Director, Strategic Sourcing, CRO Category Lead (Pharmaceuticals)

Location: Princeton, New Jersey, United States; onsite role

Salary: $169,222–$253,000 annually, plus incentive opportunity.

Company

Otsuka is a pharmaceutical company focused on research, development, and commercialization of medicines and healthcare solutions.

What you will do

• Lead strategic sourcing for R&D categories including CROs, study monitoring, site management, and clinical trial support suppliers.
• Develop sourcing strategies with R&D business partners and align financial, operational, quality, regulatory, and supply objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships through governance, performance measurement, continuous improvement, and innovation.
• Lead RFx activities, Master Services Agreement and rate-card negotiations, Task Orders, and Change Orders.
• Drive 10–15% annual savings across in-scope spend areas and ensure savings are reflected in financial results.
• Lead sourcing managers and cross-functional teams while reporting KPIs, risks, initiatives, and outcomes to senior stakeholders.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of strategic sourcing experience, including at least 5 years in R&D strategic sourcing.
• At least 5 years leading or supporting CRO outsourced functions in the pharmaceutical or biotech R&D clinical category.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams, managing supplier relationships, and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in procurement strategy, supplier contract and rate-card negotiation, sourcing KPIs, and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, new drug development, and basic ICH E6 guidelines.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, sciences, or a relevant technical field.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree such as an MBA or MS.
• Familiarity with emerging procurement technologies.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Company-provided life and disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance.
• 401(k) matching, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs.
• Work focused on accountability, strategic problem-solving, patient and customer centricity, impactful communication, and respectful collaboration.