Senior Manager, Vendor Management

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Manager, Vendor Management based in the United States.

This role offers the opportunity to lead strategic vendor management initiatives supporting innovative clinical development programs within a fast-paced biopharmaceutical environment. You will play a key role in shaping outsourcing strategies, optimizing external partnerships, and ensuring clinical trials are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and cost-effectively. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will manage critical vendor relationships, negotiate agreements, and drive operational excellence across clinical programs. This position requires a strategic thinker who can balance business objectives, regulatory expectations, and strong supplier partnerships. You will have a direct impact on improving processes, strengthening collaboration, and accelerating the delivery of therapies that address significant unmet medical needs.

• Develop and execute clinical outsourcing strategies in partnership with Clinical Development teams to support business objectives and maximize operational value.
• Lead vendor selection processes, including RFI/RFP activities, vendor evaluations, and bid defense meetings for CROs, laboratories, technology providers, and specialty clinical vendors.
• Ensure outsourcing activities follow ethical standards, internal policies, and applicable regulatory compliance requirements.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, including master service agreements, work orders, and change orders, ensuring accurate pricing, deliverables, milestones, payment schedules, and performance expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external vendors while collaborating with internal stakeholders to resolve performance issues and optimize delivery.
• Drive strategic initiatives such as preferred provider models, functional service provider (FSP) partnerships, vendor standardization, KPI development, SOP improvements, and training programs.
• Partner with Finance teams to support clinical trial budget forecasting, financial planning, and accrual management.
• Collaborate with Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to promote operational excellence and compliance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement scalable solutions that enhance vendor performance and efficiency.
• Train and support internal teams on outsourcing processes, vendor management practices, and operational requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in clinical outsourcing, vendor management, or related roles within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO industry.
• Proven experience managing external vendors, negotiating complex contracts, and overseeing strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial operations, regulatory requirements, compliance standards, and financial management processes.
• Experience with commercial sourcing and strategic procurement activities is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities across cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions, and make informed decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Highly organized, proactive, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities under pressure.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary range of $150,000 - $163,000, depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) plan participation.
• Paid time off and company benefits programs.
• Eligibility to participate in incentive plans based on individual and company performance.
• Fully remote work environment with flexibility.
• Opportunities to contribute to innovative clinical development programs and impactful healthcare solutions.
• Collaborative, cross-functional culture within a growing life sciences organization.
• Up to 10% travel required, including occasional overnight travel.