Director Strategic Supplier Relationships (GCP, Biotech, Oncology)

Role Summary

The Director of Strategic Supplier Relationships is responsible for optimizing partnerships across multiple areas, including CRO providers, central and local laboratories, interactive response technology, pharmacovigilance, and data management service providers. The role serves as the main point of contact for Product Development and Medical Affairs, focusing on outsourcing engagement, operational effectiveness, and governance. This position acts as a Subject Matter Expert on day-to-day partnership activities and supports teams to deliver on partnership goals and contractual obligations.

Responsibilities

• Partner with PDMA departments and SSP to define, implement, and continually improve CRO outsourcing strategies, tactics, and operations with strategic partners.
• Optimize ways of working including:
  • Development of CRO manual and best practices
  • Adherence to best practices
  • Define and manage performance and quality metrics across the partnership
  • Implement issue escalation and resolution pathways
  • Lead governance meetings at the operational level and below for the partnership; develop focus, materials, and final minutes; act as a key partner with SSP for executive governance
  • Cultivate innovation opportunities to address future state needs with understanding of Product Development and Medical Affairs; coordinate work requirements
  • Demonstrate partnering behaviors; address and solve systemic issues; integrate lessons learned into forward activities
  • Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners to ensure the strategic relationship remains healthy; monitor and celebrate or escalate goals, objectives, and results in governance forums
  • Develop a strategy for prioritizing process improvements within the Strategic Relationship
  • Act as a trusted business advisor, thought partner, and project manager on key initiatives as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline with 13+ years of related experience; or
• Master’s degree in related discipline with 11+ years of related experience; or
• Doctoral degree in related discipline with 8+ years of related experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• Typically requires a minimum of 11 years of related experience and/or combination of education/training and experience
• Experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry required, including CROs, R&D outsourcing, purchasing or procurement roles

Knowledge/Skills

• In-depth knowledge of biopharmaceutical industry regulations, standards, and best practices
• Strong verbal and written communication and formal presentation skills to executives and management
• Self-starter, quick learner, strong collaborator and able to work independently
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, problem-solving, time management, change management, and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; attention to detail
• Ability to identify and communicate issues and risks
• Excellent presentation skills; ability to build and maintain strong relationships
• Ability to influence without direct authority
• Advanced computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Commitment to core values: Be Exceptional; Excel for Patients; Exceed Together

Job Complexity

• Drives changes in ways of working across a complex network of stakeholders and SMEs
• Ensures processes are efficient and minimizes burden on business owners to maintain outsourced service quality

Working Conditions

• May include occasional travel (less than 10%) to vendor facilities