Contractor - Strategic Outsourcing Lead

About the Role

The Strategic Outsourcing Lead will report to the Vice President of Strategic Outsourcing and work closely with Clinical Operations, CMC, Supply Chain, Finance, Procurement, and Legal stakeholders to support outsourcing strategy, vendor management, contracts, and financial oversight across the development pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Execute Strategic Outsourcing strategies supporting Syndax's Clinical and CMC development programs.
• Lead RFI/RFP activities, including vendor analysis and recommendation.
• Negotiate and manage Work Orders and Change Orders in alignment with approved budgets and processes.
• Oversee day-to-day outsourcing, contract, and procurement activities across multiple vendors.
• Monitor vendor spend and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency.
• Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Operations, CMC, Supply Chain, Finance, Procurement, and Legal teams.
• Ensure compliance with vendor governance processes and required documentation.
• Manage vendor closeout activities, including financial reconciliation and contract closure.
• Track and report outsourcing KPIs, metrics, and vendor performance.
• Support continuous improvement of outsourcing processes, tools, and best practices across R&D.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 6+ years of strategic outsourcing, clinical outsourcing, or vendor management experience within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience supporting Phase I-III clinical development and/or CMC programs.
• Strong analytical, financial, and budget management skills, including advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience managing CRO, CMO/CDMO, central laboratory, biomarker, IWRS, and clinical pharmacology vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of clinical development, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of outsourcing lifecycle best practices, from vendor selection through closeout.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented team player.
• Experience working in cross-functional and matrixed organizations.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build strong relationships with both internal teams and external partners.

Location

While our corporate headquarters are located in New York City, this position is open to candidates from any location with a preference for east coast locations.