Encoded Therapeutics is seeking a strategic and highly collaborative Alliance Management expert to join our Supply Chain organization. Reporting directly to the Head of Supply Chain, this critical leadership role will serve as the primary relationship and operational bridge between Encoded and our strategic external vendor partners, with a primary focus on Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). The ideal candidate possesses a powerful blend of technical biotech supply chain acumen, expert-level contract management skills, and the relationship-building prowess required to ensure our external manufacturing operations are executed seamlessly, on time, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Alliance & Relationship Management

- Lead Governance: Strategically establish and lead Steering Committees as well as conduct routine operational reviews with key external manufacturing partners.

- Conflict Resolution: Act as the primary point of escalation for external vendor issues, proactively resolving conflicts and alignment gaps to maintain healthy, productive partnerships.

- Performance Metrics: Develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and dashboard metrics to measure alliance health and vendor accountability.

Contract Management & Commercial Oversight

- Contract Lifecycle Leadership: Partner with Legal, Quality, and Finance to draft, negotiate, and execute Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and Quality Agreements.

- Financial Accountability: Oversee the financial health of the alliances, ensuring vendor invoicing aligns with milestones, managing change orders, and tracking budget variances.

- Risk Mitigation: Conduct regular risk assessments of the external supply chain network, developing robust mitigation and contingency plans for high-risk vendor relationships.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Internal Alignment: Work closely with Internal Manufacturing, Process Sciences, Analytical Sciences, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Legal and Finance to ensure external vendor deliverables align with corporate milestones.

- S&OP Integration: Integrate vendor capacity and production schedules into Encoded's broader Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.

Requirements

- Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field (MBA or advanced scientific degree is a plus).

- Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 5 years dedicated to Alliance Management, External Supply, or CDMO/CMO Management.

- Contract Expertise: Proven track record of successfully managing and negotiating complex commercial contracts, SOWs, and legal frameworks in a technical environment.

- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of cGMP regulations, drug substance/drug product manufacturing processes, and global biotech supply chain dynamics (experience with gene/cell therapies is highly desirable).

- Professional Skills: Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence without authority across diverse organizational levels.

Benefits

- Comprehensive benefits package, including competitive employer premium contributions
- Meaningful stock option grants
- PTO, sick time, and holiday pay
- Generous Parental Leave program
- Pre-tax medical and dependent care programs
- STD, LTD, Life and AD&D
- Professional development opportunities
- Team-building events
- Stocked micro-kitchen with drinks and snacks
- Wellness Resources