Strategic Sourcing, Associate Director (Cell & Gene Therapy and Biologics)

Role Summary

Associate Director of Strategic Sourcing for Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) and Biologics, based at the company’s world headquarters in Boston, MA. Responsible for raw materials and CDMO sourcing categories to support cell and gene therapy products and biologic therapies. Requires knowledge of raw material technology, supplier/CDMO landscapes, and regulatory requirements to ensure supply of high-quality materials at competitive prices. Hybrid work schedule with travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Business Partnering – develop strong relationships with stakeholders, understand objectives, and drive business outcomes.
• Global Category Management – develop and manage category strategies, supplier relationships, and performance management, plus RFx activities.
• Sourcing Strategy Development – co-develop and implement sourcing strategies, identify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage relationships.
• Supplier Relationship Management – negotiate terms, ensure quality and timely delivery, collaborate on risk mitigation, cost savings, and process improvements; coordinate with external manufacturing and process development teams.
• Risk Mitigation – assess and mitigate supply chain risks and develop contingency plans.
• Cross-functional Collaboration – align sourcing with production schedules, product specifications, and regulatory requirements with R&D, QA, regulatory, and other teams.
• Market Analysis – monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and technologies; conduct assessments to identify opportunities and risks.
• Continuous Improvement – streamline processes, leverage data analytics, monitor supplier performance, and drive efficiency.
• Financials – support annual budgeting, provide cost guidance, evaluate BOMs and total COGs to identify opportunities and risks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management with a focus on CDMO for CGT or biologics in pharma/biotech.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field (desired).
• Proven track record in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to assess risks and mitigations.
• In-depth knowledge of biologics and/or CGT products, technologies, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate across functions.
• Understanding of raw material specifications, quality requirements, and regulatory standards (GMP/ISO).
• Travel eligibility to meet suppliers and attend conferences.

Skills

• Influence with senior leadership; ability to gain a seat at the table.
• Category management, RFx execution, contract drafting, supplier performance management.
• Expertise in complex supplier negotiations and CDMO management within a virtual plant team.
• Data analytics and reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.).
• Continuous Improvement tools (Pareto charts, flow diagrams, etc.).
• Project management and organizational skills; collaborative leadership across Legal, Compliance, Finance, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to Sr. Management.
• Knowledge of contract law and risk assessment across agreements (CDAs, MSAs, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and e-Sourcing tools with BI capabilities.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field (preferred).

Additional Requirements

• Travel up to 10% as needed.
• Hybrid work arrangement: 3 days in office, 2 days remote weekly.