Associate Director, Global R&D Sourcing

General Description

This position plays a critical role in leveraging external solutions—including CRO partnerships, digitalization, and AI—to improve cost efficiency, accelerate delivery, and enhance quality across R&D.

Role Purpose

The role serves as a business partner to R&D functions, helping identify cost optimization opportunities, develop practical solutions, and support implementation in alignment with the R&D superhighway.

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Monitor trends in the R&D CRO/FSP market, external resourcing models, and broader industry developments to inform category strategy.
• Engage R&D business stakeholders to understand outsourcing needs and translate them into function- and study-level category, outsourcing, and vendor strategies.
• Lead category management initiatives that optimize external spend, strengthen supplier value, and improve sourcing outcomes.
• Build trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders and serve as a strategic sourcing partner to R&D functions.
• Provide supply market intelligence and vendor insights to support business planning, sourcing decisions, and strategy development.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities, develop supporting business cases, and align recommendations with business priorities.
• Partner with the business to support implementation, track progress, and manage sourcing-related projects through execution.
• Lead supplier relationship management activities to strengthen strategic vendor partnerships and support long-term business value.
• Manage vendor performance, issue escalation and resolution, risk oversight, and ongoing governance activities.
• Oversee key MSA and rate card negotiations to secure competitive terms and ensure alignment with category objectives.
• Oversee effective contracting and execution within the category, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with internal requirements.

Computer Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and contract management systems.

Travel

Limited travel may be required.

Education Required

• BS/BA degree in related discipline and 10+ years of experience;
• MS/MA degree in related discipline and 8+ years of related experience;
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Global Competencies

• Fosters Teamwork
• Provides and Solicits Honest and Actionable Feedback
• Self-Awareness
• Acts Inclusively
• Demonstrates Initiative
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Continuous Learning
• Embraces Change
• Results-Oriented
• Analytical Thinking/Data Analysis
• Financial Excellence
• Communicates with Clarity

Pay

Salary Range: $141,600.00 - $191,600.00 annually