Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management, Commercial Packaging

Role Summary

The Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management, Commercial Packaging manages the business relationship with CDMOs and/or direct material suppliers providing primary and/or secondary packaging services for commercial products. The role oversees strategy, selection, risk, and performance management of packaging suppliers and CDMOs, guiding high performance and collaboration across multiple external partners. Based in Foster City, CA, this position is eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week via the GFlex program.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for business discussions, long-range supply and capacity planning, and business development
• Manage supplier performance (monthly/annually)
• Act as an escalation point for manufacturing operations for recurrent or chronic supplier issues
• Lead annual business review meetings with assigned CDMOs as needed
• Lead assessment and mitigation of supplier risks through regular risk management processes
• Prepare, review, challenge, and track RFPs/RFQs/RFIs for new business with external suppliers in collaboration with stakeholders
• Negotiate Confidentiality Agreements, Master Services Agreements, and Work Orders
• Identify and manage strategic suppliers of Commercial Packaging in alignment with network supply chain strategies
• Support make vs. buy analysis
• Lead and participate in Operational Excellence projects
• Coordinate/lead meetings internally and with CMOs; publish meeting minutes
• Provide leadership and training to other department personnel
• Develop budgets and report accruals to Finance as needed
• Participate in solving high-complexity issues and communicate issues to line manager and project teams
• Support product teams in selecting external service and/or material suppliers from development through commercialization
• Lead and/or support site assessment teams in supplier assessment and selection
• Stay informed of supplier capabilities relevant to Gilead pipeline needs
• Establish quality and technical execution expectations with suppliers
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure outsourced needs are met; organize teleconferences and meetings with global suppliers

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's Degree and 10 Years’ Experience
• Required: Master’s Degree and 8 Years’ Experience
• Required: PhD and 2 Years’ Experience
• Preferred: 10+ years in a pharmaceutical/biotech or related manufacturing environment; advanced degrees may count toward experience
• Preferred: Experience leading outsourced development/manufacturing service providers and/or direct material suppliers
• Preferred: Strong computer skills and experience with ERP systems and project management software
• Preferred: Understanding of CMC development activities for biopharmaceuticals
• Preferred: Knowledge of GMPs and regulations (21 CFR Part 11, 210, 211, 820)
• Preferred: Ability to lead cross-functional teams and strong people management skills
• Preferred: Experience negotiating complex agreements
• Preferred: Strong verbal and written communication, ability to manage multiple programs/projects, and good organizational skills
• Preferred: Ability to present concisely to senior management; conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities
• Preferred: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; project management experience or certification is a plus
• Preferred: up to 20% domestic and/or international travel

Skills

• Strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Contract negotiation and management
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder coordination
• Operational excellence and process improvement
• Budgeting and financial acumen
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree or PhD (as applicable per role requirements)

Additional Requirements

• Up to 20% travel (domestic and/or international)