Senior Manager, R&D Strategic Sourcing (Contract) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Job Posting Description

The R&D Strategic Sourcing Senior Manager will help lead category management activities across the organization that is inclusive of both the Chemistry and Biology organizations, as well as provide support to the Preclinical Category Lead in the execution of their category management activities.  Category management activities will include contract management (negotiations, execution, and processing of purchasing requisitions/orders), market analysis, RFx development, negotiation planning, cost analysis, and support category strategy implementation activities.

This individual will be expected to deliver value and competitive advantage to the business as measured by customer satisfaction, project execution, value improvement, innovation, and other areas such as risk mitigation, where applicable. 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 role is expected to identify and drive the optimization of internal sourcing processes, workflows and interfaces in effort to maximize stakeholder value.

Key Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Strong business partnering acumen to develop trusting and influential relationships with stakeholders, understand business objectives and challenges, bring supplier and marketplace expertise, collaborate on multi-year strategic and operational plans, and drive business outcomes.
• Responsibility for category management of Research & Preclinical Services, including the development and management of category and sourcing strategies, management of strategic supplier relationship and performance management, in addition to tactical RFx activities.
• Perform and integrate market research to support category strategies and/or sourcing activities with the ability to filter data into a relevant, actionable format.
• Support the development and implementation of category strategies in partnership with business stakeholders for all related sub-categories, including continuous refreshment and improvement of category strategies to meet evolving business needs.
• Responsible for negotiation, authoring and executing contracts with Vertex third party suppliers.
• Manage the Supplier Performance/Relationship Management Processes including supplier performance monitoring. Responsible for meeting preparation, pre-read documents, performance dashboards, capturing action items, and ensuring appropriate follow-up including Executive Business Reviews that include senior leaders both within Vertex and with the 3rd party.
• In collaboration with the Business, responsible for defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and associated performance metrics and are integrated into contractual documents and captured on Dashboards to ensure supplier performance is meeting expectations and continuously improving.
• Support the Business Owner with identification of all applicable risks as part of the sourcing process, including coordination with Risk Subject Matter Experts to properly assess and develop mitigation plans, where necessary.
• Effectively manages the entire RFx process including, but not limited to, the development of the requirements, drafting RFP documents, facilitation of team meetings and vendor sessions, negotiation of terms and pricing with the vendors, and ultimately supporting the execution of Supplier Agreements
• Drafting and negotiation of various agreements (service agreements, confidentially agreement, project statements/work orders, consulting agreements, etc.).
• Processing purchasing requisitions/orders and providing backend support as needed.

Required Education, Experience and Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree required.  Advanced degree (MS or MBA) in Scientific or Business discipline is preferred.
• Strong understanding of the nuances associated with working in the pharmaceutical industry and is adept at effectively managing the complexities of operating in a regulated environment.
• Category specific sourcing experience in Research & Preclinical Services within the pharmaceutical/biotech industry
• Viewed as subject matter expert within their category(ies) by Business Partners; able to bring new ideas and information that create tangible value to business.
• Demonstrated ability to influence Sr. Leadership to drive Sourcing’s value by having gained a “Seat at the table” with stakeholders in prior roles.
• Strong understanding of the drug discovery process and the specific regulatory requirements associated with operating in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
• Strong understanding of all elements related to supplier risk management including related processes, tools, rating measurements with ability to train team members and business stakeholders to ensure appropriate execution.
• Solid knowledge of ERP systems, can expertly leverage e-Sourcing tools, including business intelligence and reporting platforms and teach other colleagues as needed.
• True expertise in managing and leading complex supplier negotiations, including development of comprehensive negotiation plans and ensuring alignment with all internal business stakeholders.
• Strong analytical capabilities (data analysis and benchmarking research) as well as PowerPoint skills; expertise working with data analytical/reporting tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, etc.
• Solid understanding and demonstrated use of Continuous Improvement tools (including Pareto Charts, Flow Diagrams, etc.) to drive process improvements.
• Project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. Candidates should be able to clearly articulate opinions in concise and persuasive manner and be comfortable speaking in front of groups and/or leading meetings that may include Executive Management personnel.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of contract law, including all terms and conditions; seen as a trusted partner from Legal colleagues to provide valuable insight into potential contractual risks across all applicable types of Agreements (i.e. Confidential Disclosure Agreement, Master Services Agreements, etc.).
• Able to work in collaborative, team environment; ability to cultivate and maintain effective business partner relationships at all levels of the organization through earned respect and trust.

$65 - $70/HR

This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements

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No C2C or Third-Party Vendors