Global Category Lead – Full-Service CRO, Associate Director, Global Procurement R&D

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Lead the global category management and strategy for Full-Service CROs that support fully outsourced clinical trials.

• Formulate multi-year category strategies that align with business goals and initiatives aimed at cost reduction and sourcing.

• Evaluate internal demand, external market data, spending, and specifications to create comprehensive category plans.

• Manage sourcing, negotiations, contracts, amendments, commercial terms, rates, and discounts with vendors.

• Collaborate with R&D, Clinical, Regulatory, Compliance, Legal, Data Privacy, and Cybersecurity teams.

• Oversee supplier governance, performance, risk mitigation, quality delivery, and resolution of issues.

• Keep abreast of market trends, intelligence, and changing digital health regulations.

• Provide strategic oversight and serve as a trusted procurement advisor.

• Foster collaboration among cross-functional teams and regional stakeholders.

• Supervise strategic negotiations for CRO Master Service Agreements (MSAs), amendments, study-level agreements, and purchase orders.

• Direct RFPs, supplier evaluations, contract development, and the delegation of sourcing tasks.

⛳️ Requirements

• Doctorate degree with 3 years of Global Strategic Sourcing or Procurement experience; OR Master’s degree with 5 years; OR Bachelor’s degree with 7 years; OR Associate’s degree with 12 years; OR High school diploma/GED with 14 years of experience.

• Proficiency with procurement platforms like Ariba, ERP systems, and advanced analytics tools.

• Exceptional problem-solving and organizational skills.

• Strong analytical capabilities, including the ability to analyze large datasets, recognize trends, and extract actionable insights.

• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex global projects in a matrixed environment.

• Knowledge of compliance frameworks such as 21 CFR Part 11, GxP, HIPAA, and GDPR.

• In-depth understanding of the global vendor landscape that supports clinical trials, including CROs, SMOs, AMCs, and related vendors.

• Proven experience in global category management and executive business partnering.

• Comprehensive knowledge of category management, supplier relationship management, and contract lifecycle management.

• Strong fluency in financial, legal, and contractual matters.

• Demonstrated history of driving innovation in category strategy, supplier engagement models, and stakeholder partnerships.

• Exceptional ability to articulate complex strategies, influence senior stakeholders, and manage change across functions and regions.

• Capability to leverage spend analytics and benchmarking.

• Knowledge of regulatory landscapes and compliance requirements.

• Ability to collaborate with Legal, Compliance, Cybersecurity, and Regulatory Affairs.

• Strong skills in navigating contractual and regulatory issues in healthcare technology agreements.

🏝️ Benefits

• A comprehensive employee benefits package, which includes a Retirement and Savings Plan with substantial company contributions.

• Group medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Life and disability insurance.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• A discretionary annual bonus program.

• Stock-based long-term incentives.

• Award-winning time-off plans.

• Flexible work models where feasible.

• Opportunities for career development.

• Support for work/life balance.