Client Relations Manager

Client Relations Manager

At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives. If you're driven by purpose and excited to make a tangible impact, this is where your journey begins.

Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won't just watch innovation happen — you'll be part of it. Whether you're scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you'll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases.

What sets Forge apart is our culture of H.O.P.E. We are hardworking, showing up each day with determination and grit. We are open, creating a space where ideas flow freely, and every voice is valued. We are purpose-driven, with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we are engaged, energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together.

At Forge, your growth matters. We're committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we're proud to see team members grow with us.

If you're ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself.

About The Role

The Client Relations Manager is the primary post-contract point of contact for a portfolio of client programs at Forge Biologics. This role is the critical bridge between our clients and our internal delivery teams — ensuring clients receive exceptional, proactive service from contract execution through successful product delivery. The Client Relations Manager is responsible for building lasting partnerships, driving program transparency, and growing client value through a deep understanding of client needs and Forge's capabilities. Success in this role is measured by client satisfaction, retention, and the expansion of client programs across Forge's service portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for an assigned portfolio of client accounts from contract execution through delivery, acting as client advocate internally and Forge's face externally.
• Partner with Project Management, Technical Sales, Manufacturing, MS&T, Quality, and Analytical Development teams to oversee delivery of services and product to clients, proactively managing risk, decisions, and emerging issues.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key client stakeholders at all levels, including scientific, operational, and executive contacts.
• Set and manage client expectations around service quality, timelines, and deliverables; proactively communicate program updates, milestones, obstacles, and corrective actions.
• Identify and execute on opportunities to grow client accounts through cross-selling and up-selling additional Forge services, supporting the evolution of clients from early development into cGMP manufacturing.
• Translate client requirements and feedback into prioritized internal service and project requests; serve as the voice of the client in cross-functional discussions.
• Document, monitor, and maintain accurate program records and project timelines in CRM and project management tools.
• Generate regular reports on client satisfaction, program status, contract retention, and revenue trends; present findings to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Collaborate with the Client Development and Marketing teams to contribute to client success stories, case studies, and reference development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 3+ years of experience in a client relations, customer success, account management, or client-facing project management role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client accounts simultaneously with a high degree of organization, follow-through, and responsiveness.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex scientific or operational information for diverse audiences, and comfort presenting program status and strategic recommendations to executive-level stakeholders internally and at client organizations.
• Proven track record of building trusted client relationships and contributing to account retention and growth.
• Ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional internal teams without direct authority to drive outcomes on behalf of clients.
• Self-starter with strong prioritization skills and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in CRM and project management tools (e.g., HubSpot, Smartsheet, Microsoft Teams or similar).
• Experience contributing to or leading client business reviews, satisfaction surveys, or structured account planning processes.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to attend client meetings and industry events.
• Ability to work onsite in Columbus, Ohio 2-3 days/week on average.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in pharma, biotech, CDMO/CRO, or another regulated life sciences environment.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

This position works in a typical office environment, with occasional visits to the laboratory or manufacturing areas, where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. This is largely a sedentary role; persons holding office positions are generally subject to inside environmental conditions having the lighting, temperature, and noise of an open floor-plan office environment. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when visiting controlled environments. Regularly operate a computer and other office equipment. Regularly communicate with others in person, over the phone, and electronically. Must be able to move and/or carry objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

At Forge Biologics, we believe our people deserve to be taken care of – in and out of the workplace. We've built a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to help you thrive, grow, and feel valued every step of the way:

We've Got You Covered

Health, dental and vision insurance start your first day – with 90% of premiums covered for you and your family.

A competitive paid time off plan – because rest fuels innovation.

12 weeks of fully paid parental leave so you can focus on family when it matters most.

Annual bonus opportunities for all full-time team members.

401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.

Special employee discounts, including childcare and dependent care savings.

Onsite fitness facility at The Hearth.

Mental health counseling and financial planning services through our Employee Assistance Program.

Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage to protect your peace of mind.

A fully stocked kitchen with free snacks and beverages – we keep you energized and ready for what's next.

Ongoing professional development resources, training, and mentorship programs to help you build your career and grow within Forge.