Vendor Strategy Director

About Parexel

Parexel is a leading global clinical development partner delivering insight-driven clinical and consulting solutions to the life sciences industry. With 22,000+ employees worldwide, we partner with biopharmaceutical companies and research sites to design and deliver patient-focused clinical trials that broaden access and make research a care option for anyone, anywhere.

We work with focus, agility, and shared purpose, moving with urgency to address patient needs and accelerate the delivery of new therapies. We embrace bold thinking, adapt quickly to change, and continually raise the bar for the speed and quality of clinical research. We are expanding our team and seeking talented individuals to help drive industry-leading innovation, With Heart.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Vendor Strategy Director to serve as a strategic business partner for vendor activities across complex clinical development programs. In this high-impact role, you will collaborate closely with Clinical Operational Program Heads, Portfolio Innovation Directors, Procurement, and cross-functional stakeholders to define and execute end-to-end vendor strategies that support successful clinical trial delivery.

As the program-level leader for vendor strategy and performance, you will oversee supplier delivery across the clinical study lifecycle, from study startup through closeout, ensuring quality, compliance, operational effectiveness, and alignment with program objectives. This position offers the opportunity to influence global clinical development programs, drive innovation through strategic supplier partnerships, and contribute directly to the delivery of therapies that improve patient lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end supplier and vendor strategy activities across clinical development programs

• Define and align program-level vendor strategies in partnership with Clinical Operational Program Heads, Portfolio Innovation Directors, Procurement, and alliance stakeholders

• Manage and oversee supplier performance against established program objectives and strategic priorities

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage supplier risks, quality concerns, and contract-related issues while driving continuous improvement initiatives

• Anticipate future portfolio and program needs and translate upcoming demand into vendor service requirements

• Partner with vendor alliance teams to identify, qualify, and engage suppliers that support evolving program needs

• Enable early supplier engagement during protocol development and feasibility activities to support operational readiness

• Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation for program-level vendor strategy and operational challenges

• Drive productivity initiatives and oversee achievement of vendor-related performance objectives

• Support inspection readiness and audit-related activities across programs

• Provide operational and functional support to Trial Vendor Managers and Vendor Start-up Managers

• Collaborate with global stakeholders to leverage innovative vendor solutions that enhance clinical trial execution and delivery

• Candidate Profile

You'll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Strengths in strategic thinking, business partnership, relationship building, and influencing across complex matrix organizations

• Experience leading vendor strategy, outsourced clinical trial activities, and cross-functional clinical operations initiatives

• The ability to build and maintain effective external partnerships and internal stakeholder relationships

• A strong understanding of clinical development, clinical trial operations, and supplier management principles

• Excellent communication, planning, project management, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities

• The ability to navigate complex environments while balancing quality, timelines, innovation, and business priorities

• Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science or business, or equivalent relevant experience

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience, including leadership within clinical operations and management of outsourced clinical trial activities at both operational and strategic levels

• Strong understanding of clinical trial methodology, GCP, medical terminology, and clinical development processes

• Experience with supplier services supporting clinical development programs and a strong understanding of trial management and trial monitoring activities

• Knowledge of quality and regulatory standards relevant to clinical research and outsourced service delivery

• Demonstrated success developing and managing strategic internal and external partnerships

• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills

• Fluent written and spoken English

• Preferred Qualifications

• Experience partnering with global, cross-functional clinical development organizations

• Demonstrated executive leadership and strategic vendor management experience

• Experience driving productivity initiatives and operational improvements across clinical programs

• Experience supporting inspection readiness, audit preparation, and quality-focused supplier management

• Track record of enabling successful international collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups

• Benefits and Compensation

• Health, Vision & Dental Insurance

• Vacation/Holiday/Sick Time

• Flexible benefit portal

• Car or car allowance (only applicable roles)

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