Vendor Strategy Director – Project Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom, +2 more countries.

📋 Description

• Spearhead comprehensive supplier and vendor strategy initiatives throughout clinical development programs.

• Establish and harmonize program-level vendor strategies in collaboration with Clinical Operational Program Heads, Portfolio Innovation Directors, Procurement, and alliance stakeholders.

• Supervise and evaluate supplier performance in relation to program goals and strategic priorities.

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate supplier risks, quality issues, and contract-related challenges.

• Champion continuous improvement efforts and productivity goals related to vendors.

• Transform anticipated portfolio and program demand into vendor service specifications.

• Identify, assess, and engage suppliers to meet the evolving needs of the program.

• Facilitate early supplier involvement during protocol development and feasibility assessments.

• Act as the main point of contact and escalation for program-level vendor strategy and operational issues.

• Assist in preparing for inspections and audits across programs.

• Deliver operational and functional support to Trial Vendor Managers and Vendor Start-up Managers.

• Collaborate with global stakeholders to harness innovative vendor solutions that enhance the execution and delivery of clinical trials.

⛳️ Requirements

• Advanced degree in science or business, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Over 10 years of pertinent industry experience, including leadership roles in clinical operations and management of outsourced clinical trial activities at both operational and strategic levels.

• Profound understanding of clinical trial methodology, GCP, medical terminology, and clinical development processes.

• Experience with supplier services that support clinical development programs and a robust understanding of trial management and monitoring activities.

• Knowledge of quality and regulatory standards pertinent to clinical research and outsourced service delivery.

• Proven success in developing and managing strategic internal and external partnerships.

• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficient in written and spoken English.

• Strengths in strategic thinking, business partnership, relationship building, and influencing within complex matrix organizations.

• Experience in leading vendor strategy, outsourced clinical trial activities, and cross-functional clinical operations initiatives.

• Capability to build and sustain effective external partnerships and internal stakeholder relationships.

• Ability to navigate complex environments while balancing quality, timelines, innovation, and business priorities.

• Preferred: experience collaborating with global, cross-functional clinical development teams.

• Preferred: demonstrated executive leadership and strategic vendor management expertise.

• Preferred: experience in driving productivity initiatives and operational enhancements across clinical programs.

• Preferred: experience in supporting inspection readiness, audit preparation, and quality-centered supplier management.

• Preferred: a proven track record of facilitating successful international collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health, Vision & Dental Insurance.

• Vacation/Holiday/Sick Time.

• Flexible benefit portal.

• Car or car allowance (applicable to certain roles).

• Flexibility, growth, and the opportunity to excel in their work.