Director, Supply Chain Procurement

Job Description

uniQure is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to build and scale a strategic, value-driven Sourcing & Procurement function, with a core focus on supporting the Technical Operations and Quality (TOQ) department. This newly created role will oversee end-to-end procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management activities that directly support supply chain, manufacturing, quality, and technical development for AAV gene therapies. This position is critical to developing and executing sourcing strategies that ensure the timely and compliant supply of materials and services, while driving cost optimization, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in biopharma operations, particularly across supply chain manufacturing, and quality functions, excels at building capabilities from the ground up, and is passionate about making a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Key Result Areas (Major Duties, Accountabilities and Responsibilities)

Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead a global procurement and sourcing organization with clear structure, roles, and accountability
• Define and implement sourcing strategies that align with company growth, clinical/commercial readiness, and operational goals
• Establish a performance-driven culture with a focus on continuous improvement, data-driven decisions, and cross-functional engagement
• Provide coaching and career development to team members, fostering functional excellence and long-term capability building

Sourcing Strategy & Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Lead strategic sourcing activities across direct materials and services (e.g., raw materials, critical reagents, CDMOs, QC etc.)
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier partnerships that support innovation, security of supply, and long-term value
• Oversee supplier selection, contract negotiation, and performance management with a focus on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
• Execute supplier risk assessments and implement robust business continuity plans, including dual/multi-source strategies for critical categories

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Standardize global procurement processes from requisition to payment to drive consistency, transparency, and efficiency
• Implement systems, tools, and KPIs that support scalable operations and proactive performance monitoring
• Ensure procurement readiness for clinical and commercial programs, including PPQ support, BLA filings, and launch preparation
• Partner with Technical Operations & Quality, Regulatory and Finance to ensure full compliance with GxP, GMP, and other regulatory requirements

Financial Management

• Conduct detailed spend analysis to identify opportunities for savings, strategic consolidation, and cost avoidance
• Track and report procurement performance metrics, including cost savings, supplier scorecards, and risk indicators, to senior leadership
• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) and lifecycle value creation across categories

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the key liaison between Procurement and internal stakeholders including Technical Operations & Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Operations, Commercial and Finance
• Lead or support (as needed) cross-functional initiatives such as tech transfers, new product introductions, and regulatory submissions
• Influence decision-making at all levels by providing insights, benchmarking, and strategic recommendations

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in procurement and sourcing within the biopharma industry
• Strong knowledge of and/or direct experience in cell and gene therapy preferred
• Deep knowledge of sourcing within GMP-regulated environments; direct experience supporting PPQ, BLA, and commercial launches
• Demonstrated success in building sourcing functions, optimizing operations, and leading change in complex environments
• Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and strategic sourcing across direct and indirect spend categories
• Strong financial acumen, analytical mindset, and proficiency in procurement systems and tools (e.g., ERP, eSourcing platforms such as SAP Ariba, Coupa etc.)

Who You Are

• A strategic builder with operational discipline and a process-driven mindset
• A strong communicator who can influence senior stakeholders and external partners
• A team-first leader who fosters collaboration, inclusion, and accountability
• A pragmatic problem-solver who thrives in ambiguity and delivers tangible results
• A passionate contributor to uniQure’s mission to transform lives through innovative gene therapy solutions