Associate Director, CDMO Strategic Sourcing

Overview

Position Summary: The CDMO Strategic Sourcing Director will be responsible for supporting the development and executing sourcing strategies for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) to support drug development and commercial manufacturing. This leader will manage supplier relationships, lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives, and ensure the company's external manufacturing network is cost-effective, reliable, and aligned with quality and regulatory requirements.

Under the direction and guidance of the Senior Director, CDMO Strategic Sourcing, GEM, the Associate Director will partner within the Global External Manufacturing (GEM) team to co-lead the process for the selection of CDMOs. The Associate Director will also serve as the lead for contract negotiations for global CDMOs in partnership with the business units.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor Selection & Management Process
  • Support with the development and execute sourcing strategies for CDMO services across drug substance, drug product, and analytical services.
  • Identify, evaluate, and select CDMO partners for preclinical, clinical, and commercial stage programs.
  • Lead contract negotiations, including pricing, service levels, and intellectual property terms.
  • Partner with Technical Operations (CMC, Clinical Supplies & Clinical Manufacturing), Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier capabilities meet program needs.
  • Manage key CDMO relationships to ensure performance, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Monitor market trends, emerging suppliers, and innovations in outsourcing models.

• Contracting & Budgeting
  • Oversee development and negotiation of Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and Change Orders (COs).
  • Collaborate on budgeting, forecasting, and cost-reduction initiatives related to outsourced manufacturing.

• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Identify outsourcing risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with corporate procurement policies and applicable regulatory standards.
  • Lead or support supply risk assessments and business continuity planning for critical outsourced activities.

Qualifications and Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or related field (MBA or advanced degree a plus).
• 8–12+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or external manufacturing, preferably in pharmaceuticals or biotech. International experience essential.
• Deep knowledge of CDMO landscape and manufacturing processes (e.g., small molecule, biologics, sterile fill-finish, etc.).
• Thorough knowledge of GMPs (CFR title 21, parts 210-211 and Part 600 ), GCPs (current Good Clinical Practices) and EU regulations regarding clinical studies.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders in a matrixed organization.
• Experience with quality and regulatory standards (e.g., cGMP, FDA, EMA).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.

Competencies

• Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Compensation: Minimum $150,034.00 - Maximum $224,250.00, plus incentive opportunity. The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

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Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request.

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