Senior Associate Sales Order Management

About the Role

Pharmaron is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join its Sales Order Management (SOM) team in Hoddesdon. Working closely with the Principal Associate, SOM, the role holder will help to provide day-to-day guidance and support to the SOM Associates.

The Senior Associate will act as the first point of escalation for complex SOM queries from the team, exercising independent judgement and approval authority within agreed limits, and will be responsible for the accurate and compliant administration of contracts, billing and revenue-related processes.

In the absence of the Principal Associate, the Senior Associate will deputise for the role, exercising such additional approval authority as is delegated.

The role covers the end-to-end management of client contracts through the sales order process, including the set-up and release of invoicing and revenue milestones and the tracking of project milestones. The role holder will also support the Finance team with budgeting and revenue recognition processes, prepare budgets for larger and more complex contracts, and undertake wider contract and order administration. This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with Business Development, Operations and Finance.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate sales order (contract) and revenue records in the ERP system from project set-up through to completion, including the release of invoicing and revenue milestones, in line with client contracts and company and accounting policies.
• Resolve and, where appropriate, approve complex SOM queries escalated by the team, including (but not limited to) contract, project, finance and billing matters.
• Review and approve revenue recognition-related reporting and resolve associated queries.
• Translate contracts into sales orders and projects in the ERP system, including the set-up of invoicing and revenue recognition milestone profiles.
• Trigger sales invoice requests and revenue milestones accurately and on time – at contract signature, monthly, on achievement of milestones or at project completion.
• Work collaboratively with Business Unit Directors and Project Managers to agree and confirm invoicing and revenue milestones.
• Partner with the Finance team to ensure monthly revenue is accurately recorded and to support the budgeting process.
• Review contracts (quotations, work orders and purchase orders) for completeness, accuracy and compliance.
• Provide Project Managers with timely project reporting and analysis.
• Develop and maintain detailed Excel tracking tools for multi-site, complex and long-term projects.
• Review existing processes and procedures, and recommend and implement improvements that support the growing volume and complexity of contracts.
• Raise internal purchase order requests for multi-site projects.
• Provide guidance, support and on-the-job training to SOM Associates, and review the quality and accuracy of their work.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience of interpreting complex contracts and translating them into accurate sales orders.
• Experience of using ERP systems; familiarity with Focal Point/Access Dimensions is not required, as training will be provided.
• Natural relationship builder, able to establish credibility and trust quickly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Able to influence a wide range of stakeholders and resolve challenges through clear and persuasive communication.
• Self-motivated and resilient, with the persistence to see issues through to resolution.
• Able to prioritise effectively, manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Adaptable and responsive to changing business priorities.
• Collaborative mindset, contributing to a positive and productive team environment.
• Acts with professionalism and integrity, representing the department and the company to a high standard.
• Strong commercial awareness and sound business judgement.
• Committed to continuous personal and professional development.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a sales order management, contract administration or similar role.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience setting up contracts in an ERP system.
• Finance experience is desirable (for example preparing budget and forecast files for larger contracts and reviewing contract spend and status against contract or PO value); appropriate training will be provided.
• Strong numeracy skills and proficiency in Excel, including the set-up of invoice profiles.
• Good working knowledge of the wider Microsoft Office suite.
• Highly organised and methodical, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Educated to a good standard, with a minimum of GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths; A level or above preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Confident and assertive, able to take ownership of issues and lead discussions with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Works collaboratively and effectively, both within the team and across departments.
• Able to guide, support and motivate others, including less experienced team members.
• Adapts communication style and approach to suit different situations and audiences.
• High emotional intelligence and strong organisational awareness.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a global CRO and premier service provider for the life sciences industry, helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. We support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations worldwide and across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

We’re proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects , 1,000+ CMC programmes , and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to biologics and gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers . To learn more, visit

Collaborative Culture:

Thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centred" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organisations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners and collaborators.

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