Sourcing Manager Biosciences/Specialty Laboratory

We are currently looking for a Sourcing Manager Biosciences/Specialty Laboratory who is responsible for ensuring external vendor services are sourced and managed for argenx’ bioanalytical/biomarker work in support of non-clinical and clinical studies according to project needs, argenx standards and in accordance with applicable guidelines and regulations.

The position reports into the Sourcing Lead Bioanalytics.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sourcing strategy expertise: Define external business needs and requirements with operational teams. Prepare and evaluate business cases.
• Vendor selection leadership: Lead cross-functional teams. Lead the vendor selection process including project priorities and timelines.  Prepare RFP packages including detailed specifications for contract activities, reflecting country-specific issues, where applicable. Review and provide cost comparisons for all received proposals, organize and chair vendor presentations, and drive the project team decision-making process, as well as liaison with QA should there be any vendor qualification activity that needs to be initiated
• Contract preparation and negotiations: Prepare and/or lead the review of the contract document, using the appropriate template, drive contract negotiations, and incorporate updated project information. Ensure that the final contract covers vendor activities necessary to fully support the project and that argenx interests are safeguarded as well as meeting argenx requirements. Negotiate contract terms in liaison with the legal and finance department, as applicable. Lead competitive bidding and budget negotiations, perform benchmarking as appropriate. Manage the contract execution process according to argenx requirements.
• Change Orders: Manage all changes to service scope ensuring timely change order finalization and implementation. Review (annual) cost increases, where applicable, and ensure they are aligned with agreed mechanisms.
• Contract Performance: Monitor contract performance and provide issue escalation support. Maintain contracts in a database. Review project metrics and take appropriate action.
• Vendor relationship management: Drive strong collaboration between vendor and sponsor. Manage vendor relationships, organize and chair project review meetings.
• Team Involvement: Participate in study/operational teams as representative of sourcing function, as needed. Support study/functional managers in budget planning and forecasting.
• Compliance: Throughout all sourcing activities, ensure inspection-readiness and compliance with relevant industry standards.
• Process and Template Development: Support development and up-dating of sourcing processes and tools, including contract templates. Participate in corporate initiatives.
• Business intelligence: Monitor vendor markets and sourcing environment to keep current regarding providers and industry trends. Look for best practices and continuous improvement opportunities, stay up to date on relevant local regulations.

During all stages of activities, interact with internal customers, legal, QA and finance departments and other functions as appropriate.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of the business needs with a clear vision how sourcing can contribute to achieving business objectives
• Good understanding of project management principles as well as sound knowledge of contract terms and conditions, benchmarking and market analysis.
• Must possess good organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as great attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a strong track record in negotiation
• Team player, must be able to relate effectively to people at all levels of the organization
• Active, delivery-oriented driver
• Excellent English language skills, additional languages are advantageous
• Strong innovation mindset

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in scientific, economic or legal discipline, or equivalent
• 5+ years pharma-related experience or equivalent, including at least 3 years multi-national pharma outsourcing experience

• Experience working in/with bioanalytical/biomarker/clinical/non-clinical laboratories, preferably with biomolecules
• Experience working with contract research organizations and other external laboratory vendors including academic laboratories
• Familiar with GXP requirements