[Hiring] Assistant Director, Vendor Relationship Lead @Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Role Description

The Assistant Director, Vendor Relationship Management is an individual contributor role responsible for the strategic oversight and management of complex vendor relationships supporting Ionis Development. This position serves as a senior relationship leader and primary point of escalation, directing cross-functional governance and developing practical solutions that advance vendor performance, compliance, continuity, and value.

• Networks with key contacts across Development, Procurement, Quality, Clinical Operations, and other functions to identify and qualify vendor candidates.
• Establishes effective escalation pathways and advises stakeholders on complex matters.
• Provides strategic oversight and management for a portfolio of complex vendors/partners.
• Applies and continuously improves a risk-based vendor tiering and governance model.
• Directs the planning, facilitation, and follow-up of vendor governance meetings.
• Leads complex process improvement and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Directs cross-functional resolution and mitigation of vendor performance issues.
• Interprets complex internal and external business challenges and develops effective solutions.
• Establishes, monitors, and manages key performance indicators and other performance measures.
• Ensures compliance with applicable vendor selection, qualification, oversight, quality, and risk-management policies.
• Partners with Research & Development Procurement and functional leaders to identify vendor candidates.
• Leads or significantly contributes to the Sourcing Management Process.
• Translates complex business and technical needs into RFP specifications and governance expectations.
• Develops and facilitates the collection, interpretation, and analysis of relevant performance metrics.
• Ensures issues, risks, decisions, and deliverables are identified and managed through resolution.
• Interprets internal stakeholder needs and guides vendors in developing new capabilities.
• Oversees and ensures compliance with vendor oversight-related procedures.
• Develops and recommends new procedures and documentation standards.
• Integrates business priorities and risk information to develop a vendor oversight strategy.
• Builds trusted relationships with Functional Area Heads and vendors.
• Performs and interprets risk assessments of contracted services.
• Maintains complete and inspection-ready vendor governance records.
• Conducts all activities in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Ionis policies.

Qualifications

• Advanced, wide-ranging experience in complex, global Phase I-IV development programs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations and develop creative solutions.
• Strong executive presence, communication, negotiation, influencing, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of interrelationships among Development, Clinical Operations, and other disciplines.
• Ability to determine methods and procedures for new assignments.
• Strong understanding of the drug development process and risk-based governance.
• Ability to advise others on complex matters and influence outcomes.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain accountability for tactical business outcomes.
• Demonstrates adaptability, resilience, and sound judgment.
• Experience developing, writing, reviewing, and implementing SOPs and governance models.
• Working knowledge of FDA GxP, GCP, GLP, pharmacovigilance, ICH, and related regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare, scientific, business, procurement, supply chain, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; 6 years with a master’s degree.
• Progressively responsible experience in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or a related regulated environment.
• Strong partner, supplier, and stakeholder management experience.
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop or improve policies and governance frameworks.
• Ability to operate independently on complex assignments.
• Good understanding of FDA GxP and ICH regulatory requirements.
• Ability to travel as needed to support vendor and business objectives.

Benefits

• Highly competitive benefits package.