Strategic Sourcing Associate Director, Cell and Gene CDMOs

Job Description

General Summary:

As the Associate Director of Strategic Sourcing for Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) CDMOs, you will be a part of a fast-growing and innovative organization at the company’s world headquarters in Boston, MA.

The department is committed to a trusting and collaborative culture where we value growth and development. We engage proactively with our stakeholders to truly understand their needs and deliver results for our company and for patients. If you are looking for an entrepreneurial, hands-on, team-oriented environment where you can have a big impact, then this is the right place for you!

This is a key leadership role mainly focused on CDMO Sourcing for Devices, Packaging and Cell Banking (other categories as required). This role requires a solid understanding of the cell and gene therapy landscape, including market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends, in addition to understanding of technology, functionality, specifications, CDMO landscapes, and industry regulations to ensure robust partnership, high-quality and on timely service support with competitive price.

You will also collaborate with the business, to define and drive appropriate category strategies, and extract value. You will support the management of key strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement, resolve complex supply issues, and identify new opportunities that drive exceptional value to Vertex, and ultimately our patients.

You will be a lifelong learner who has a high degree of curiosity, adaptability, and strives to continually expand beyond the scope of your area of responsibility as part of self-development.

This role will have high visibility across the organization, so the ability to effectively communicate with Senior Executive leaders is crucial.

Execution responsibilities include market analysis and due-diligence, RFx development, negotiation, competitive price and cost analysis, financial analysis and long-term planning, contract development and on-going supplier management and risk management. Additional focus on optimization of internal sourcing processes, workflows and interfaces in effort to reduce time of delivery and costs in support corporate objectives and industry best practices.

This position is based in our Boston, MA office, located in the Seaport area. This role requires a hybrid work schedule: 3 days in office & 2 days remote on a weekly basis. This role will require some travel to other facilities to establish / maintain key business stakeholder and supplier relationships as well as to support specific strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Partnering – develop strong, trusting, and influential relationships with stakeholders, understand business objectives, bring supplier and marketplace expertise, collaborate on multi-year strategic and operational plans, and drive business outcomes.
• Global Category Management - including the development and management of category and sourcing strategies, management of strategic supplier relationships and performance management, in addition to tactical RFx activities.
• Sourcing Strategy Development – Co-develop and implement sourcing strategies with the business unit to enable development and commercialization of cell and gene therapy products. This includes identifying and selecting CDMOs, negotiating contracts, influence network strategy and managing supplier relationships.
• Supplier Management – Cultivate relationships with key CDMO/suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and services. Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for risk mitigation, build resilience, cost savings, process improvements, and innovation. Build and partner with external manufacturing organization to maintain the relevant governance with the suppliers.
• Risk Mitigation - Assess and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain for cell and gene therapy products. Proactively identify potential disruptions and develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply.
• Market Analysis - Stay informed about market trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies related to raw materials for cell and gene therapy manufacturing. Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments to identify new opportunities and risks.
• Continuous Improvement - Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline sourcing processes, enhance efficiency, and drive operational excellence. Leverage data analytics and performance metrics to monitor supplier performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage some raw materials sourcing categories essential to produce cell and gene therapy products as appropriate.
• Financials – Support annual budget process. Provide cost guidance to inform to LRP (Long term planning). Evaluate Bill of Material (BOMs) and understand total COGs to identify opportunities and risks.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to influence Sr. Leadership to drive Sourcing’s value; gained a “Seat at the table” with stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of Category Management within specific areas of expertise; able to manage and drive all aspects of Strategic Sourcing including strategy development, RFx execution, negotiation, contract execution, supplier performance management, and business stakeholder management.
• Expertise in complex supplier negotiations and supplier management activities.
• Expertise in sourcing, contracting and managing CDMOs within a virtual plant team governance concept.
• Strong analytical capabilities (data analysis and benchmarking research); expertise working with data analytical/reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, etc. Able to generate necessary data and reports to support their activities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Able to lead teams in collaborative manner to drive successful outcomes. Collaboration extends beyond Business Partners and suppliers to include other functional areas including Legal, Compliance, Finance and more.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly articulate opinions in concise and persuasive manner. Comfortable with public speaking with various audience levels, including Sr. Management.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of contract law, including all terms and conditions; seen as a trusted partner from Legal colleagues to provide valuable insight to potential risks across all types of agreements (i.e. CDAs, MSAs, etc).
• Ability to work in collaborative, team environment; ability to cultivate and maintain effective business partner relationships through earned respect and trust.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, strong knowledge of ERP systems, and related e-Sourcing tools, including business intelligence and reporting platforms.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, with a focus on CDMO for Cell and Gene therapy or biologic in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Proven track record of negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost savings initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of cell and gene therapy products, technologies, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and best practices in the pharmaceutical industry, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ISO standards.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with suppliers, visit manufacturing facilities, and attend industry conferences and events.