PURPOSE OF THE FUNCTION
1. Sourcing and selection of external vendors/partners for support of argenx development projects, with responsibility for contract negotiation, preparation and performance.
2. Direct business relationship with argenx preclinical external vendors/partners (including pharmacology, toxicology, bioanalytical), ensuring that they deliver quality contracted services on time and represent outstanding value for argenx.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Sourcing Manager Preclinical is responsible for ensuring external vendor/partner services are sourced and directed for argenx non-clinical pharmacology, toxicology, as well as bioanalytical/biomarker work in support of development studies according to project needs, argenx standards and in accordance with applicable guidelines and regulations.
3. Sourcing strategy expertise: Define solid and lean sourcing strategies in collaboration with internal customers in order to meet argenx’ pipeline progression in line with the company vision.
4. Partner relationship management and elevation: Drive strong collaboration between partners and argenx. Elevate partnership to create mutual values and make argenx the sponsor of choice. Organize and manage effective governance meetings.
5. Business intelligence: Monitor vendor markets and sourcing environment to keep current knowledge regarding providers and industry trends. Look for best practices and continuous improvement opportunities, stay up to date on relevant local regulations.
6. 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.
7. 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 (including change orders) according to argenx requirements.
8. Contract Performance: Monitor contract performance and provide issue escalation support. Review project metrics and take appropriate action. Review (annual) cost increases, where applicable, and ensure they are aligned with agreed mechanisms.
9. Team Involvement: Participate in study/operational teams as representative of sourcing function, as needed. Support study/functional managers in budget planning and forecasting.
10. Compliance: Throughout all sourcing activities, ensure inspection-readiness and compliance with relevant industry standards.
11. Process and Template Development: Support development and up-dating of sourcing processes and tools, including contract templates. Participate in corporate initiatives. During all stages of activities, interact with internal customers, legal, QA and finance departments and other functions as appropriate.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
12. Strong understanding of the business needs with a clear vision how sourcing can contribute to achieving business objectives.
13. Good understanding of project management principles as well as sound knowledge of contract terms and conditions, benchmarking and market analysis.
14. Strong innovation and agile mindset.
15. Must possess good organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as great attention to detail.
16. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a strong track record in negotiation.
17. Team player, must be able to relate effectively to people at all levels of the organization.
18. Active, delivery-oriented driver.
19. Excellent English language skills, additional languages are advantageous.
20. Strong facilitation skills.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
21. Relevant M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. degree in scientific or business subjects.
22. 5+ years pharma-related experience or equivalent, including at least 3 years multi-national pharma outsourcing experience.
23. Experience working with contract research organizations and other external laboratory vendors including academic laboratories.
24. Familiar with GxP requirements.