Position SummaryThe Global Head of Strategic Sourcing, Technical Operations is responsible for supporting the development and execution of global sourcing strategies related to Global Technical Operations across the enterprise. This role oversees category management, supplier strategy, and cost optimization initiatives spanning manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and quality operations.
The individual will partner closely with Technical Operations leadership, R&D, Quality, and Finance to ensure supply continuity, drive operational excellence, and enable innovation across a complex global supplier ecosystem.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership- Support the implementation of the sourcing strategies defined by Technical Operations (e.g., CMOs/CDMOs, API, excipients, packaging, direct materials, engineering services, MRO, capital equipment).
- Align procurement strategies with enterprise objectives, including cost efficiency, resilience, sustainability, and innovation.
- Act as a strategic advisor to Technical Operations leadership on supply market trends, risk mitigation, and supplier capabilities.
Category Management- Lead and partner to build global category strategies including demand aggregation, supplier segmentation, and total cost of ownership optimization.
- Identify and deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation initiatives.
- Implement best-in-class procurement and sourcing practices, including RFx, should-cost modeling, long-term contracting, and periodic rate negotiations to ensure vendors remain cost-competitive within their respective markets.
Supplier Relationship Management- Manage suppliers that deliver activities for more than one department.
- Leverage work contracted across multiple division of the same supplier organization to drive network-level cost savings.
- Partner with Global Technical Operations for strategic partnerships with key suppliers, including contract manufacturers and critical service providers.
- Drive supplier performance management (KPIs, scorecards, governance models).
- Partner with Global Technical Operations to support supply continuity and risk mitigation through robust supplier risk programs and dual/multi-sourcing strategies
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partner with Global Technical Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams to support product lifecycle, manufacturing scale-up, and commercialization.
- Collaborate with R&D and external innovation teams to enable early supplier engagement and technology scouting.
Risk & Compliance- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements (GxP, GMP) and company policies across the supply base.
- Monitor supplier quality and compliance in collaboration with QA/QC teams.
Team Leadership (if Director level)- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global sourcing team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and stakeholder alignment.
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Life Sciences, or related field required
- MBA or advanced degree preferred
Experience- Associate Director: 8-10+ years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing/procurement, with exposure to Technical Operations in life sciences
- Director: 12-15+ years of experience, including leadership experience managing global teams and complex supplier networks
- Demonstrated experience sourcing within regulated environments (GMP/GxP)
Industry Expertise- Strong understanding of pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturing processes and supply chains
- Experience with CMOs/CDMOs, direct materials, and technical services categories
- Knowledge of regulatory and quality requirements in life sciences
Core Competencies- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Advanced negotiation and influencing skills
- Supplier relationship and stakeholder management
- Financial acumen (TCO, cost modeling, budgeting)
- Risk management and problem-solving
- Leadership and team development (Director level)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Cost savings and value delivery
- Supplier performance (quality, delivery, innovation)
- Stakeholder satisfaction
- Contract compliance and cycle times
Working Environment- Global role with cross-regional collaboration
- Moderate travel required (10-25%) depending on business needs
