Senior Sourcing Manager – Preclinical (Pharma / Biotech)
Belgium or Switzerland
We are supporting a high-growth, innovation-driven global biotech in the search for a Senior Sourcing Manager – Preclinical to strengthen their R&D outsourcing capability.
This role sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and external partnerships, with ownership of sourcing and vendor management across non-clinical pharmacology, toxicology, discovery, and bioanalytical work supporting a dynamic development pipeline.
The Role
As Senior Sourcing Manager – Preclinical, you will be accountable for defining and executing global sourcing strategies and managing end-to-end vendor partnerships for preclinical development activities. You will work closely with scientific and operational stakeholders while acting as a trusted, senior interface to external partners.
Key focus areas include:
* Developing and executing global sourcing strategies aligned with pipeline and study needs
* Leading vendor selection processes, including RFPs, bid evaluations, governance, and decision-making
* Managing strategic relationships with CROs and external laboratories, ensuring delivery, quality, and value
* Negotiating complex contracts and budgets, including change orders and performance-based discussions
* Acting as a reliable escalation point for vendors and internal teams, including having tough conversations when required
* Monitoring contract performance, costs, and market trends, identifying continuous improvement opportunities
* Partnering with Legal, QA, Finance, and scientific teams to ensure compliance, inspection-readiness, and operational excellence
What We’re Looking For
* Strong experience in global sourcing / outsourcing within pharma or biotech
* At least 3 years’ recent experience focused on preclinical / non-clinical outsourcing, with strong exposure to toxicology (as well as pharmacology, discovery, and/or bioanalytical)
* Sponsor-side experience is essential (experience working within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company)
* Demonstrated experience managing and negotiating with CROs and external laboratory vendors
* Strong understanding of GxP environments and regulated R&D operations
* Ideally a scientific background (MSc and/or PhD preferred)
* Confident communicator with a collaborative but firm approach to vendor management
* Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment with competing priorities
Why This Role?
* High visibility within a globally active R&D organization
* Opportunity to shape and elevate preclinical sourcing strategy, not just execute it
* Meaningful partnership with scientific teams influencing early-stage development decisions
* Exposure to a broad and evolving external vendor landscape
* A culture that values ownership, adaptability, and constructive challenge
If you are currently managing preclinical outsourcing from the sponsor side and enjoy being the bridge between science and external partners, we’d like to hear from you.
All applications will be treated confidentially.
Tshering Sherpa
Tsherpa@planet-pharma.co.uk