Director of Procurement Manager

Role Overview

We seek an experienced procurement leader with expertise in managing complex supplier agreements within the biotech sector. This role collaborates with diverse teams to negotiate contracts supporting clinical development, manufacturing, medical affairs, and other critical business operations. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong negotiation skills specific to life sciences vendors while balancing financial, operational, and risk requirements in a dynamic setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and drive contract strategy for a wide range of supplier agreements including clinical services, manufacturing support, laboratory services, data solutions, consulting engagements, and master service agreements.
• Lead comprehensive negotiation processes for contracts such as CRO and clinical service agreements, CMO and manufacturing contracts, laboratory and technology service agreements, and professional services arrangements including MSAs and SOWs.
• Collaborate with finance and legal teams to ensure contract terms align with commercial goals, compliance standards, and risk management.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders regarding pricing, payment schedules, service expectations, and contractual compromises to enable informed business decisions.
• Secure advantageous commercial results that optimize value, maintain flexibility, enhance performance, and uphold strong supplier partnerships.
• Improve procurement and contracting workflows by creating templates, guidelines, negotiation playbooks, and scalable processes suitable for organizational growth.
• Manage contract lifecycle elements including renewals, amendments, scope modifications, issue resolution, and escalation handling.
• Analyze supplier portfolios to identify cost-saving opportunities, mitigate risks, and boost operational efficiency in purchasing activities.
• Offer strategic input through vendor governance, mentorship, and long-term procurement planning aligned with sourcing priorities.

Candidate Requirements

• A bachelor's degree is mandatory, with advanced degrees preferred.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or contract negotiation, ideally within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences industries.
• Proven record of negotiating complex, high-value contracts with CROs, CMOs, laboratories, and comparable service providers.
• Familiarity with biotech-specific contracting frameworks including commercial terms, pricing, and risk-sharing mechanisms.
• Ability to establish trust and influence senior cross-functional leaders effectively.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical problem-solving aptitude.
• Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
• Experience supporting clinical programs and building procurement processes in a growing enterprise is advantageous.

Additional Information

This role is based in Brisbane, CA, and requires onsite presence. Compensation ranges from $200,000 to $250,000 annually, plus bonus and equity incentives. This position offers strategic leadership within a growing biotech company.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits for contracted positions include medical, vision, dental, life and disability coverage, and eligibility to participate in a 401(k) program.

Robert Half is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. By applying, candidates agree to the company's terms and privacy policies.