Associate Director, Strategic Procurement

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Director, Strategic Procurement based in United States.

This role leads strategic procurement and outsourcing initiatives supporting critical research and development activities. The position combines procurement expertise, financial management, and cross-functional partnership to optimize external investments. You will work closely with clinical, finance, regulatory, and operational teams to drive value, efficiency, and informed decision-making. The role plays a key part in managing vendor relationships, improving sourcing strategies, and ensuring strong financial governance. You will influence business decisions by providing insights into budgets, forecasts, cost optimization, and resource allocation. This is an opportunity for an experienced procurement leader to contribute to innovative programs that deliver meaningful outcomes for patients.

Accountabilities:: The Associate Director, Strategic Procurement is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies, managing vendor partnerships, and providing financial oversight for research and development activities. The role requires strong business judgment, analytical expertise, and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to optimize investments and operational performance.

Develop and execute strategic sourcing and outsourcing plans aligned with organizational objectives, procurement policies, and industry best practices.

Serve as a key procurement and financial partner to clinical operations, research and development, finance, regulatory, medical affairs, and other business functions.

Lead competitive sourcing activities, including RFP development, vendor evaluations, bid analysis, and recommendation processes.

Assess outsourcing strategies and provide recommendations balancing quality, timelines, operational requirements, and financial impact.

Support contract negotiations by contributing expertise on pricing, scope, payment terms, service levels, and business conditions.

Manage vendor relationships and support initiatives that improve supplier performance, value delivery, and collaboration.

Develop and maintain financial forecasts for clinical programs and research activities, providing visibility into spending, risks, and opportunities.

Monitor budgets, actual spending, forecasts, and financial variances while providing actionable recommendations.

Support financial close activities, including accrual calculations, invoice forecasting, and budget reconciliation.

Analyze vendor spending, resource utilization, and investment needs to support strategic planning and decision-making.

Prepare executive-level reporting and dashboards related to research spending, financial performance, and key metrics.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance procurement processes, financial governance, and operational effectiveness.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in strategic procurement, outsourcing, vendor management, and financial planning within complex research or life sciences environments. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, collaboration abilities, and expertise in managing external partnerships.

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, life sciences, or a related field required; MBA preferred.

8+ years of relevant experience in procurement, outsourcing, contracts, vendor management, finance, clinical operations, or related functions.

At least 2 years of experience within a clinical research organization, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or similar industry environment.

Demonstrated experience managing clinical study budgets, forecasting, accruals, and vendor financial performance.

Experience working with clinical research organizations and external clinical service providers.

Strong understanding of clinical trial cost drivers, budgeting methodologies, and research and development financial planning processes.

Advanced financial acumen with experience in modeling, budget management, variance analysis, and executive reporting.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience using procurement or business management tools.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and operate effectively across cross-functional teams.

Ability to travel up to 10% domestically.

Benefits:

Competitive base salary range of $150,000 - $195,000 USD.

Comprehensive health, financial, and well-being benefits for eligible employees and dependents.

Life insurance and disability coverage.

Retirement plans with employer matching contributions.

Generous paid time off programs.

Wellness and employee support programs.

Short-term incentive and long-term incentive compensation opportunities.

Company stock participation designed to recognize performance and contribution.

Flexible work options with opportunities for remote work.

Opportunity to contribute to innovative programs focused on improving patient outcomes.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1