Job Description

General Summary:

As a key leader in the Strategic Sourcing function, the Strategic Sourcing Research Services leader will own Category Management activities across Vertex’s research value chain including chemistry, biology, in silico services. Working collaboratively with internal business stakeholders, this role is expected to develop effective/scalable category and sourcing strategies for multi-year, multi-geographic supply chain and distribution needs, gain endorsement by the business, and drive the successful execution that will support business goals and objectives. The role will utilize deep knowledge and expertise with respect to all sourcing processes and will communicate with senior leaders and executives. In addition, the Associate Director is expected to identify and drive the optimization of internal sourcing processes, workflows and interfaces in effort to maximize stakeholder value.

The position is based in our Boston, MA location (hybrid). The role is global and will require some travel to all other facilities and locations to establish / maintain key business stakeholder relationships as well as to support specific strategic initiatives.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Proficient business partnering acumen to develop trusting and influential relationships with stakeholders, understand business objectives and challenges, bring supplier and marketplace expertise, collaborate on multi-year strategic and operational plans, and drive business outcomes.
• Demonstrate proficiency for Category Management of Research Services globally including the development and management of category and sourcing strategies, management of strategic supplier relationship and performance management, in addition to tactical RFx activities.
• Perform and integrate market research to support Category strategies and/or sourcing activities with the ability to filter data into a relevant, actionable format
• Develop, implement, monitor and maintain advanced category strategies in partnership with Business stakeholders for all related sub-categories, including continuous refreshment and improvement of category strategies to meet evolving business needs
• Accountable for simple and/or complex negotiation, authoring and execution of contracts with Vertex third party suppliers
• Accountable for the Supplier Performance/Relationship Management (SP/RM) process including supplier performance monitoring. Possess advanced capabilities to drive SP/RM activities with executive leadership at Vertex and/or suppliers including but not limited to meeting preparation, pre-read documents, performance Dashboards, capturing action items, and ensuring appropriate follow-up
• Demonstrate proficiency in change management and communications with business stakeholders to identify supply chain visibility needs, potential supplier risks, and formulate strategies to manage mitigate those risks as necessary
• Collaborate with business stakeholders and suppliers extensively on developing and implementing risk and resiliency strategies to ensure continuity of the preclinical phases of the portfolio
• In collaboration with the Business, responsible for defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and associated performance metrics and are integrated into contractual documents and captured on Dashboards to ensure supplier performance is meeting expectations and continuously improving
• Partner with the Business Owner with identification of all applicable risks as part of the Sourcing process, including coordination with Risk Subject Matter Experts to properly assess and develop mitigation plans, where necessary
• Effectively leads the entire RFx process including, but not limited to, the development of the requirements, drafting RFP documents, facilitation of team meetings and vendor sessions, negotiation of terms and pricing with the vendors, and ultimately supporting the execution of Supplier Agreements
• Define value objectives including annual cost savings targets, in collaboration with Business Partners and Finance, within their specific category(ies) and is accountable for successful achievement
• Serve as a mentor to support Sourcing colleagues, temporary workers, and/or college co-ops, as directed by their line manager

Required Education, Experience and Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree (MS or MBA) in Scientific or Business discipline is preferred.
• Proficient category specific sourcing experience in Discovery and/or Preclinical Services within the pharmaceutical/biotech industry
• Advanced understanding of the nuances associated with working in the pharmaceutical industry and is adept at effectively managing given the complexities of operating in a regulated environment.
• Supply Chain professional with Six Sigma certification desired
• Advanced knowledge in demand and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Able to contribute to goal-setting process for the Strategic Sourcing group
• Advanced understanding of the research/discovery phases of drug development including industry best practices and category development; able to lead all aspects of Strategic Sourcing including RFx execution, negotiation, contract execution, supplier performance management, and business stakeholder management
• Advanced ability to influence Sr. Leadership to drive Sourcing’s value; experience as a “Thought Partner” with stakeholders
• Proficiency in Order-to-Cash (O2C) processes and systems, third-party logistics (3PL) / fourth-party logistics (4PL), Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
• Proficiency of all elements related to supplier risk management including related processes, tools, rating measurements with ability to train team members and business stakeholders to ensure appropriate execution
• Advanced knowledge of ERP systems, can expertly leverage e-Sourcing tools, including business intelligence and reporting platforms and teach other colleagues as needed
• Advanced analytical capabilities (data analysis and benchmarking research) as well as PowerPoint skills; expertise working with data analytical/reporting tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, etc.
• Advanced understanding and demonstrated use of Continuous Improvement tools (including Pareto Charts, Flow Diagrams, etc.) to drive process improvements
• Advanced project management and organizational skills
• Advanced knowledge and demonstration of leading teams in collaborative manner to drive successful outcomes
• Advanced communication and presentation skills, able to clearly articulate opinions in concise and persuasive manner, comfortable speaking in front of groups and/or leading meetings that may include Executive Management personnel
• Advanced capability and extensive experience managing several projects while ensuring deliverables are fully met on-time, including more complex and involved projects

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com