Lead Procurement Analyst, Category Management - Clinical ResearchLocation: Research Triangle Park, NC
Employment Type: Direct Hire / Full-Time
Salary: $105,000-$140,000 base + 20/20 bonus and stock opportunities
Potential Base: Up to approximately $145,000 for highly qualified candidates
Key Responsibilities- Lead strategic procurement activities supporting Clinical Research and Clinical Operations.
- Develop and execute RFI and RFP processes from initial requirements through vendor selection.
- Negotiate with CROs and other clinical services providers, including small, mid-size, and ideally large global CRO partners.
- Lead vendor evaluation, selection, and commercial negotiations.
- Support negotiation and execution of Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and other vendor agreements.
- Participate in bid defense activities and support cross-functional vendor selection decisions.
- Own strategic vendor relationships and ensure high-quality service delivery from key partners.
- Establish and maintain effective vendor governance processes and performance management.
- Partner closely with Clinical Operations and other business functions to understand business needs and translate them into effective sourcing strategies.
- Develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Analyze supplier proposals, pricing, capabilities, and commercial terms to support data-driven sourcing decisions.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimization, supplier consolidation, process improvement, and increased value across clinical services categories.
- Support ongoing category management strategies and procurement initiatives within the clinical research organization.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Finance, Life Sciences, or a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, or clinical services procurement.
- Clinical Services Procurement experience strongly preferred.
- Direct experience negotiating with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) is required.
- Experience working with a range of CRO partners, including small, mid-size, and ideally large/global CROs.
- Proven experience leading RFI and RFP processes from development through vendor selection.
- Experience with:
- Vendor selection and evaluation
- Contract negotiations
- Master Service Agreements (MSAs)
- Bid defense participation
- Vendor governance
- Strategic supplier relationship management
- Demonstrated ownership of vendor relationships and ability to ensure strong service delivery from strategic partners.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Clinical Operations, Clinical Project Management, and other cross-functional business teams.
- Experience managing indirect procurement categories focused on services, rather than direct materials, manufacturing, or traditional supply chain sourcing.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to operate independently while effectively influencing stakeholders and suppliers.
Ideal Candidate BackgroundStrong candidates may come from backgrounds including:
- Clinical Services Procurement
- Clinical Category Management
- Indirect Procurement supporting Clinical Operations
- Strategic Sourcing within Clinical Research
- Clinical Operations / Clinical Project Management with significant CRO and vendor management experience
- CRO professionals with strong client-facing sourcing, negotiation, and vendor management experience
What We're Looking ForThis role is best suited for a
mid-level to senior individual contributor who is comfortable owning procurement activities and strategic vendor relationships but is still hands-on with the work. The successful candidate will report into an Associate Director-level leader and should be comfortable operating as a hands-on procurement/category management professional within the team.
Why This Opportunity?- Join a growing biopharmaceutical organization focused on innovative clinical research.
- High visibility and close partnership with Clinical Operations and business leadership.
- Opportunity to own meaningful CRO relationships and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus, and equity opportunities.
- Strong opportunity for continued growth within clinical procurement and category management.
This job opens for applications on 10/6/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.
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