Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing

Legend Biotech is seeking an Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ. 

Role Overview

Legend Biotech USA, Inc. is seeking a motivated and experienced Strategic Sourcing Senior Manager to join its Technical Development team to deliver a pipeline of cell related innovative therapies. The ideal candidate will possess a scientific background and expertise in sourcing and procurement from external CDMOs to establish and lead a team that supports an expanding supply chain for clinical-stage external materials. Reporting to the Senior Director of Materials Science, this role will enhance and manage processes for sourcing both non-GMP and GMP materials essential to cell and gene therapy programs. The selected candidate will collaborate with technical experts to develop and manufacture clinical-stage starting materials, drug substances, and products required for Legend's investigational efforts. They will collaborate with internal teams to ensure that externally sourced products—such as viral vectors, plasmids, apheresis materials, gene editing components, and other vital raw materials—comply with health authority regulations and global quality standards. Furthermore, the candidate will assist the Technical Development team in identifying and evaluating CDMOs, managing contracts and negotiations, reconciling budgets, and ensuring timely payments for project-related invoices.

Key Responsibilities  

• Build and lead growing team (including hiring and managing direct reports), as well as implement and execute procedures to facilitate external sourcing for the Technical Development with cross-functional departments.
• Manage the evaluation process of new CDMOs and partners to support new and custom materials (including viral vectors) and the ongoing supply of pipeline programs to support Legend’s innovative pipeline.
• Provide project management support and serve as a point of contact for external sourcing activities at CDMOs and innovative technology collaborations.
• Support supply chain management and ensure the supply of non-GMP and GMP plasmids, lentivirus, drug products, and other critical raw materials for use in various phases meets timeline needs for project advancement in clinical trial development.
• As needed, support supply chain management of custom, ancillary and consumable materials needed to for startup of new pipeline activities at internal manufacturing facility.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Materials Science to manage the pipeline program vendor and sourcing needs, as well as costing and invoicing; ensure timely payment of invoices for project activities.
• Oversee review of contracts, collaborating with legal, procurement, and technical experts for CDMOs and innovative technology collaborations, as well as implementing contracts into the purchasing system.
• Ensure the supply of non-GMP and GMP plasmids, lentivirus, drug products, and other critical raw materials for use in various phases meets timeline needs for project advancement in clinical trial development.
• Build and foster relationships with external suppliers while aligning and integrating internal SMEs and key stakeholders.
• Participate in internal, cross-functional communication and strategy between departments, such as US and China R&D teams, TechOps, and Quality, to synchronize tasks and deliverables.

• BS/MS (or relevant experience) in chemistry, biology, immunology, biomedical engineering, or other related biological sciences preferred.
• Strong leadership experience building and overseeing team.
• Understanding of molecular and cell biology and experience sourcing viral vectors and plasmids.
• At least 8 years of experience and/or familiarity working in cGMP pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, or a similar field preferred.
• At least 8 years of experience sourcing with external suppliers, procurement, and legal teams.
• Experience managing supply chain inventory management, purchase orders, and invoices.
• Facilitated the shipment of temperature-sensitive materials, consumables, and laboratory equipment
• Familiarity with sourcing, supply chain and procurement procedures and technologies preferred.
• Knowledge of cGMP guidelines and experience collaborating with the quality department.
• Working experience with various cell and gene therapy cell starting materials and/or manufacturing processes.
• Vision to build a technical sourcing team and implement sourcing and procurement procedures for CDMO onboarding, management, and the supply of various clinical-stage materials.
• Provide project management, purchasing, shipping, and invoice review support for the technical development team.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Possess experience in communicating with global suppliers regarding materials and external sourcing programs.
• Exhibit strong verbal communication skills and experience in engaging contractors and external partners.
• Language: English

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Legend Biotech is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is Legend’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Legend Biotech maintains a drug-free workplace.