Strategic Sourcing Associate Director

Job Description

As the Associate Director of Strategic Sourcing, you will be a part of a fast‑growing and innovative organization at the company’s world headquarters in Boston, MA. The department is committed to a trusting and collaborative culture where we value growth and development. We engage proactively with our stakeholders to truly understand their needs and deliver results for our company and for patients.

If you are looking for an entrepreneurial, hands‑on, team‑oriented environment where you can have a big impact, then this is the right place for you!

This role is responsible for leading category management activities for Small Molecules focusing on Raw materials and API within the development and commercial manufacturing space. It requires a solid understanding of global sourcing from CMO / CDMOs, supplier landscapes, and industry regulations to ensure the uninterrupted supply of high‑quality materials with competitive price. You will collaborate with the business to define and drive appropriate category strategies, and extract value. You will support the management of key strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement, resolve complex supply issues, and identify new opportunities that drive exceptional value to Vertex, and ultimately our patients. You will be a lifelong learner who has a high degree of curiosity, adaptability, and strives to continually expand beyond the scope of your area of responsibility as part of self‑development. This role will have high visibility across the organization, so the ability to effectively communicate with Senior Executive leaders is crucial.

Execution responsibilities include market analysis and due‑diligence, RFx development, negotiation, competitive price and cost analysis, financial analysis and long‑term planning, contract development and on‑going supplier management and risk management. Additional focus is on optimization of internal sourcing processes, workflows and interfaces in effort to reduce time of delivery and costs in support of corporate objectives and industry best practices. This position is based in our Boston, MA office, located in the Seaport area. It requires a hybrid work schedule : 3 days in office & 2 days remote on a weekly basis, and some travel to other facilities to establish / maintain key business stakeholder and supplier relationships as well as to support specific strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Partnering – develop strong, trusting, and influential relationships with stakeholders, understand business objectives, bring supplier and marketplace expertise, collaborate on multi‑year strategic and operational plans, and drive business outcomes.
• Global Category Management – Category SME, including the development and management of category and sourcing strategies, management of strategic supplier relationship and performance management, in addition to tactical RFx activities.
• Sourcing Strategy Development – co‑develop and implement sourcing strategies with the business unit to enable development and commercialization of small molecule portfolio. This includes identifying and selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, influence network strategy and managing supplier relationships.
• Supplier Relationship Management – build and maintain strong relationships with key CDMO / suppliers. Negotiate contracts / agreements to secure favorable terms while ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Risk Mitigation – assess and mitigate risks associated with suppliers, including supply chain disruptions, quality issues, and regulatory compliance. Develop contingency / resiliency plans and alternative sourcing options to minimize potential impact on production schedules.
• Cost Optimization – drive cost optimization initiatives through supplier negotiations, volume leverage, and process improvements. Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising product quality or reliability of supply.
• Cross‑functional Collaboration – work closely with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, external manufacturing, quality control, vendor quality and regulatory affairs, to align sourcing activities with production schedules, product specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Market Analysis – stay informed about market trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies. Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments to identify new opportunities and risks.
• Continuous Improvement – implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline sourcing processes, enhance efficiency, and drive operational excellence. Leverage data analytics and performance metrics to monitor supplier performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Financials – support annual budget process. Provide cost guidance to inform LRP (Long Range Planning). Evaluate Bill of Material (BOMs) and understand total COGS to identify opportunities and risks.

Knowledge and Skills

Qualifications

Pay Range

$143,200 – $214,800

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market‑leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week‑long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation

Hybrid‑Eligible Or On‑Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status

In this Hybrid‑Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as :

Hybrid : work remotely up to two days per week; or select On‑Site : work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note : The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

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.

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