Associate Director, Global Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARWR) is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. The company focuses on innovative drugs for genetically based diseases, leveraging RNAi technologies to address conditions across therapeutic areas. Arrowhead leads in bringing RNAi therapies to diseases outside the liver, with a clinical pipeline targeting liver and lung diseases and a robust preclinical pipeline.

About the role

The Associate Director, Global Strategic Sourcing & Procurement will lead the development and execution of global sourcing strategies within Supply Chain in a biotechnology organization. This role is responsible for optimizing supplier performance, reducing total cost of ownership, mitigating risk, and ensuring compliance in a highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate brings deep biotech/pharma category expertise (e.g., CROs, CDMOs, clinical services, capital equipment, and overall direct spend), strong negotiation capabilities, and experience building scalable procurement processes to support a growing global organization. This role is based onsite with an expectation to be in the office five days a week.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute global category strategies for direct spend aligned with corporate objectives and pipeline priorities.
  • Lead long-term sourcing strategies across direct spend categories.
  • Drive supplier consolidation, value creation, and risk mitigation initiatives.
  • Establish preferred supplier programs and strategic partnerships globally.
  • Support business continuity planning and supply risk management across the value chain.
• Operational Excellence
  • Oversee end-to-end sourcing lifecycle: RFI/RFP, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and implementation.
  • Lead complex contract negotiations with global suppliers to optimize pricing, service levels, and contractual protections.
  • Partner with Legal to ensure contracts reflect regulatory, compliance, and IP requirements.
  • Implement procurement policies, systems, and controls to ensure SOX and regulatory compliance.
  • Drive cost savings and cost avoidance targets annually.
  • Develop and monitor procurement KPIs (savings, cycle time, supplier performance, compliance).
• Stakeholder Partnership
  • Partner closely with Corporate Strategic Sourcing and Procurement to ensure alignment and collaboration.
  • Serve as a strategic business partner to Global Operations, CMC, and other leaders.
  • Advise executive leadership on sourcing risks, market trends, and supplier landscape.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance for budgeting, forecasting, and spend visibility.
• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Establish structured supplier governance models (QBRs, scorecards, performance reviews).
  • Drive continuous improvement and innovation initiatives with strategic suppliers.
  • Ensure suppliers meet quality, regulatory, ESG, and diversity requirements.
  • Oversee global direct supplier onboarding and qualification processes.
• Systems & Process Development
  • Develop and refine procurement processes to support scalability and compliance.

Requirements

• BS in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant industry experience, including:
  • 5+ years in fast-paced cGMP environments.
  • 5+ years in a supply chain leadership role within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Exhibits excellent interpersonal communication, project management, collaboration, and analytical skills.
• Strong proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience using Smartsheet or other work management software.
• Proficient in generating and presenting operational and financial metrics/KPIs.
• Thorough understanding of and experience with technical operations or CMC.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams not under direct reporting lines.
• Quick learner with the ability to handle multiple tasks, adapt to challenges, and make decisions.
• Exhibits creativity in adapting to changing situations and developing contingency plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Able to lead and coordinate large, complex strategy projects with minimal direction.
• Experience developing operations network strategies for a growing global market.

Pay

• Wisconsin: $150,000—$170,000 USD
• California: $160,000—$180,000 USD

Benefits

Arrowhead provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.

Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.