Director, Strategic Sourcing

Job Description

General Summary:

As the Strategic Sourcing Manufacturing & Supply Director for Small Molecules, you will be part of a fast-growing, innovative organization at the company’s world headquarters in Boston, MA. The department is committed to a trusting and collaborative culture where growth and development are valued. We engage proactively with stakeholders to 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 make a meaningful impact, this is the right place for you.

This is a key leadership role focused primarily on materials and services that support the Small Molecule development and manufacturing network. The role requires a strong understanding of the supplier landscape, including market dynamics, regulatory requirements, emerging trends, technology, functionality, specifications, CDMO capabilities, and industry regulations. This expertise is essential to ensuring robust partnerships, high-quality and timely service delivery, and competitive pricing.

You will collaborate with business partners to define and drive appropriate category strategies and deliver measurable value. You will support the management of key strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement, resolve complex supply issues, and identify new opportunities that create exceptional value for Vertex and, ultimately, for patients. You will be a lifelong learner with a high degree of curiosity and adaptability, continually expanding beyond the scope of your area of responsibility as part of your 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 oversight and development of a team responsible for market analysis and due diligence, RFx development, negotiation, competitive price and cost analysis, financial analysis and long-term planning, contract development, ongoing supplier management, and risk management. Additional focus will be placed on optimizing internal sourcing processes, workflows, and interfaces to reduce delivery timelines and costs in support of 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.
• Team Leadership – Manage the Small Molecule sourcing team by guiding, mentoring, and driving high performance against objectives and desired outcomes.
• Product Support – Proactively support development and commercial products by identifying potential suppliers of raw materials, API, drug product, finished goods, and CDMO services.
• Global Category Management – Develop and manage category and sourcing strategies, strategic supplier relationships, supplier performance, and tactical RFx activities.
• Sourcing Strategy Development – Co-develop and implement sourcing strategies with business units to enable the development and commercialization of small molecule products. This includes identifying and selecting CDMOs, negotiating contracts, influencing network strategy, and managing supplier relationships.
• Supplier Management – Cultivate relationships with key CDMO and material suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and services. Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for risk mitigation, resilience, cost savings, process improvement, and innovation. Partner with BSMO to maintain appropriate supplier governance.
• Risk Mitigation – Assess and mitigate risks associated with the small molecule supply chain. 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 small molecule development and 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.
• Financial Management – Support the annual budget process, provide cost guidance to inform long-range planning, evaluate bills of material, and understand total cost of goods to identify opportunities and risks.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership, elevate Sourcing’s value, and earn a meaningful 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.
• Ability to lead teams in a collaborative manner to drive successful outcomes. Collaboration extends beyond business partners and suppliers to include Legal, Compliance, Finance, and other functional areas.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate opinions clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Comfortable presenting to audiences at various levels, including senior management.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of contract law, including key terms and conditions. Viewed as a trusted partner by Legal colleagues and able to provide valuable insight into potential risks across agreement types, including CDAs and MSAs.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and cultivate strong 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 10 years of experience in API, drug product, CDMO sourcing, or related experience within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, preferred.

• 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.
• Working knowledge of AI-based sourcing and contracting approaches desired.
• In-depth knowledge of small molecule products, technologies, and manufacturing processes desired.
• 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), ISO standards, and digital manufacturing enablement.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with suppliers, visit manufacturing facilities, and attend industry conferences and events.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
1.    Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2.    On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. 

#LI-Hybrid
 

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]