Strategic Sourcing Senior Manager, Research Sites

Job Description

As a key leader in the Strategic Sourcing function, the Strategic Sourcing Research Sites leader will partner closely with the Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing Research Services to develop Category Management strategies specific to the needs of each of Vertex’s research sites. These sites include but may not be limited to Boston, MA, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, and Oxford, UK. This Strategic Sourcing leader will work closely with Strategic Sourcing peers to understand respective global category strategies and ensure a strong working knowledge amongst applicable stakeholders at the site-level. Where global category strategies are not fit-for-purpose, the Sr. Manager of Research Sites will develop the applicable site-level strategy in collaboration with the applicable global category leader and internal business stakeholders. The role will utilize deep knowledge and expertise with respect to all sourcing processes and will communicate with senior leaders and executives. In addition, the Senior Manager is expected to identify and drive the optimization of internal sourcing processes, workflows and interfaces in effort to maximize stakeholder value.

Execution responsibilities include leading category management activities at the site level for Research Services. Includes market analysis and due-diligence, RFx development, negotiation, competitive price and cost analysis, financial analysis and long-term planning, contract development and on-going supplier management and risk management. Additional focus on optimization of internal sourcing processes, workflows and interfaces in effort to reduce time of delivery and costs in support corporate objectives and industry best practices.

This position is based in our San Diego, CA office. This role requires a hybrid work schedule: 3 days in office & 2 days remote on a weekly basis. This role will require some travel to other facilities to establish / maintain key business stakeholder and supplier relationships as well as to support specific strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Partnering – develop strong, trusting, and influential relationships with stakeholders, understand business objectives, bring supplier and marketplace expertise, collaborate on multi-year strategic and operational plans, and drive business outcomes.
• Global Category Management – API category SME - including the development and management of category and sourcing strategies, management of strategic supplier relationship and performance management, in addition to tactical RFx activities.
• Sourcing Strategy Development – Co-develop and implement sourcing strategies with the business unit to enable development and commercialization of small molecule portfolio. This includes identifying and selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, influence network strategy and managing supplier relationships.
• Supplier Management – Cultivate relationships with key CDMO/suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and services. Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for risk mitigation, build resilience, cost savings, process improvements, and innovation. Build and partner with external manufacturing organization to maintain the relevant governance with the suppliers.
• Risk Mitigation - Assess and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain for cell and gene therapy products. Proactively identify potential disruptions and develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply.
• Market Analysis - Stay informed about market trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies related to raw materials for cell and gene therapy manufacturing. Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments to identify new opportunities and risks.
• Continuous Improvement - Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline sourcing processes, enhance efficiency, and drive operational excellence. Leverage data analytics and performance metrics to monitor supplier performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Continuous Improvement - Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline sourcing processes, enhance efficiency, and drive operational excellence. Leverage data analytics and performance metrics to monitor supplier performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Financials – Support annual budget process. Provide cost guidance to inform to LRP (Long term planning). Evaluate Bill of Material (BOMs) and understand total COGs to identify opportunities and risks. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced working knowledge of Category Management; able to manage and drive all aspects of Strategic Sourcing including strategy development, RFx execution, negotiation, contract execution, supplier performance management, and business stakeholder management.
• Strong working knowledge in supplier negotiations and supplier management activities.
• Strong analytical capabilities (data analysis and benchmarking research); expertise working with data analytical/reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, etc. Able to generate necessary data and reports to support their activities.
• Advanced project management and organizational skills.
• Effectively lead teams in collaborative manner to drive successful outcomes. Collaboration extends beyond Business Partners and suppliers to include other functional areas including Legal, Compliance, Finance and more.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly articulate opinions in concise and persuasive manner. Comfortable with public speaking with various audience levels, including Sr. Management.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of contract law, including all terms and conditions; seen as a trusted partner from Legal colleagues to provide valuable insight to potential risks across all types of agreements (i.e. CDAs, MSAs, etc).
• Ability to work in collaborative, team environment; ability to cultivate and maintain effective business partner relationships through earned respect and trust
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, strong knowledge of ERP systems, and related e-Sourcing tools, including business intelligence and reporting platforms.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, with a focus on drug discovery and/or preclinical research services.
• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences or a related field.
• Proven track record of negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost savings initiatives.
• Project management and organizational skill proficiency.
• Strong working knowledge and demonstration of leading teams in collaborative manner to drive successful outcomes
• Advanced communication and presentation skills, able to clearly articulate opinions in concise and persuasive manner, comfortable speaking in front of groups and/or leading meetings that may include Executive Management personnel
• Demonstrated capability and extensive experience managing several projects while ensuring deliverables are fully met on-time, including more complex and involved projects

Pay Range:

$126,400 - $189,600

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. 
 

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]