions can make a significant contribution to the future of healthcare, making it more effective, less expensive and an all-around better experience for patients.

About the Role

Hawthorne Health is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Contracts & Legal to lead our legal function, with a primary focus on overseeing commercial contract negotiations, management, and compliance. This role will drive the creation and execution of complex agreements, ensuring alignment with the company’s goals and minimizing risks. In addition to managing the commercial contract lifecycle, this leader will also support the CEO on corporate legal matters, including employment law, vendor agreements, and compliance, while ensuring overall corporate governance and legal compliance. The role will report to the CEO with a strong dotted line to the Chief Commercial Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Contracts Management & Negotiation

Contract Drafting & Negotiation: Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide variety of commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, clinical study service agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), consultancy agreements, and licensing agreements.
Contract Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire lifecycle of commercial contracts, from initiation to execution, ensuring all terms align with business objectives and mitigate risk. Ensure timely and efficient contract processing while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
Risk Mitigation & Compliance: Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with commercial contracts, providing strategic advice on mitigating potential legal and business risks. Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws, including clinical research regulations, data privacy (GDPR), and healthcare compliance.
Process Improvement: Develop and implement contract templates, standard terms, and best practices to streamline contract negotiation and improve efficiency. Ensure contracts are aligned with the company’s risk tolerance and strategic goals.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Sales, Operations, Procurement, HR) to ensure contracts support business objectives and operational requirements. Provide legal guidance on complex commercial issues and assist in negotiating terms with clients, suppliers, and partners.

Corporate Legal Support & Governance

Corporate Governance: Oversee corporate legal matters and ensure compliance with company policies and internal governance structures. Provide advice to senior management on issues related to business structure, corporate compliance, and general corporate law.
Legal Support to CEO: Serve as a key legal advisor to the CEO, supporting corporate decision-making on matters such as employment law, vendor contracts, and regulatory assessments. Liaise with outside counsel on investment-related legal matters and M&A activities, when applicable.
Policy & Compliance Development: Ensure the company’s internal policies and procedures align with current laws and regulations. Regularly review and update company policies related to legal matters, ensuring compliance with evolving laws, such as employment law, data protection, and clinical research legislation.
Dispute Management: Support the resolution of contract disputes, corporate investigations, and other legal challenges. Collaborate with external legal counsel as necessary to manage complex issues and mitigate risks.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution; active license to practice law.
10+ years of experience in contract management, commercial law, or corporate legal roles, with extensive expertise in negotiating and managing commercial agreements.
Strong background in healthcare, life sciences, or clinical research industries is a plus, with experience in clinical trial agreements, vendor contracts, and compliance regulations.
At least 3-5 years of leadership level experience, working with and advising senior management in a high-growth, dynamic business environment.

Technical Skills

Deep understanding of contract law, commercial agreements, and relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR, clinical research compliance, data privacy).
Proven expertise in managing the contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, and execution of various types of commercial contracts.
Familiarity with corporate governance practices, internal policy development, and general corporate legal issues.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

Strategic Thinker: Ability to think strategically and proactively address potential risks while ensuring commercial contracts align with company goals.
Excellent Negotiator: Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of closing complex commercial agreements that balance business needs and legal protections.
Effective Communicator: Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear, actionable way to both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
Leader: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience supporting and advising senior leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
Ethical & Professional: High integrity and commitment to upholding the company’s legal and ethical standards in all areas of responsibility.

To find out more about Hawthorne Health, visit: Hawthorne Health