Vendor Relationships Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New Jersey.

📋 Description

• Develop and uphold Clinilabs' vendor strategy in accordance with CNS study requirements.

• Establish and oversee a preferred vendor network for ongoing studies and future pipeline opportunities.

• Identify and onboard new vendors tailored to study demands, geographic expansion, and emerging capabilities.

• Ensure vendors are prepared for swift study start-up and execution.

• Assist with RFP responses and bid defenses alongside the Business Development and Proposals teams.

• Lead vendor outreach, manage RFPs, collect bids, and conduct comparative analyses.

• Provide vendor cost assumptions, timelines, and strategic insights for competitive proposals.

• Negotiate and finalize vendor agreements, including MSAs, SOWs, and Work Orders.

• Align vendor agreements with sponsor budgets, internal financial goals, and study scope.

• Manage and negotiate changes to vendor orders.

• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to ensure policy and contractual compliance.

• Monitor vendor budgets against actual expenditures and identify risks along with mitigation strategies.

• Establish and track vendor KPIs, SLAs, and performance metrics.

• Lead governance, performance evaluations, and issue resolution for vendors.

• Ensure that vendor deliverables are in sync with study timelines and milestones.

• Escalate and address vendor-related risks and issues as they arise.

• Ensure vendor adherence to GxP, regulatory requirements, and readiness for audits/inspections.

• Oversee vendor activities across the Clinilabs portfolio from a cross-study perspective.

• Support activities related to study start-up, enrollment, and close-out.

• Maintain consistency in vendor management practices across studies.

• Assist in fulfilling sponsor and internal documentation and reporting requirements.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree (e.g., MHA, MBA, or related field) is preferred.

• 6–10+ years of experience in clinical research, with a focus on vendor management in a CRO setting.

• Strong preference for candidates with experience in supporting CNS clinical trials.

• Proven experience in vendor contracting, negotiation, and financial oversight.

• Experience in supporting business development and proposal processes is essential.

• Strong negotiation skills and financial insight are required.

• A strategic and analytical mindset with a keen attention to detail is necessary.

• Collaborative leadership abilities and the capacity to influence across functions are important.

• A proactive, solution-focused approach to problem-solving is desirable.

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced CRO environment is essential.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• A supportive and collaborative work environment.